New Soon-to-be Driver

Hi guys and gals :)

I've been lurking for quite a while, lol. I've been interested in this profession for about 6 months now. It's just becoming more tempting to do it. I'm tired of the same ole 'cubicle' routine life.

Anyway, I did have two questions and you all seem to be SO helpful and honest, so I can't wait to see your responses!

Unfortunately for me, I live in South Florida. It sucks, because there isn't much freight that comes down here, so the hiring zones are more North of me. Anyway, the only company that will hire from my area is CRST. They will gladly send me a ticket to their school and then I'd do the 6-8 months team-driving training. Only thing is, I'm more interested (once I'm capable to) of driving solo. CRST does mostly teams only. That said, I was wondering, do any of you know if I'll be able to 'easily' transfer from CRST to another company in the future? I'm willing to relocate if that's an issue that comes up.

My second question would be: With my limited amount of options, I do have a pet >.< .. how difficult is it going to be for me to find a company that hires drivers from Florida, that allow pets?

I've browsed all over this website and have called numerous companies. Swift, Schneider and JB - even Conway, said they don't hire from my area or have sponsored school training :( ... I'm stuck with CRST, but at least it's 1 company, right?

Furthermore, I just wanted to say thank you for such a great website and the HIGH ROAD TRAINING program. It's just amazing!!

P.S. Knight Transportation said they'd hire me if I HAVE the 160 hours of CDL training, but I'm not eligible for their school (because of area) so maybe I can transfer to them from CRST?

Take a look at May Trucking Company. If you're interested in driving OTR , they have a very decent pet policy. I don't know if they train from the ground up, (but they might) but once you have your CDL , they would be a good company to look at.

-mountain girl

Welcome aboard Skarbrand!

My second question would be: With my limited amount of options, I do have a pet >.< .. how difficult is it going to be for me to find a company that hires drivers from Florida, that allow pets?

Wow, about the only thing you could do at this point to limit your chances further is cut off your left arm.

We have a listing of Truck Driving Jobs - have a look at those and you'll get a lot better idea of companies that hire from your area. If you're able to afford a private truck driving school you'll have a much better range of options. If you have to attend a Company-Sponsored Training Program you're certainly going to be limited.

You mentioned Knight Transportation hires out of Florida but not for their school. That's a bummer. I know Prime Inc hires a limited number of drivers out of Florida so that's hit or miss. Swift Transport might - I can't remember.

But to answer your other question, yes you can easily put in your time at CRST and transfer to another company. The first year is all about learning anyhow. So the company you choose to work for in the beginning isn't going to have a tremendous affect on the financial outcome of that first year. You'll make $32k-$36k at most companies your first year. But once you have a year's worth of experience you'll understand the industry and know your job a thousand times better than in the beginning. You'll know what opportunities are out there and which ones appeal to you. So if you have to go with a company you're not that thrilled with in the beginning to get some experience don't sweat it a bit. You'll learn what you need to, you'll get the experience you'll need, and you'll move on. No big deal.

Thank you MG and Brett!

I've called PRIME and they're just taking a look over my past work exp, so just waiting for a call back this week, which is what my recruiter said. They also allow dogs under 60lbs, which is perfect for me! :) *crosses fingers*

Also, Brett, you're absolutely right. Just being honest, I don't really like CRST with the things I've read about them, but it's 1 year out of an entire career, so why not? I can definitely transfer to other companies. Knight told me I could after 8 months, the others are 1 year. Not too bad.

SWIFT currently does not want Florida drivers (from what the recruiter told me). Just in case anyone else reads this.

MAY TRUCKING is nice, pet policy as well :) ... but no sponsored school training >.<

Let's see what happens! Wish me luck! And be safe out there guys/gals!

You might also check Werner. I dont know about your area but at one time they had a program for people in florida. I beleive they had there own bus that picked them up and took them to atlanta. The drivers would do their road time then they would bus them back for home time. Not sure if its still going but might be worth checking.

Woody

Thank you Woody! I missed them! I called and they have no sponsored training, but they do offer tuition reimbursement AND hire from my state :) good call!

Woo! I've been accepted to Prime Inc!

Orientation starts in December, then class right after, so I'm pretty excited! It's a self-study (for the CDL), so I'm hitting the HIGH ROAD TRAINING program and the company's study guide together, bam bam! It's about 3 months with a trainer in the truck, so I'm definitely going to tell him I want to be backing the trailer as much as I can, when he feels OK with it anyway, lol.

Thanks for the help everyone :)

For Swift, it depends. My son got hired with no problems an I didn't get a negative response either. Of course we are a bit closer to Ocala. I've already let the recruiter know our plan is to run team and that may make a difference. But, Prime is a good opportunity, too. I see a lot of Prime trucks on I-75. Best of luck!