Switching career to trucking, need advice

Driving a manual is OK, but probably won't need it if you want OTR and living in the truck.
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If you're fine with relocating, consider a state with no state income taxes so you can keep more of your paycheck.
Nevada
South Dakota
Texas

 

OTR usually means on the road for 3-5 weeks with about that many days at home each month.
3-4 days driving with 3-4 off would be more a local or regional job, if you could even find that kind of schedule. It sure would not make much money.

 

Melton Truck Lines is a good one for staying on the road and running all over the USA. You'd need to attend a private cdl school because Melton doesn't have their own cdl school, but hires from private cdl schools.
Premiere OTR Flatbed Trucking Company - Melton Truck Lines

OTR Driving Jobs
OTR Drivers will run loads through all 48 states. Drivers that live in the dark green zone are out 12-14 days at a time. Drivers that live in the light green zone are out about 21 days at a time. You collect one 24-hour period (day) for every 7 days you are out.

 

Melton Truck Lines

 

Prime Inc. runs 48 states and has their own cdl school and also hires from private cdl schools.
Refrigerated trucking is more stressful that flatbed, but the pay is good and OTR is good for those that like to run the roads and see the USA. Lots of night driving and early morning appointments. Not everyone can hack it. I liked it and did it for 18 years.

Prime Inc. Truck Driver Training | Paid Class-A CDL Training
Prime Inc.'s Class A CDL training program gives you real-world experience and prepares you for anything that could happen on the road. Apply today!
Probably send you to school in Salt Lake City. Transportation, meals, lodging provided.

 

May Trucking Company – Performance. Reliability. Leadership.
May runs 48 states and hires new cdl school grads. from 48 states.

 

Hidy Ho, welcome aboard, you picked the right place. Our resident recruiter, Chinatown, has more than enough places to apply, what you need to do 1st, is narrow it down some. Today, seems the best bet for a new driver, is to go with a company that will train you and a guaranteed job. Many times, the schooling can be worked off. I have heard of outside schools not being accepted at some places.
2nd, today, a new driver has a 90% chance of going with a mega carrier and doing less than desirable loads, but an excellent way to get in the door. Most of those jobs are all OTR, and if you choose that route, the truck should be your home. OTR and home time don't mix. Local is by far the most preferred, with regional, a close 2nd. Most with seniority grab the local stuff, but for the most part, its OTR where the openings are. Trucks today are user friendly, with automatics and all with big sleepers, and if you ever have a problem, we are always a click away, a luxury many of us didn't have. I think you have an excellent chance of making it. Good luck, keep us posted, eh?

 

I would go check out Western Truck School in West Sacramento.. but first fill out an electronic application on this or other site to get as many pre-approvals as possible.. don't SIGN anything committing you to any carrier or school at this point