[Romo]

I presently live in Atlanta and thinking about changing career and becoming a trucker and will be attending class in January after I clear out some bills. I would like to know which locations would be more productive (Miles and/or Income) between VAN and Flatbed in the following areas (Atlanta/GA, Pensacola/FL and Columbia/SC)? I am presently living in Altanta but contemplating on moving to Pensacola, FL or Columbia, SC. I have a few friends who has become truckers in the last 6 months and they are enjoying the freedom of choice to be able to move back to their hometown among family and friends and make a good living. I also would like to have that opportunity. I am starting out in Atlanta,Ga and thinking about moving to Pensacola, Fl for awhile and then Columbia, SC or SC and then FL. I have narrowed down my list of companies I like to start out with if i'm hired: Van (CFI, Crete, maybe Averitt Expess-after 6 months) Flatbed (TMC, Maverick, CT).

[n6bvz]

Hi. In many ways it's not important where your address is, except for tax purposes, as you'll most likely run the 48 states and take home time where you choose.

Atlanta is interesting -- I live north of there -- in the amount of freight in, out, and through there.

All the best. Tee

[Jumbo]

You could also try Trac inc. for van. They have a terminal in Columbia. And for flatbed you should look into Tandem Transport. They also have a new terminal in Columbia.

[Angel]

If You live in Ga you can use the HOPE Grant and go to school and get your CDL'S and it want cost you so much try the local Tech schools in Atlanta .

[Uturn2001]

You would be far better off in either SC or GA than FL. FL is a bad state to get hired out of. Only a few companies hire new drivers out of FL.

[GoldiesPlating]

Uturn is right. If choosing TMC, living in Florida means you would only be able to join our LongHaul fleet and be out 2-3 weeks at a time before getting a weekend off. SC or GA would allow you to join LineHaul and be home every weekend.
Any Questions feel free to email or call me anytime.

[One]

Originally Posted by Angel

If You live in Ga you can use the HOPE Grant and go to school and get your CDL'S and it want cost you so much try the local Tech schools in Atlanta .

Thats what I did too!
Id suggest Van for starters, see thread entitled 'flatbed not for noobs'.
if you are interested in Averitt, you may also wanna consider LTL...Ive been recommending my co. a lot lately due to my satisfaction...WILSON has 2 terminals in ATL and take drivers w/ 6 mos. exp. you'd be driving locally with option to go to line-haul if you get fed up with getting home every night and ATL traffic. they also have shuttle drivers. Great pay and professional. theyll even let you transfer to other terminals like FLA where they are still looking for numerous drivers for Tampa and the new huge Miami terminal. They are allover the SouthEast. GL