What "exit" should I take

Wow, lots more replies! Thanks to everyone who stopped in a give some advice. Particularly TravR1 and Mystic. Trav you presented me with a very similar situation and reminded me of some of the financial benefits and things to keep in mind on that side of the equation. Mystic, I appreciate the heads-up on paying cash for school through a carrier to avoid the contract.

As to a knowing or referring to the large companies as "Megas"... all I can tell ya is that that term is not exclusive to TTR. I've heard/seen it in a few other forms of media, i.e. podcasts, industry related articles op-eds, comments, etc... It seems simply a decent/respectful way of referring to those large companies that generally hire new drivers and may operate/own other companies vs. a "large" company (one's that are, simply large in size of their operations).

So what "exit" to take... As most of you suggested. 3 or 4 definitely seem the best way from point A to B. Exit 1 (van expediting) may be an easy financial way into the industry (for me), but it's not what I would be happy doing. Exit 4, still holds some interest for me, perhaps because it's the closest to what I "know". However in this area hotshotting seems limited to car hauling, of which I'm not opposed. Though after talking to some drivers at the large auction houses, few are happy or making good money.

Time-wise, in a perfect world those that say "just do it" are right. I'd LOVE to jump in tomorrow. However as I mentioned in the OP, I'm currently enrolled in school which I paid for myself and bailing isn't something I try to do. Much less breaking an apartment lease, and other life responsibilities. In retrospect, a quick reference to my personal timeline would have been helpful in my OP.

All that said, thanks to you all for your responses! They've given me a lot to consider and feel like I can now narrow my research down to the correct areas. Most of my life's obligations end in May and hope to have a plan in place between now and then to get myself "on the road" to a career I've always considered.

Stay safe out there everyone and thanks again to you all!
- Jeff