New to everything in this industry, just not forums

Hello all I have been reading on this site for approx 6 months before joining. It has become clear that my next career is in the transportation industry. Waiting to go to driving school, and I have applied for my Hazmat security check.

My only driving experience comes from the military (Army specifically) where I drove cab overs with the 3406 Cat motor and Allison trans, pulling 48 or 53 ft flatbeds. I did this for 2.5 years, where I developed a liking for it, I volunteered for every driving mission that was available (actual Army job was a truck mechanic, but unit was short on drivers). I wasn't a fan of the trucks as they were severely de-tuned for the soldiers I guess, they just lacked power and dependability, IMO.

There are many useful articles on this forum, and I have more or less narrowed it down to what I want to do. I called a local company and asked if they would give me a chance, they said quite possibly once I have my CDL. I explained my military experience and was told to get it in writing and they would consider it. I really hope that is the truth, I found the company on here.

What I am looking for, which I understand MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE is to be home as often as possible, I have 3 kids and a loving wife who supports this career change. I also want to be treated like a human not a number. I have been doing research and calling companies to get information. The general consensus is for the first 6 months I am at the mercy of the carrier, for a big company. Unless I can get lucky with a smaller company willing to give me a chance using my Army experience.

Thanks for letting me introduce myself.
J. Cribb

 

thinking about tanker division. The only problem I see with that is most of the work is outside of Oklahoma, and most companies prefer that you relocate, and relocating isn't in the cards just yet.