Have just been informed that my position in a Finance Dept. of a small city government will in all likelihood be eliminated within the next 45-90 days, due to budget cuts. I'm 52yrs old, wll turn 53 here in May, and for at least the last 20 years I have wanted to become a semi driver and haul freight. Don't ask me why, other than the fact I love to drive, love to travel, and love being on my own and working. Also I am a family man and want to continue the level of annual income and benefits that I have provided my family these last several years.
I am seeking advise as to where to start in this new venture, how to go about talking to and dealing with trucking companies, what kinds of things I need to ask, what not to ask, and what I can expect between the time I start school the time I finally get my own truck to run. I'm guessing that being a newbie I'll be better off trying to get my CDL on my own, look for tuition reimbursment, and not limit my opportunities to just one company by having them train me and then own me for a period of time.
My home is just north of Columbus, OH, and not far from several terminals in the Central Ohio area. For me, income, benefits, and hometime are pretty much all of equal importance to me. I have looked at several company websites, but I know enough from the message board here that they tend to not tell you the whole truth.
I would greatly appreciate any and all information I can get from you experienced drivers. I want to be able to make a well-thought out decision as to where to go and who to go with before the situation here is no longer. For those of you who do respond, I thank you VERY much and depending on the outcome of my situation, maybe someday down the road I'll be able to buy you a meal or a drink.
Thank you all again for at least taking the time to read this post.