What are the best Utah based companies for training?

I trained for a CDL a few years ago and passed. I never got a job because of my driving record. No DUI or anything alcohol related ever, just had some recent tickets. I haven't had any since. I downgraded my CDL to a class D about a year ago because I figured I wouldn't need it anytime soon.
Now I'm wanting to actually start trucking. I have some questions.

1. Should I go get my license back to a class A cdl, or should I start over with a refresher course? My testing is still valid as I got my cdl in 2018.

2. I have a 65ish pound yellow lab that I'd like to take with me on the road, after the training period of course. The company needs to allow dogs.

3. I'd prefer regional like 11 western states so I can possibly get home a few times a week.

4. Preferably training on automatics. I learned on a 13 speed manual for training. I find that the automated manual transmissions these days are getting very good, almost making the manuals obsolete.

 

Get your CDL first. This will give you a bit more options.
You may have do the full drive test as well as written.

The other choice is to just do the full CDL school with a company.

The question is what type of work are you looking for?
That could help identify companies.
Animals are problematic, some companies have a no pets policy, while others may limit size and number as well as requiring a deposit.

 

Try Swift Refrigerated. New class starts every Monday. Rider/pet policy.
Swift Refrigerated has a terminal in Utah and a school.
5175 W 2100 S, West Valley City, UT 84120
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Swift Refrigerated | Get CDL Trained & Hired | driveswiftreefer.com
https://driveswiftreefer.com
Earn Your CDL in as Little as 4 Weeks Including New Permit Classes. Apply Now!
No Employment Contracts · Job Placement · Permit Classes Included · Classes Start Weekly
Amenities: 401K, Dental & Vision Plans, Weekly Paycheck, Medical, Paid Vacation
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Wilson Logistics has cdl school and can take dog of any breed or weght.
11 Western option.
School in Missoula, Montana.
Train on 10 speed, but assigned truck after training is automatic.
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Wilson Logistics
Wilson Logistics
Truck Driving Jobs. Earn While You Learn. Our Paid CDL Training program is hands-on and is designed for those who want to earn their Class A CDL ... Wilson Logistics is a family-owned trucking company that knows our drivers as well as we know our customers.

• Careers · Apply Now · Peterbilt 579 · Cdl School · Freightliner Cascadia · Customers

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Chinatown is Swift not charging for their school anymore or holding students to a contract?

 

I don't know how that works.
One driver said the school is free if you stay for a certain period of time and if you leave early the cost is pro-rated.
I don't know, you'll have to discuss that with a recruiter. Don't want to give outdated or incorrect information.

 

Thank you. Does swift train on automatic? My lower back and knees already hurt enough lol.

 

I'd recommend you focus on finding the best place to work before you focus on getting the CDL back. The goal is to find a great job and improve your life, no?

To me, it seems like focusing on the easiest or best path to the CDL first is like picking a restaurant based on how fast they can seat you or which has the cheapest bill. Some of the companies handing out CDLs to anyone that wants one put trainees in bad situations because they know the trainee is 90% certain to leave before 6 months of work.

 

There's an Toll-free number on the website; call and ask about the transmission. I think all the trucks on the road are automatic.
The photo on the website I posted to you shows an automatic.

 

I don't know much about either of these companies good or bad but you have Godfrey out in West Valley and Andrus has a terminal in Salt Lake City.