Profile For William W.

Hey Jim,

Like yourself, I am 57, prior navy (aircrew), and am leaving the ministry. It's time for me to start the process of fulfilling a dream I've had since I was a kid, drive a big rig. I, however, hope to go to a company sponsored cdl school if I can pass the medical part...nothing seriously wrong just arthroscopic shoulder surgery last year. The only problem there is it can take the VA 3 weeks to get the required paperwork filled out and back to me. I haven't decided on a company completely but am leaning towards Roehl Transport. They were the first to send me a pre-hire letter.

Blessings Bill

I have been thinking about Prime as well and have actually started the paperwork process. I DO have sleep apnea (I'm 6'3" and 250 lbs) but use a CPAP machine everynight and that takes care of the problem. Would they accept a letter from my doctor saying a study was done and I am fine now with the machine? Maybe that's a question only the recruiter can answer...

I appreciate all of the input here as I have just started looking at schools and companies that offer their own training program. I visited two schools today and they were $5010.00 and $6045.00 respectively. Part of the problem is I have very few companies to choose from that offer training as I live in Maine. There are a couple however. I am currently employed so I can afford to take my time. (Mid-life crisis and looking for a career change) Still, laying out that kind of money while trucking company schools are between $3,000.00 and $4,000.00 (and you can work it off) is difficult. I guess I am leaning towards a company school. Why should I use my money when I can “use theirs”… unless I quit early.

I am looking at going to school in May/June. So I guess my question is, is it too early to start looking? I am working on my passport and started studying for my permit. By the way, I love the training materials on this site.

Again, I appreciate any constructive advice I can get!