New Guy with questions!

Hometime varies with companies, but in general, if the hub is distant that would make it much more difficult for hometime, and at minimum, the 'commute' in getting home and back would significantly take away from the actual 'hometime' you get. Are you anticipating a move very soon or in near future?

My advice would also be to expand your "hiring search" to as many companies in your area as possible, both local and OTR.
The ones that at least are based or have terminals in reasonably close proximity to you.
Your success odds and choices go up with "being able to find/pick an apple from a bigger track of apple trees".

Naturally, obtaining your training & CDL is 'easier' via Mega-carriers training programs, but then you are obligated to that company for some time.
For those that have enough $$ to afford independent training (via CDL schools at community colleges, job programs, etc) it may be a better option, if you'd like to remain free from megacarrier obligations and look more into local/regional CDL driving. It's really a vast ocean out there, in the field of trucking.

Also get on Google Maps, zoom in to your general area (say, 60 mile diameter) and type in "trucking companies".
You can zoom in or out and find many trucking companies you may never knew existed. Just some thoughts for now.

 

How about Gardner, I see them all the time running between Phx. & LA.

 

If you can do a year with May, I can get you on with Lessors. Better pay, equipment, APU. SoCal or Boise.

 

Gardner pays kinda low, nice equipment though.

 

Good luck to you. Just keep filling those apps out. Sure you'll get a lot of no but there are just as many willing to say yes.

On another note I'm in the market to buy a house but I need a few strings pulled. Care to help a brotha out?

 

If you had a back ground check with a 5 year old felony, it can't come back clean - period.

Now I can tell and you will be disappointed, a lot of companies will hire you.