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When I first started looking into training companies I also wanted one close to home. Been out for 2 months now and I see it doesn't even matter if it's across the the whole country. When you first make the jump seems like a sense of security to be closer to home. After a one week orientation you just left Kansas man. Coast to coast runs north south east west I truly don't even care where I am anymore. The truck is your home. Good luck it really does not matter where you start we all end up on the road.
You know that absolutely makes sense! Never thought of it that way man! If I may ask, is their a company you would suggest or one you may discourage? Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!
When I first started looking into training companies I also wanted one close to home. Been out for 2 months now and I see it doesn't even matter if it's across the the whole country. When you first make the jump seems like a sense of security to be closer to home. After a one week orientation you just left Kansas man. Coast to coast runs north south east west I truly don't even care where I am anymore. The truck is your home. Good luck it really does not matter where you start we all end up on the road.
Hi, Jdad. I know it's a big decision and choosing a company is something you want to be certain about. However, suggesting a specific company over others in general is not what this site is all about, unless you have a specific need that only certain companies can provide. For example, if you are looking to drive flatbed, members may steer you toward companies with flatbed divisions. Suggesting you avoid any companies is a big no-no. Except - as stated above - you are looking for specifics that some companies cant provide. This is an anti-negativity zone. It's what makes this site great!
If you have more-specific questions other members will be better able to provide you with the information you need. Simply saying, "this company is better than that one" is very misleading and untrue. So...
Try and ask about some specifics. We are always happy to help.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
I can understand where you are coming from, I'm not looking for negativity so let me apologize if I misled anyone,I'm just looking for the best possible option for me. So you're right I do need to express my needs and concerns,that is my fault that I didn't previously.
I guess I'm just looking for a good scenario to fit my lifestyle, as we all are, I'm married and have 3 children so my major concern is income and home time, I would prefer to be home at least every other weekend, if not every weekend, and I just need to make a living to provide, not looking to get rich just looking to be stable. Any companies that may come to mind,I'm willing to take a look at and talk t, and I realize that its ultimately what company will suit me best. I know just starting out is going to be harder to get what I'm looking for and just want to make an informed decision. Thanks for the feedback,I do appreciate it!
Hi, Jdad. I know it's a big decision and choosing a company is something you want to be certain about. However, suggesting a specific company over others in general is not what this site is all about, unless you have a specific need that only certain companies can provide. For example, if you are looking to drive flatbed, members may steer you toward companies with flatbed divisions. Suggesting you avoid any companies is a big no-no. Except - as stated above - you are looking for specifics that some companies cant provide. This is an anti-negativity zone. It's what makes this site great!
If you have more-specific questions other members will be better able to provide you with the information you need. Simply saying, "this company is better than that one" is very misleading and untrue. So...
Try and ask about some specifics. We are always happy to help.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
I guess I'm just looking for a good scenario to fit my lifestyle, as we all are, I'm married and have 3 children so my major concern is income and home time, I would prefer to be home at least every other weekend, if not every weekend, and I just need to make a living to provide, not looking to get rich just looking to be stable.
Sounds pretty good to me. But..... We really gotta pay our dues OTR. I am also married with children and pets. A local gig sounds scary to me currently. Traffic, tight spaces, random unexpected's from local customers. Highways are big and open with space to move, learn, and grow your abilities. Would love to spend weekends with family but wouldn't want to jeopardize my career by being in over my head from the start. Just my thoughts everyone's expectations are different.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Yes,does have to be paid,but I was just putting my ideal situation out there is all. As for local driving gigs I'd definitely be willing to take one but I'm thinking more so along the lines of a regional job or a local company that would put me on the road for 5 days and me be home for 2. But I realize that would be harder to do at this point,just trying to give as much info as possible man.
I guess I'm just looking for a good scenario to fit my lifestyle, as we all are, I'm married and have 3 children so my major concern is income and home time, I would prefer to be home at least every other weekend, if not every weekend, and I just need to make a living to provide, not looking to get rich just looking to be stable.
Sounds pretty good to me. But..... We really gotta pay our dues OTR. I am also married with children and pets. A local gig sounds scary to me currently. Traffic, tight spaces, random unexpected's from local customers. Highways are big and open with space to move, learn, and grow your abilities. Would love to spend weekends with family but wouldn't want to jeopardize my career by being in over my head from the start. Just my thoughts everyone's expectations are different.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
"I'm not looking for negativity so let me apologize if I misled anyone,I'm just looking for the best possible option for me"
No worries, Jdad. Your question is one everyone has. The answer just requires more information.
Im pretty sure there are plenty of companies that provide regional OTR gigs. Staying in the Southeast region should help you get home every two weeks. A general rule for OTR drivers is that you earn 1 day off for every week out.
I know for a fact that Prime and US Xpress have Southeast regional jobs because I worked for both companies. US Xpress is based in Chattanooga. Other drivers can tell you if their companies offer Southeast regional routes.
You can also contact the companies in this link and see what they might have for you: Paid CDL Training Programs
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Jdad, you've already discovered that school or terminal location is a minor issue. When I started out, I chose Swift because both the school and terminal are nearby. After I went OTR , I finished the biggest benefit of a local terminal was free parking. Woo-hoo!
Since you seem to be new to trucking, I'll post several links for you to research. This web site (Trucking Truth) is designed for those interested in this industry, and we want to give you a leg up.
Start here:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
Help for looking at CDL school:
- Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing A Truck Driving School
- Article Category: Choosing A Truck Driving School
- Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Truck Driving School"
- Apply For Paid CDL Training
There's tons more. At the top left is a three-bar menu that opens up the whole web site.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
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So I'm looking for the best opportunities for getting my CDL A in the east tennessee region, does anyone have any recommendations? If you can think of nothing to help in my area,what are some companies you would recommend me starting with? Thanks for any feedback, I've searched and searched but I thought I would ask and get some direct feedback!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: