Newb

Hi everybody;

I've been reading these threads for months in preparation for my career change into trucking. After a long and boring career in real estate, I've decided that driving is what I want to do.

My plan is to get my CDL on my own. I'm averaging 95% on practice exams for general knowledge, combos, and air brakes, so... In a the very near future I will be taking the exams, and going to a local trucking school for some behind the wheel practice (and also so I can use their truck for the skills test at the DMV).

I realize that starting out, I will probably have to ship off to one of the OTR companies, like that british one, or the big orange one, or the quick one . Personally I'm fine with that while I get my boots wet. But my long term goals have me doing local stuff as soon as I can. Does anyone have suggestions, for good companies that hire out of school, or perhaps some newbie advice?

BTW: The SN's FreshMeat because, when I called to enroll in school, the gal on the other end exclaimed (quite loudly) "fresh meat", and then signed me up!