Trying to decide

If you can afford private or community college CDL school, do that. Community college is best. Do at least a 160 hr. course. There are no dues to pay if you plan correctly. Get all the endorsements while in school; tanker/hazmat/doubles-triples, and TWIC. Tanker & flatbed are best for annual pay; there are exceptions but not many for new CDL graduates.

 

Depending on where your from, "paying your dues" does not mean you have to go OTR. Where I live, there are local companies, with a little convincing would surely hire me on with no experience. Im sure the case is the same throughout the country.

Im a believer that its really how you present yourself and what you have to offer. Background and work history of course have a lot to do with it. I dont know about the DUI as Ive never had one and never had anything expunged but if you have a feeling that it may show up on record somewhere I would be upfront with whoever it is you apply for.

 

and passport....

 

What China said, and . . .

Pay for your own training.
One year clean OTR experience will open up a full world of possibilities.
Don't lease a truck.

Congratulations on your sobriety. I just can't do it. You're a stronger man than I.

 

NW LA is good hiring area for many companies that hire new CDL grads:

SVTN
Howard Transportation
Superior-Carriers
CTL
Millis (has their own CDL school)

Several more, depending on what type of trucking you want. Start a list now; when application time comes you will be prepared.

 

I'd recommend paying for training on your own...search the forums, but basically your stuck with one company if they pay your training, and if you fail you still owe them big bucks.

Now with all due respect, I don't know if setting your goal at O/O is a great idea at this point. A year sober is a great accomplishment but really is not that long. Owning your truck will add a decent amount of stress to your life. Stressed out people sometimes turn to drinking especially if they have a history of it. Now if you get a dui, you loose your job, of your an o/o, you loose your investment and your business to. I'd recommend a few years as a company driver first and if your drinking problem is truly under control re evaluate then. In the mean time, (im sure your programs tell you this) you cant drink anything. I dotn care if your laid over at a truck stop for a few days and wont be driving, if you cant control your self, then driving is not for you. I never drink on the road, regardless of layover. I never drink the night before going back to work if home. Even if you get behind the wheel sober, if you drank heavy the night before you wont be as alert.

I truely hope you do have this under control but as im sure you know, you have to take this seriously. Your planning on driving an 80,000 pound weapon, and if you dont bring your game, people will die.