Starting Out In NE Pennsylvania

I am a veteran and I want to get into trucking. My biggest question now is what is best to start out? Do I go with private instruction or company-sponsored? I know going through a company will get me on the road faster and making money faster. If that is the best course of action, does anyone know which companies train in NE Pennsylvania and are the best fit for a new trucker in this area. Also, I know OTR is the way to go to make money, but is it possible to go regional fresh from training? If possible I want to stay around my local area in order to spend time with my daughter.

I am a veteran and I want to get into trucking. My biggest question now is what is best to start out? Do I go with private instruction or company-sponsored? I know going through a company will get me on the road faster and making money faster. If that is the best course of action, does anyone know which companies train in NE Pennsylvania and are the best fit for a new trucker in this area. Also, I know OTR is the way to go to make money, but is it possible to go regional fresh from training? If possible I want to stay around my local area in order to spend time with my daughter.

If you can afford it, go with a private school. (a good one with at least 160 hours BTW training) Go to the nearest school and talk with the faculty. They should be able to tell you which local companies are hiring. I think the marcellus? shale guys are hiring like crazy but you will be working like a dog driving 16 hours a day and most of the time 7 days a week. It's excellent money but little family time. My wife's cousin has been trying to get me into that with him but i would rather be out 2-3 and have a couple days home in a row rather then work and sleep all the time. Just do extensive research and pick out the best plan of action for yourself.

When you say NE PA, where about are you... I'm just off the I-80 exit 101

Affording it won't be an issue since I have the GI Bill. I was looking mainly at FORTIS in Forty Fort. 2 1/2 months classroom, 3 1/2 months driving.

I am up in W-B near the mall.

Man I'm through WB all the time. We have stores in moosic and ****son city. In actually going there next week.

As far as school I would highly recommend private school. Yes you may pay out of pocket but you don't limit your options as far as companies. Plus it gives you a chance to go local out of the gate. Sorry though in not sure about companies in your area. But like i tell everyone wanting local. Apply any and everywhere. Don't worry if it says they want experience, do it anyway. And follow up with phone calls directly with the hiring manager. Hope you get what you're looking for though! Good luck!

Yea, if you can afford to pay for it yourself, like Heavy C said private school would be the best. Unfortunately I don't have that luxury. At any rate, go get it man, best of luck to you.

Greg, OTR is not the way to go to make money, unless you're just looking at truckload companies. Based on what you posted, i.e. your desire to stay local or at least regional , you should look into local opportunities. LTL companies, smaller local trucking companies, there should be opportunities in Wilkes Barre area for you. Point being, you don't have to go truckload to start a career in trucking. Truckload companies are more prevalent, as are the job opportunities, but based on your location you might be surprised at how many opportunities you might find. PA is a great state to start a trucking career in. You are near a lot of major freight lanes running northeast. I'm running through your area on almost a weekly basis doing linehaul for my LTL company. I'm based out of the Carlisle area in PA. Best wishes to you.