Profile For Mark B.

Thank you very much Dennis. This does help. At this point I am resolved that I will have to get into my savings at least during training. Good point, I am sure I can make it back! Good luck to you! You are well on your way!

Mark

Hello, Let me introduce myself. My name is Mark Blanchard and I live in the small town of Poland Maine (home of Poland Spring water). I am currently debating with myself whether or not to get into CDL driving. My background includes 10 plus years as a non-CDL delivery driver for UPS.I have also worked many years in shipping/receiving and I believe I have a pretty good grasp on what a CDL driving position entails. I currently work on the road as a repair tech for a vending company. While I actually enjoy the job and really like the owners and co-workers, the job just does not pay me what I am use to making. I am looking at CDL driving because as I look for jobs that I qualify for it seems CDL driving pays the most. I will turn 60 in October and retirement is finally within my sights. I would love to cash in on these (hopefully) final ten years. I am very confident that I can past the required tests and exams. I am in better physical condition then most men half my age so I feel I can handle the physical part of the job. So what's my hang up? Finances of course. I have a life. It includes a home, a car, credit cards, etc, etc. Based on my research which includes this website it does not seem like many, if any, companies pay very well during training. While in training I will still have to pay my bills. So, finally, my question is are there other financial resources available to drivers during training? I have seen training pay as low as $400/wk to as high as only $600/wk. After taxes that is not much in my situation. I do have savings and I could dip into my 401k but I would prefer not to. Any information and help is greatly appreciated. Even if it is I will just have to suck it up for a while. Eventually, I know I will catch up and then surpass this situation. I have more questions of course but I will leave it here for now. Thanks for listening and be safe!

Mark Blanchard