Question:
Been ‘lurking’ on forums for several weeks and seems that confusion has been my only result. Best to ask some questions and hope for some help in establishing a new career (No CDL/Experience yet).
Guess company training could be an option but from searches my plans have been doing the CDL schooling at either SCC in Lincoln, NE or RVTC in Appelton,WI.
41 yrs old with a CLEAN history in all respects and no need for an “established home”.
Currently reside south of Chicago near the I-80 and I-57 exchange. Would not mind passing through this location at times for maybe an occasional visit but would prefer finding a carrier that may find its routes passing in range of Memphis, TN more often.
Would appreciate any input for carriers that you may know of that would likely pass in range of Memphis, TN in at least the 4-8 week time frame? Divorced and that is where kids live and would like that area being my “rolling home”.
Any input would be GREATLY Appreciated, THANX!!!

Answer:
First, as a driver you will need an "established" home for tax purposes. What is the difference in state income taxes between Illinois, Arkansas, or Tennessee? You may want to consider going with Swift as they have a terminal in Memphis, also a school. Swift gets a lot of heat on most forums, but they are as good an any to start with. BOL

Answer:
Sealord: Thank You for raising a GREAT point concerning State Income Tax rates.
Establishing residence in the tax free states of FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, or WY would be an automatic "pay raise" in comparison to IL. Will keep this in mind for options.
As far as Swift, I am not in a position of "ruling out" any carrier at this point without doing diligent research. Thanx Again

Answer:

Why not just move to the Memphis area, get cdl training and get a local driving job, and be close to your children all the time?
Just a thought.
Big

Answer:
the local LTL carrier I work for has a terminal in Chicago, or somewhere in the surrounding area. I am not positive if they hire brand newbies, but I know we will give one a shot in the twin cities. I will check for you if you are interested.

Answer:
If you are considering going the OTR route for a while and are considering schools. I would recomend investigating the school closely. Paying more isn't always better. Paying less, and shorter length isn't necessiarly better either.
Here is a link to Roehl's school in Marshfield WI I believe I recieved quality training at a reasonabile cost. It is a company owned and operated school that upon successful completion you are pre-hired should you decide to work for the company.
http://www.drivertraining.net/
Answer:
Do not worry about the age thing. We have 50 year old with 2 years experiance and 25 year olds with 7. Age is not a issue.
You go to a school, many are a very nice mix of folks from ALL back grounds.
First thing I would do is reasearch trucking. See what type is right for you. Local, LTL, Long haul, take the wife with you, leave her at home, be home every week or be home every 6 weeks.
Look into how driver supposible get screwed out of everything.
After all that is done. You will still want to get your CDL. Go get the book from the DMV. Study all of it. get them all. tanker, doubles and of course HAZ MAT. Start early on that one. Get it know so you have it. 5 years from now you may need it for that great job that just needs one of those.
Then look into the schools or community collages. Or unkles that may have a truck. Farmers are a good source as well once you are all permitted. Drive on the weekends for real cheap like 7 bucks a hour. No CDL needed. Then they let you use the truck for the test. No CDL needed for AG work. You still get driving experiance for taking the test and a truck to take it in.202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!