"re: Need valuable advice".

Hi all, my name is Jim, I from the New England area, and I would appreciate any feedback you can give about the industry.. Like many others, I am thinking about a career change. I have done much research and read your blogs. It can be very overwhelming to say the least.

I understand the economy is in shambles and am wondering if becoming a trucker is a good idea. I currently work in the manufacturing industry building and equipping truck tanks used in the transport of fuel and gasoline. Knowledgable with air brake systems, power takeoffs and pumps. I also have several years experience driving non CDL strait trucks.

Through my research I have pretty much come to the conclusion that these companies that hire non experienced drivers and training them, as well as promising them the world is not the direction to go. Iam currently looking at schools for CDLA training in the New England area, is this a good start or is there another route I should head in?

The biggest question right now is, if I do follow through with the schooling and obtain a CDL liscense, are there companies in this region willing to take on student drivers at this time? I understand the first year will be crucial as well as tough, and dont expect big things from it. I am more interested in gaining valuable experience.

Any info you can give would be a BIG HELP!
What is a decent company who invests in there employees?

Who to stay away from.

Good schools in the New England area?

Thanks for your time,
jimbo46

 

Thanks RickG and Bigcountry for the advice. I have done local runs in a straight truck in the past. I think I would rather do longer runs, maybe regional at first and move on from there. Does that sound doable for a new driver?

Jim