Comments By ArcherTrucker

Research Phase

After doing research on the steps to become a professional driver; I initially looked for a truck driving school close to me. 160 driving academy has a training yard about 10 miles from me. I called the school and talked with a very nice woman named Rosie. Rosie was very helpful and broke down my options for the course. As I could not come up with the tuition upfront (about 4500) she listed my options: 1) High-interest loan (13%) 2) Workforce grant. Credit is a dumpster fire thanks to student loans and divorce so I applied and was turned down, not going to ask for a co-sign so that's out. Looked into the grant and found the money was used up for this year. SO I called her back and she said Swift works with them and could sponsor my training if I agree to drive for them after getting my CDL. I decided after some digging that Swift is not the company for me.

Plan B I started to compile a list of Paid CDL options

I filled the form out here on trucking truth and was almost immediately contacted by Wilson Logistics, Later by Roehl, Prime Inc., and CRST.

After researching each contact I made a list: in order of most interested in 1) Wilson Logistics 2) Prime INC 3) Roehl

How are you liking Flatbed?

I'm just getting into trucking and seriously considering flatbed with Roehl.

Hello After reading a good number of the trucker diaries on here I decided it may be helpful and or interesting to document my steps towards becoming a professional truck driver with a Class A - CDL.

The Start

About a month ago while I was attending the University of Oregon as a Junior majoring in Biology I decided that the debt I was accruing too much debt (student loans), recent divorce, and after severe COVID fatigue I started looking for a way to get into a profession that A.) provides enough money so I could save and pay off debts B.) minimal direct supervision C.) a job that involves changing scenery D.) success in work is based mainly on my efforts (solo). Trucking came across one of my nighttime searches and I began my journey down the rabbit hole.

Thank you for posting this MM

I have read this at least twice.

I am in the process of joining Wilson Logistics' Paid CDL program, Just need my CLP. Your diary was a part of my decision.

I look forward to reading more and wish you all the best.