Profile For Weasel

Well I was laid off from the mines at the beginning of February, partly because of issues I was having with coping when I lost my grandma and missing some work. I’m having issues getting my unemployment sorted out, and I drastically reduced my bills. I could probably make it long enough to go through company training, but I don’t know why I would at this point because the UMWA has offered me a grant for retraining and a CDL is on the list. Now my only concern would be to find three things in a company; decent starting pay, good home time, and hires graduates fresh from school. I found out about 6 weeks ago I was gonna be a dad, so home time suddenly came way more important to me. My goal would be to work for TMC from what I understood about them, but I’m still nowhere near their age requirement.

I wanted to do it right out of high school, but no one could afford me on their insurance to haul coal or logs so I never bothered getting my CDL. I worked as a greaser and PM Mechanic once or twice before they stuck in me in a Off Road Coal Truck and then a CAT Haul Truck. I tried underground too because it’s what both of my grandpas did. I love it underground just as much as I love being around trucks, but with politics in play I’ll watch the last of the coal companies holding on die. When I was in school from 08-16 I watched people leave WV and everything fall apart I’d say it’s gonna happen again, but worse.

Me thinks so too, but there will always be a requirement for truck drivers. I think anybody that's under 30 should seriously look at trucking as a solid career path. Drive for 30 years or longer, save wisely, and retire at a young age.

If I were 21 again, and had not done my military career for 32 years, trucking would have been my first alternate pick. That would put me at 44 years driving at age 65.

I don’t think they’re hiring in my area right now but I did look into them. I guess my only option will be to try and work until I get laid off and save some money.

Most companies I know of only start paying you during training, after you get your cdl. Roehl is the only one I know of that will pay you while you are in their CDL school. They call it their Get Your CDL (GYCDL) program.

They are one of the companies in the link that Anne so kindly provided for you above.

I’ll look into them thank you.

Of course CFI is my personal favorite.

I’m wanting to jump into trucking now that I’m finally old enough. I was wondering if anyone knows of any companies that pay you decent while you get a CDL? That would be the biggest obstacle for me right now because of my bills. I also would like everyone’s opinion on some of the best starting companies in my area, I’m in Southern West Virginia. Any advice is appreciated.