[wsclinger9869]

Drivers, I have for a number of years wanted to get out of the office environment and into a truck as a Professional Driver. I am 49 years old, not a spring chicken but with alot of tread left to burn yet, and don't really know anyone to talk to about companies or training...etc...

I have a new family, my Ex walked out on me after 22 yrs of marriage and my new wife and family is supportive of me following my desire to become a driver. That said, what are the Top 5 companies that you all would suggest to begin my driving career at? Yes, I need complete CDL training, or I could take it locally in Ohio and then go right into the road training. But how long does it realistically take to get a good dedicated run with say weekly or more than weekly hometime opportunities?

I greatly appreciate any information any of you wish to impart, as I am VERY serious about wanting to hit the open road, but at the same time, make sure my family is taken care of and that they don't forget who I am or what I look like...

Thanks..

[flatbedder]

Top 5 for training/newbies probly

Millis
Roehl
TMC
Maverick
Schneider

[wsclinger9869]

Ok, do others agree with the above list and what about AFTER the training, which of these would be the best to be a beginning driver for?

[flatbedder]

TMC and Maverick are probably the best out of the list, but that depends if you want to do flatbed. Schneider would probably be your last choice of the companies that are listed. The other four offer pretty good hometime options.

[ibamars]

I have to go with that list as well. Millis i think you have to have 1 year however if not mistaken.

[larryh31]

Millis Transfer actually has there own driving school. The training pay, starting cpm and hometime is alot better than most of the larger training companies.

http://www.millistransfer.com/index.html

[Pappa Jake]

Werner is also good for newbies, I can relate to I'm 46 starting out as a OTR driver, going with TMC. Good Luck

[wsclinger9869]

Thanks Larry and Pappa Jake....hopefully one day soon we'll meet up on the highway and I'll buy ya a cup of joe to show my appreiciation. Pappa Jake, we're not too far apart age-wise, so I wish you good fortune in your career change....

[Windwalker]

If you're interested in hometime, I believe Roehl seems to have the widest range of options for that. They'll even let you have one week on, and one week off, as I understand it.

[Skywalker]

I think, that despite the fact that the others named some pretty good companies....they missed one that deserves to be on that list, at the top according to my own particular "bias" : CFI.

Especially if you live in the Columbus, OH area. We have a secure yard there and have both regional and national fleets. Strictly 53' dry van. Do some searches on CFI and, see what you come up with here and drop over to http://www.cfidrivers.com if you're further interested.