Starting from zero

Company recruiters are car salesmen. Often times they pretend not to know the answer to questions when they know the answer will make the applicant not choose the trucking company they work for. They may answer "I'll have to check with the company about that." Guess who will forget to find out? Like a car salesman, the goal of the recruiter is to hurry up and get you to commit now. The recruiter has no interest if the employer will provide the things you want or not. They typically get paid for each applicant that shows up at orientation or each applicant that works 0-90 days. They are car salesmen explaining why this car will fix all of your problems and cause super models to flock to your body, but only if you buy today.

Recruiters may only know average pay, average miles per week, average time worked before time off, or not even any of those things. Whatever a recruiter says IS NOT a promise. No trucking company will give you something just because the recruiter "promised" you that something. The trucking company's job will be what it has been and what the recruiter told you about the job is between you and the recruiter and you likely cannot prove what was said. The recruiter is not your friend and not necessarily honest. It's just words from a stranger. Maybe they are true and maybe they are not. That's why you want the current working drivers at the company to describe what they are doing more than answering your questions. Most companies pay their drivers if they refer a driver to be hired. So if you ask the current driver "is this a good place to work?" the answer is always "yes". If you ask the driver to describe what he did last week, and it sounds like what you want, then it may be true. You need to verify what that driver says before you believe it.

 

I have to ask, you don't have to answer, but which disorder exactly do you have?

You may not be allowed to drive with a specific version of neuromuscular diseases.

 

Just like with what the recruiters say, there is no way to verify it with any degree of certainty. And with AI in the mix you can not even be sure you are really talking to a real person.

Even if you are talking to a real driver... as you pointed out, the driver might just be selling the product for a bonus.

So, what is the point of your post in the first place?

 

My point is getting correct information takes more work than getting the easy to find information. Since it's easier to make good decisions with good information then it's worth the extra effort to make the extra effort. Some people decide since it's harder to get better info I will just make no effort and flip a coin. You wouldn't want your airline, your brain surgeon, or plumber making decisions that way. Make decisions like a professional. The specific questions you ask another driver, and how you ask the questions, can screen out the answers meant to win some bonus for putting meat in the seat. Would you buy a house without getting a home inspection? I wouldn't. YMMV

 

I can tell you have thought this through, and it sounds like OTR could suit you well since you enjoy solo driving and do not have home ties holding you back. The first step is getting your CDL. Look for a school that offers solid hands-on training and job placement support. Some companies will even sponsor your training if you commit to driving for them for a certain period.

For pay and experience, new drivers often do best starting with regional carriers that run specialized freight like reefers or flatbeds. It pays better than standard dry van and gets you comfortable with handling loads quickly. Having a passport opens doors for cross-border runs into Canada if you want higher-paying options.

Regarding your neuromuscular condition, make sure you have medical clearance and all documentation in order. Some carriers are more flexible than others, so it pays to ask up front.

About LLCs, you can use one to run your trucking business once you have authority. It can help with taxes and deductions, but it is worth talking to an accountant familiar with trucking. Do not rush this. Get your CDL and some experience first, then layer in the business setup for maximum benefit.

The key is patience and planning. Focus on building your foundation, and the higher pay, flexibility, and structure will follow.