Question:
I have been out of the industry for over 20yrs, and want to get back out there.
I know thing have changed ALOT in that many years, but give me some advice.
I live in northwest michigan, 49, married, 2 teenagers at home(both will be out of school in 5yrs), and unemployed at this time.
I let my CDL go by the wayside so I will have to get it again and go through someones training. I have been going to alot of forums lately and have been reading alot of negative posts, but I have seen alot of good ones too. I just need some advice as to who to look at for training, jobs with family insurance at reasonable rates, decent home time, regional or dedicated runs in the midwest, hook and drop loads, etc.
I have talked to a driving school in Niles Michigan, and they say they can get me in with Swift after school, but I have read alot of negatives about Swift.
Any and all suggestions and/or advice will be appreciated.

Answer:
You might want to look at Roehl. Based on where you live, they should be able to get you home, at least.
Check with MESC about driver training.

Answer:
Thanks,
I went to their web site and will contact them in the morning.

Answer:
When you say northwest MI. do you mean Iron Mountain or Traverse City?you define the moment or the moment defines you.

Answer:
Ask Zigzag.........
Good luck!
Peacekeeper Bobby Knight


Answer:
I live between Manistee and Traverse but will go where i can find a job, within reason.
Any ideas?

Answer:
Not trying to discourage you but I jumped right into trucking after 20 years in the Army. I went from an organization that treats you with respect and values honor and integrity to an industry that couldn't give a rat's (edited) about you. You think that diesel fuel runs this industry? Nope, lying is the main powersource. Without the constanst lies, this industry would fall down like the house of cards that it is. Everyone from the recruiter to the dispatcher to the shippers\receivers will lie to you - it is pretty much industry standard now. Gone are the days when trucking was considered a respectable trade. Don't get me wrong, there are still some good men and women out there driving trucks and I certainly respect them for what they do. It's just that there's so few of them out there now.
I'd be careful about signing on with Roehl. Do a search here, some of their former drivers said they've gone downhill. If I had to do it over again, I'd do tankers at Schneider. Then after a year, I'd get an hourly local job yanking tankers.
Best of luck with whatever you do.- Hamilton Carhartt, founder of Carhartt Apparel

Answer:
If you are saying you would move I would move to a more central location like Chicago or St. Louis. You limit yourself in living so far north.
Ever thought about expiditing? Have heard you can make some change up there and be home alot more regularly than alor of OTR drivers.
Personally, I wouldn't do it again, but different strokes for different folks.This is USAF 2T2 and I approve this message.