Questions from a Wannabe

I have been watching and reading blog posts here for the last couple of days in trying to get some info. I figure a better way to go about it is just join and ask. Little bit about me: I was just fired from a very Corporate job that I hated after the first six months of employment. I really thought of sticking it out, but the job just wore on me. I have about 14 years experience in the production world. I now want to change career choices and get my CDL to start driving. If you had asked me from the time I was 3 till about 16 what I was going to be when I grew up I answered with no hesitation. "I wanna drive a truck". Somewhere between there and here I lost that idea or dream. Anyway, I have seen the posts about the big truck companies and their hiring and exploiting new drivers. My question is: if you guys and gals were able to start over, how would you change your entry into the trucking field? Are there good experiences you've had that you wouldn't change? Would you put yourself through school first and then find a job, or would you go through the national carriers and have them pay for your school and in turn sign a contract with them? What "good" companies are out there that would hire someone straight out of school and put them behind the wheel after the initial company training? Seems that every company site I have visited promise the world but there is nothing in writing. Just a few questions. Thanks for your time. Road Hard2003

Category: General