Not Yet There Asking For Advice

I've done different kinds of work in my life, moved around a little. Trying to decide about trying the CDL life. No ties, can move anywhere, but would prefer the desert southwest or mountain west. I'm over 50. I have pro driving experience years back (too long ago for a resume) but not CDL.

Perfect driving and criminal record. No substances or issues. Good attitude. We were drivers in my family, in the sense that we did long trips with no problems. Have driven all over the US already, can make progress any kind of weather. I'm reading threads here. I talked to a Swift driver last year about the training hell he went through. (Watching their drivers on the road, I call then Natso-Swift.)

It sounds like bulk/haz-mat might be a good option for a faster money start. I pass tests well, not at all worried about those. Have taught transportation rules in another field. I can probably take the written tests on my own. Given all that, where would I start? Obviously I don't have my life still ahead of me, so spending years working my way up isn't a good idea, and I know it will take time for a company to see that I care and work hard and can think and drive at the same time.

When I worked as a driver it used to amuse me at how little some of the people in the office thought about what a driver goes through in a day to get the work done. So a company run by former drivers would be a plus. Looking for a company that rewards work and safety, treats people well, and would take on someone new if promising. Any suggestions? And thanks for reading.

 

Thanks, Shaggy! I was hoping that might help, given how the ads all read. I've been reading up on America's Job Centers in another thread, might have a look around here to see if there's a program to help me out with tuition. And I'll remember about Accredited.

 

Great idea! Applying right now. Their website needs work, only shows me states in India for some reason. Not sure which Indian state Tucson is in. :^)

 

Thank you all, more to think about and invaluable coming from people who actually do it. Much obliged to you for taking time.

 

Well, I looked into ABF and Conway, both want 10 years of complete background in detail, which is ridiculous in my case, worked as contractor, sometimes on several things at once, sometimes there were dead spots where I worked even harder to find projects but didn't get paid. I put in for ABF, not expecting anything, gave up when I saw Conway wanted the same thing; too much flyshit from pepper for some HR drone to comprehend probably and then if there's anything not right they'd hold it over me.

I don't usually like big outfits anyway. I like working on a handshake best, that kind of person and outfit. Anyone know of a smaller outfit in the southwest that would be interested in a safe show-up driver, and not have to do a lot of BS to get going? I took the practice tests on here, thank you webmaster for those, and I think I can go take them all at one shot and pass them in whatever state I can find work, just need someone to give me a week and a road test and I'll start making miles for them.

Again, appreciate all the help. I also dropped a line to Trimac, didn't hear back so I guess they only do established CDL's.

I'm going to just go drive around and stop at whatever companies I find, might come back here to check on them with the experts. It's a shame about ABF and Conway, I think I'd like LTL. Used to enjoy doing airfreight pickups with straight truck, outside, some moving around to keep from getting too fat,, lots of sights to see each day. Better than sitting in an office. It's active which is more interesting to me than droning along, although I can do that if needed.