veteran thinking about training...

Hey guys,
I'm an old Marine and I have a buddy who has been trucking for a long while now, and I am now thinking about doing it. The main questions I have are if I choose to go to a training school, like Swift, should I get my CDL first or, just wait until the training to acquire it?

Also, how is Swifts rep? My buddy already said that most companies have some "good and bad" but, I want to be sure I'm getting on board with a good company if I am going to spend a year with them.

Any advice is always appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the info brother. I appreciate it. I'm not 100% against relocating for training after all, it would be just like goin to boot camp again. However, I have a pet and, I'm trying to figure out the best way to get my training and be sure my pet is in good hands while I'm gone.

I looked at the Jim Palmer Trucking web site, and I like what they have to say about training us veterans. As a disabled vet, I also qualify for retraining under the chapter 31 program. Anyway, still figuring it all out.
Thanks again for chiming in

 

That is an option but, money is kinda tight. I was hoping to get a friend to watch him.

If you HAD to choose between Swift, understanding the "listening in situation, and Jim Palmer, which would you choose and why? Again, understanding the monitoring situation with Swift.

 

Can I make the same amount per mile with them as the "big guys"?

 

I'm from the St. Louis area but, not sure if I'm ready to relocate. The bonus sounds good and, I'm assuming that they pay for fuel fill ups while I'm out.
I apologize for all the questions just trying to get all the info I can.

 

One more question China... what would be realistic expectations for my first year earnings? Consdering I'm a veteran and have more "life experience" then most of the younger guys signing up.