Geting Ready To Retire From Air Force And Start Driving

Hello everyone. Been a member here for a while now and just now getting set up for my career post military. By the time my retirement date rolls around next year I will have served over 22 1/2 years. After that much time in, I have learned to live out of a bag with the many TDYs and deployments I went on. I've been in a steady position for several years now and have not had to travel very much. I have come to the realization that I miss the traveling which is why this career is appealing to me.

I currently have a CDL-A but have the air brake restriction. I got while I was helping my father-in-law out moving equipment for his construction company using a 1-ton dually and a 32' gooseneck. There is a training school here in Abilene that I have been speaking with since I will have to do that to be marketable. This school has had several students that were picked up by some of the larger name companies.

I know that a career as driver is not all sunshine and rainbows. But then again, some of the places I've been to aren't so pleasant either. I have an amazing wife that supports me along with an extended family (parents and in-laws) that lives in the same town so I definitely have some back up on the home front.

I am leaning towards flatbedding as I would like to do something more physical. The years driving a desk have added more than a couple of pounds to the frame. That and there is some guy on here selling some sort of flatbed crack.

One of the first companies I looked into was TMC. I read the blog someone on here wrote about their training and have looked at every You Tube video I can find about them. They seem like a top notch company with well maintained equipment. I am leaning heavily towards them at the moment but am still looking for information on some other companies.

McElroy Truck lines has a terminal a few hours away from me in Ennis TX and it looks like they have a fleet that runs the southwest. Again, looks like well maintained equipment, say they will get you home on weekends and I can't find any negative reviews that carry any weight. I say that because every company I search for leads me to that OTHER site that everyone here warns us about. If someone had constructive negative comments that laid out specifics, maybe there would be something to listen to. Seem like all the negative comments are laced with profanity, nothing concrete to warn someone off and turns into everyone chiming in about how company X screwed over his buddy Jim-Bob. Never anything specific. Someone even posted on one of those threads that they wish they would get the WHOLE story for a change. Surprisingly enough most of the reviews were wait for it...positive.

Cypress Truck Lines is another I'm looking at. They have a terminal here in Abilene and run regional so there is the opportunity to make it home some weekends. I have seen some of the equipment they have in the yard here and while some looks a little worse for wear, they do have some newer ProStars and Peterbilts coming in and out.

If anyone has any information about these companies, please pass it along. I do plan on stopping by one of the 2 truck stops here in town to see if I can find some drivers to talk to so I can get their views. As I get closer to my last day I will be speaking with recruiters to find out what they have to say about their respective companies.

I have also read Brett's book, the career guide and just about every blog or article on this site. So I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of what to expect. I also went through some of the High Road training when my dad was studying for his HAZMAT (he's a truck mechanic and does some driving for the construction company he's with from time to time). From what I've seen, that may be the best study program ever. I wish I had something like that for some of our Airmen that are studying for their career development courses (they are books that have information about their jobs, different airframes and such that they are tested on). Failure there is a very big deal. There is commercial software available but it doesn't hold a candle to the High Road program.

Well, sorry for the novel. Just wanted to introduce my self and do my due diligence in getting all the info I can so I can choose the company that fits my family and I best.

Thanks,

Greg

Hello Greg. and thanks for your service sir!

I'm familiar with all three of the companies you mentioned and have spoken with drivers from all of them. I think you've already found three good choices.

I am leaning towards flatbedding as I would like to do something more physical. The years driving a desk have added more than a couple of pounds to the frame. That and there is some guy on here selling some sort of flatbed crack. smile.gif

I hope you won't hold it against me like Winetaster does - I'm really not trying to sell anything, I just enjoy what I do, and I guess it shows. Flat-bedding involves work, and for some folks that's a deal breaker. It will help keep you in shape. If you are sick and tired of life behind a desk, it may be just what the doctor ordered.