Wannabe needing info on where to start

Hey all,

So like many others I was recently laid-off from a dispatching job and am now desperately seeking employment. The previous company I worked for had a 'network' of satellite 'dish' customers. The idea of the open road has always appealed to me and I almost went with it out of high school, until I discovered I was too young to be successful. I still drove a small local delivery truck (for 3 years), just never needed/got a cdl.

My situation is as follows, I'm married and living in Denver, Co, 26 yrs old and wanting to find a company to train me. My wife makes decent wages, $60k+ a year, so home time is more important to me than miles/wages (although it'd be nice to make good money). I also don't want to get involved with a company that forces or even suggests violating laws.

Don't get me wrong, I have a strong work ethic and am more than prepared to spend weeks on the road. We have no kids yet and I feel this is my 'opportunity' to do something I've always dreamed of and build up a bit of savings for us at the same time.

I know there are a lot of options and I have spent a lot of time researching lately. I am simply asking what company would seem best for the options I'm seeking. Until reading posts here I had been considering CR England, but am very hesitant after most posts on this site. Right now, I'm thinking of going to Central Ref. training program. However I would like to know from some of you more experienced than I.

Does the area you live in make a difference in choosing a company? Are there companies that you can spend less time out per trip and still make 'decent' money?

Also, I've read all the posts warning not to jump into leasing and to be cautious of going to independent schools with this economy. This is my first attempt at asking questions, I haven't spoke to anyone (i.e. recruiters, companies, etc). Maybe I won't even qualify, but I do have a fairly clean driving record (1 speeding ticket in the last year) and I've been consistently employed since my junior year of high school.

Any help/advice is so greatly appreciated and I apologize for being long-winded.

Thanks!