Not much time and only one shot at this. Please help.

Note that....in the world of trucking driving...the really great pay is based on how much experience you have....& what CDL endorsements (tanker, hazmat, doubles/triples) you've acquired.

Thus....the better-paying gigs start at about 2 years experience -- & up.

More endorsements = better pay potential

-- L

 

Also: you will find that....with most trucking companies...your age will not be a real problem with hiring.

My experience suggests that...many carriers actually PREFER older drivers...largely due to the maturity factor.

I started my CDL journey at age 56.

I also acquired my CDL thru the HOPE Scholarship pgm -- at what then was "Bainbridge State College"....in SW Ga (it is now part of a larger university system, with a different name).

I highly recommend getting your CDL apart from any trucking company, becuz:

• you are under no obligation to any carrier, afterwards -- to stay & pay them back for their schooling
• the learning pace at a separate school is not "fire hose" paced -- & is thus A LOT MORE relaxed & laid back
• the cost (with the HOPE pgm) is mostly just the commute to/from classes
• at such a class -- recruiters from different "starter" carriers will likely visit your class -- thus simplifying your job search
• this method affords you the opportunity to "look around" more for the "best" carrier that will be more compatible with your needs; your first CDL job offer may (or may not) be the one you should take

-- L

 

I know a guy in Raleigh, has a Prius and a Corolla, rotates them, runs it like a legit business, regularly maintenance, sets aside a percentage for repairs and next vehicle etc etc, he does them all. Stays out 16 hours with a couple nap breaks in there. Averages 240-350 daily. He loves it. Problem is most aren’t as self disciplined and organized as he is.

 

I thought nearly every business was hiring

every place I’ve been is begging for workers . From Home Depot to chic fil a etc
Even the city where I live is begging for workers for every department except the fire department .

 

Seems like the easiest transition would be to try and find a similar business that could use your skills and experience

 

I would think long and hard about getting into this industry. It's not easy and the first year usually sucks a large donkey wang.
Best of luck on your journey.

 

Millis Transfer has a Terminal in Albany, GA and a school in Cartersville, GA. You get paid while in the 4 weeks of school, and then paid CPM while on the trainers truck. Its been over a decade since I was with them, but for the longest time they were one of the best Start companies around, give them a look .

 

1st, welcome aboard. Years ago, we never had the luxury of a site like this, and career moves were risky at best. I say you are going about this all wrong. Desperation is never a good time to try something else. You are setting yourself up for failure. Trucking is not a drive to grandmas house, just from your background, there are things you couldn't possibly be ready for. You are asking too much right off the bat with impending doom on the horizon. It's no time to be gambling on this might work. If the situation is that dire, and I have no doubt it is, stabilize your situation. Walmart is paying $20/hr. and while you may have to make some "adjustments", you won't lose your home. I'm sorry to hear of your dilemma, but rest assured, you won't be alone. I read, last year, there were 356,000 foreclosures, up 13% from 2022, and up a whopping 136% from 2021, so a definite trend a going on. Don't risk the farm on a pig in a poke trucking job, it rarely works out for folks like you. Best of luck.

 

Once you get some real experience under your belt (as well as those earlier-mentioned endorsements) -- there are some private fleets in & around Valdosta, that you could later apply for.

Some of these private fleets would likely be home-daily gigs, with very good pay/benefits...& with better than average truck driving working conditions:

• Messer (Adel)
• Walmart (Valdosta)
• Brenntag (Valdosta)
• ADM (Valdosta)
• Pilot/Flying J (Valdosta)
• Love's (Jasper/Lake City, FL)

There may still be others...but those above give you a decent start, to think about.

Wiley Sanders is also a private fleet.

-- L

 

Check Indeed for jobs in Valdosta - ADM, an airport and a college are located there. Also check for Gig work jobs such as Doordash and Uber/Lyft. Also check for a Amazon DC centers and UPS warehouse jobs. Walmart has an associate to drivers program if you have a DC close to you. Of course, your ability to pass a DOT physical will be the challenge for any driving position.