Real new at this

[skully1200]

Hello everyone, I am as new at this as I can possibly be, considering I haven't even started CDL training yet. I have a ton of questions, obviously, but one of the main things that I am wondering is if my expectations for this career are realistic. I have been reading through a lot of these posts recently, and it seems to me that most of you are driving OTR. It is my understanding, that coming out of CDL school, it should be relatively easy for me to get a job of some sort, and it will most likely be OTR in some capacity or another. Which is fine. I realize that everyone has to get experience, and start somewhere. The thing is, I don't really want to spend the rest of my life living in a truck. I look through want ads and classifieds, and see a lot of opportunities for drivers with as little as 6 months-1 year of tractor trailer experience. Is it unrealistic or naive of me to think that I can put some time in over the road, and then start looking around for a more local, (go home every night) kinda job. I notice that no one is really talking about these types of jobs too much. I'm not looking to get rich, I just want to make an honest living, and go home to spend time with my wife and dog. I know that there are a lot of dedicated and local out and back type jobs out there (depending on location). How hard is it to get into one of those positions? Is there sufficient money to be made in that setting to live comfortably. I hear some guys say that local jobs will run you to death for not much money, but it seems to me that has got to be a bit of a generalization. Surely there are some decent outfits to work for, if you shop around a little bit. Am I wrong or misguided in thinking this?
If it makes any difference, I am 32 years old, and although I do not yet have any driving experience, I do have a good employment history, (been at the same job 12 years) which can't hurt. I live in Central Pennsylavania, and at some point in the next few years, as opportunities present themselves, will probably relocate to the Harrisburg/Carlisle, PA area, as it seems that there are a lot of trucking jobs to be had down there.
So am I living in a fantasy world, or can good things happen for me, (if I make them)?
Sorry to ramble on, but I appreciate any feedback anyone can give me. Thanks

[Foxfire]

Trucking is what you make of it. If you go into it with the idea that you are going to make a lot of money real quick, get out now before you ever start. If I were in your shoes I would find one of the companies that trains or check into the government backed schools in your area. Then when I made that decision I would work OTR for a year, then look into that local, home every night job.

[skully1200]

Thanks. That's basically what my plan is. I'm just trying to make sure it's actually possible for things to work out the way I want. Thank you for your reply.

[truckermanitoba]

look in the phone book and go and talk to some of the componys in your area that do local work,Y.ou can ask what type of money benifits are available.What millage they want and they might be able to tell you what schools they have had graduates out of. You could maybe go regional were you could be home every couple of days.Once you get licience you have many options you just have to find the one that works for you.

[Uturn2001]

Your plan is doable, but do not set any type of rigid time line for it to happen because where local driving jobs are concerned it is a big supply and demand issue. Just how big all depends on the area you live in. Big thing is to set yourself up for those jobs when they do become available by getting a year or two experience in and keeping your record spotless.

[truckermanitoba]

that is the most important thing,have no accidents or violations,in your truck or personal car. No criminal record, Have a good knowledge of the area you want to drive in,were the truck routes are, what streets you can go down,were the truck entrances are for the wharehouses you will be going to, toll roads if there are any were they are and if there is another way that you can avoid paying.Get familiar with bol were you sign were customer signs which copys you keep.which you give to customer.Remember if you can not read name no one else can either.No pay until all the paperwork is handed in.
CHeck the truck before you leaveanytime the truck has been out of your site.
When backing up get out and look anytime you are not sure of were you are backing in. go slow so do not hit dock hard speed causes damage which will come out of your pocket.