So I’ve Been Really Struggling With The Decision And I Think I’ve Finally Talked Myself Into It

Quitting my University HVAC job of 15 years to start a career as a trucker at the ripe ole age of 49... It’s a huge decision, but I’ve “checked out” mentally with my current situation... Just can’t see another summer of being an HVAC dude... For years I’ve romanticized the idea of calling it quits and starting a new career as a professional truck driver...

As some have seen from my earlier post, I was considering going with TMC training and working with those guys, but I have had back surgery, like 18 years ago, no issues, workout, play golf etc, but why mess with the tarps if I don’t have to when it could potentially be an issue somewhere down the road...

Here’s where I’m at with it... I’m in Nashville area, so I’m applying for the TDI school and going to look at the outfits that’ll do tuition reimbursement, with Schneider so far at the top of the list, only thing is idk who all else the school works with on job placement, so who knows where all end up when the dust settles!

Any other former trade folk on here who made the transition into the trucking industry??? Anyone with thoughts on TDI school??? Thoughts on passing on TMC, physically I can handle tarping, that wouldn’t be an issue, I mean I lift weights, have for the past six years, just could see where maybe that’s more of a younger mans work???

I can't recall if you mentioned it in a previous post but why don't you want to go through a Paid CDL Training Programs? You don't need to be young to do flatbed. I've seen just about every demographic doing flatbed work whether it's young, old, fat, muscular it really makes no difference. At first I'm sure you will be sore like any job but you develop a way to work smart not harder. We've had people from just about every walk of life come through the forum and become a driver. Take a look at this link to see what others posted their profession was Before being a truck driver

I’m in a similar situation at 45. Been in landscaping trade since 1992, owned my own business since 2008. Going to a Company training program(probably Swift) once this corona crap is over

I can't recall if you mentioned it in a previous post but why don't you want to go through a Paid CDL Training Programs? You don't need to be young to do flatbed. I've seen just about every demographic doing flatbed work whether it's young, old, fat, muscular it really makes no difference. At first I'm sure you will be sore like any job but you develop a way to work smart not harder. We've had people from just about every walk of life come through the forum and become a driver. Take a look at this link to see what others posted their profession was Before being a truck driver

Yeah I see me with a tarp and a 30 mph wind ready to take flight! That make me think, egh why did I pick fb... As for paid training, I know Schneider doesn’t offer it and I’m really looking to jump to their “part time” work after I get enough experience in to get those jobs... To my knowledge, not many others are offering that type of deal...

I can't recall if you mentioned it in a previous post but why don't you want to go through a Paid CDL Training Programs? You don't need to be young to do flatbed. I've seen just about every demographic doing flatbed work whether it's young, old, fat, muscular it really makes no difference. At first I'm sure you will be sore like any job but you develop a way to work smart not harder. We've had people from just about every walk of life come through the forum and become a driver. Take a look at this link to see what others posted their profession was Before being a truck driver

If I do paid and get reimbursement I train locally and have no contract, but once I get on a reimbursement program I guess I’m tied to x company... I’m liking the deal at Schneider where with 3 months under my belt I can go part time, that in my mind leaves me an option where I can get home more if I’m just hating life on the road... My plan is to be regional , maybe go dedicated if the opportunity presents itself, but the four day pastime deal at Schneider is appealing too...

If you're wanting to be home more frequently have you looked at Roehl? They do multiple types of freight and have many different options for hometime. They do 7 on 7 off, 14 on 7 off etc. I'm not familiar with any type of dedicated accounts they do but if you're looking for more of a part time driving opportunity that may work for you. I'm sure you can change that up after some time. I don't know how that would affect tuition reimbursement or fulfilling a contract if you went through paid training. With Roehl you could try flatbed and if you decide it's not for you it's not too difficult to transition to pulling a dry van or reefer. I'm not saying avoid Schneider by any means. We've had members here do quite well there. I just wanted to point out that Roehl may be a better fit if you're looking at working more of a part time schedule.

If you're wanting to be home more frequently have you looked at Roehl? They do multiple types of freight and have many different options for hometime. They do 7 on 7 off, 14 on 7 off etc. I'm not familiar with any type of dedicated accounts they do but if you're looking for more of a part time driving opportunity that may work for you. I'm sure you can change that up after some time. I don't know how that would affect tuition reimbursement or fulfilling a contract if you went through paid training. With Roehl you could try flatbed and if you decide it's not for you it's not too difficult to transition to pulling a dry van or reefer. I'm not saying avoid Schneider by any means. We've had members here do quite well there. I just wanted to point out that Roehl may be a better fit if you're looking at working more of a part time schedule.

Ok, thanks! I’ll look them up and chat with a recruiter... Been reading some of the post on folks struggling with the CDL driving portion, get anxiety just thinking about it...