Which is better to work for a company or be a independent operator?

In your case, working for a company is easier to deal with.

Being independent costs money even if the truck is sitting.

 

Be a company driver first. Put in 5 years and save as you go before you do anything.

You are going to end up making a decision. To go into the Fires side which does not give time for trucking or you are going to become a trucker. You cannot have both.

 

I admire your ambition but I don't think trucking will be a good fit. It's too demanding of your time and working it as a side job might involve conflicts.
When you get out of school you can always pull extra shifts as an EMT/FF or get your cert to work in ER. Most of our local EMTs work it that way. It keeps them in the loop in their main profession and they're a lot less stressed.

 

go for a Cllass A CDL, join the fire dept, work your way up to engineer, and drive a hook and ladder, as you'll already have that CDL. not sure, but you might be exempt from a medical card as well....check that out.

big money, big benefits in public services like police and fire depts.

 

You took the words right out of my mouth. I suggest the OP try to find a job doing local deliveries in a none CDL required CMV. In fact, there are several places right here that are begging for these drivers.