Sober Addict Starting CDL School with Accident/Criminal/Medical Check Questions?

That sounds awesome man. I too went though some bad patches in my life, maybe not as bad as you, but I have an idea what it feels like to try and get back on the right path. Seems like to me you are doing the right things to get your future career kicked off. I'd do a little research on the trucking school tho, you probably have done this already. Now, i know you want something local, but there are companies out there that will help you get put in a truck right after graduation. OTR exp. is something local companies like as well. It will help you there.

Personally, I would almost recommend 'Driver Solutions', a recruiting affiliate that works with PAM Transport and USA Truck, but if you can find a better deal (I'm sure they're out there), then great. I don't have too many bad things to say about PAM myself, and only a couple ppl said anything bad about USA Truck. However, you wanna do what is best for you. You seem to have that mapped out. All's I can do is tell you from my own experiences what I think based on opinion. You may be trying to hit it at a different angle as well. If you have the 5K then using a company that sponsors your training may not be necessary. Plus, in the end they don't actually pay for the whole tuition. Something that becomes skewed, but if you do the math those companies usually only pay for about 75% of the tuition at best, and that's only if you work a year with them.

PAM requires 6mos. of team or do a full year with them regardless and you'll get the option to go solo. They do have dedicated routes. Maybe not in your area, but they have them. When i was with them they had a ton of automotive contracts and were moving forward with Nissan, Ford, and maybe more.

I'm telling you tho. If it hadn't been for C-1 Truck Driver Training in North Little Rock, AR and the awesome instructors they had there (some part-time instructors, some full-time), I wouldn't be nearly as successful in the industry today. I know it. That, and I had the coolest trainer for PAM Transport hands down. James Storey.

 

Cool. Paying back that 5K won't be difficult, but you need to get the exp. and don't leave companies without notices. Do research, find the ones out there offering more pay. Learn how to deal with dispatch's ########. These are the things I didn't do, that i wish i did. Good luck. It ain't hard. If you have to do OTR for awhile great. I enjoyed it. I bet you will to. Some hotties at the truckstops to. It would be an adventure for someone that didn't travel much during their life (like me). I met some awesome ppl out there.

 

I wouldn't list anything but the one thing that the DMV in your State pulled up. Thankfully, you've dealt with these things at an early age. The agencies have become more lenient over the years. Stop doubting the system. Trust me, God built this path for you. Go with it.

Considering your situation i guess pursuing this in your home state at first is the best option, but even if you do hit a barrier i'm sure they will tell you what you have to do to move past it. From what I gathered, i believe you're green all across the board. Now freight might not be moving as fast in different areas in the country, but OTR companies are evolving. They're exploiting the areas in need. Like now the main area, or a target area of opportunity is Baton Rouge, LA. Right when I need it. Feel sorry for those that are struggling due to the rough times, but I'm going to get a flatbed job. You better bet your ### I am.

 

If i have to drive for Western Express, i'm going to get some flatbed exp. so hopefully i can run heavy hauls. Make the big cheeze. haha. Holla if ya hear me!

 

TransAm has tuition reimbursement.
Many companies do. Different amounts for each company. Usually $5k - $7K.

 

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Every school will teach you shifting. I would not worry about that. Is the WIOA paying your full tuition? Be it $5k or $10k?

 

When I was I school they said it's easier to teach someone who has never driven a manual. Reason being is a car shifts completely different than a big truck.