Comments By Grandma Day

I would love an audible code. Thanks for sharing your gift to write.

10/22/17 Getting prepared for my first day of schooling tomorrow. Here is to 8 weeks of training. We will be going Monday thru Friday 7a-6p.

Been getting a couple supplies together. It just kinda dawned on me I have decided to do this during the winter months. Of course in the south it was almost 80 degrees today. But cool weather will set in soon so I did go and buy a jacket (I actually don't own one) and some long sleeve shirts. The post menopausal women will understand the lack of need of such things. Lol

Some background on me: I am 47 and female. I spent 25 years in healthcare 21 years being a Paramedic and Volunteer Firefighter for about 3 years. I transitioned to office setting healthcare then hospital healthcare. I ended up with some medical issues (recovered now) but because of time taken off earlier in the year from the death of my husband my FMLA ran out so I had to resign.

Since I have been struggling with a new niche in life. I did remarry in March of this year. I have tried a little of this and a little of than but non has filled my heart or excited me. I have thought about trucking for many years but always talked myself out if it thinking I am too old, I am a female, ect. Finally, with my husband's support I am putting all those negative thoughts out of my head because frankly when I put my mind to it I can do anything.

So here is to new beginnings and bye to self negativity.

Any advice welcomed.

Thank you all!! Keep it coming.

People tend to believe they'll have a lot more options for choosing a company than they actually will. There isn't going to be 30 companies who will offer you a position. It will more than likely only be a handful

This is exactly what I started thinking about with the research here on this site. Which got me thinking, if I have OTR training for at least a 6 weeks if not more with a trainer until solo then maybe its may make more since to go company sponsored. In the diaries I don't see many taking 2 months to hit the road with a trainer.

I have enough (just) for private schooling which appears to be much cheaper than what companies quote as payback but that is not my focus. I want to learn the industry. I look at training the same as my training in my Paramedic career. Book learning and clinicals are a knowledge base but is in no way the reality of the actual job.

I would love to be OTR one day but I have to acknowledge I have someone at home that loves me and I will also respect that. However he has no income right now so I have to factor that in as well. He is currently starting a business but we all know that takes time.

I have been looking at many companies (honestly the more I look the more confused I get).

An established company (A must) Home time. (A must) Ride alongs (A must) Pets (A want)

I saw Roehl has: HOMEtime Plus™

7/7. Get up to 26 weeks off a year, driving 7 days out with 7 days at home.

7/4-7/3. Average 120 days off each year and get home every other week. Drive for 7 days with 4 days at home, followed by another 7 days with 3 days at home.

14/7. Get high miles and extended home time. Drive 14 days and enjoy 7 off.

But I need to reach out as I am not seeing hiring in my area.

Do other companies have such schedules?

Again you guys and gals are simply wonderful. Fabulous site.

Sorry, I am still picking your knowledge brains.

As you know I am scheduled to start community college training. But, I keep playing different scenarios in my mind. I want good knowledgeable training. Pay is secondary. I want to learn the industry.

Questions I have been asking myself;

How long is the average company sponsored training from beginning to solo? My schooling will be 8 weeks. That's just getting my CDL A ( already have NC permit and Medical card). No job at end. So ultimately will a company training put me in a better position as far as time training to solo?

After training, and experience I ultimately want to be home a couple days a week here in NC near 95. And frankly ultimately home more in time. I know it decreases pay but time with hubby is important. I obviously need income but need a balance as well. I am fine with that.

I want to a be a reliable and productive employee. I will be dedicated to my job.

If company sponsored is a better choice for my situation what companies would you suggest for my hiring area of I 95 corridor in NC close to Smithfield and Dunn.

I know a specific company is not the deciding factor. It is the effort and performance and proving yourself. But I know you all know the companies that would fit my needs and my area.

In am in Angier. I will be attending Johnston Community College.

What part of Nc ? I’m in the Dunn area. I’m looking to go otr tho. Which school are you attending ?

I only live about 20 minutes from 95. Should have mentioned in this post I am starting school the 23rd it's a 8 week course. Already have CDL permit, medical card, ect. Want to start looking at my options.

Still doing my research. Can you experienced drivers help me out. I am leaning towards regional routes as I am married and reading through this forum and taking with husband sounds like a better option than OTR.

I live in NC close to the Raleigh and Fayetteville area. Would you be so kind as to list companies that may be a good fit? No teams and no flatbeds ;however, would love to believe I could do flatbed but I am 47 and female.

Thanks in advance.

Congrats!!

You guys are amazing with the noobs. Always helpful. I am so thankful I came across this site.

Yes the best wording on my part was bad for sure. Guess I should said good beginning to end diaries. Notice a lot just drop off.

Thank to you all.