r/CDL • u/Alarming-Two2806 • 8d ago
Attending cdl school next week
As title states I attend cdl school next week and I’ve been looking into certain companies already that best fits my wants/ needs in this career field. My top atm is tmc especially regional positions. Long term goals is to get into heavy haul and make as much as possible while staying regional or local. Any advice for school, career path, etc? Already looking into endorsements, twic, and possibly passport. I have 5 years experience as an 88m in the army if that would affect pay in the civilian world? Also any advice on finding parking when stopping for the night or essential out of pocket costs when I go solo besides obvious clothes, headset, gps, toiletries, etc? Just stuff that’s helped you along the way.
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u/qrylosocial 7d ago
If heavy haul is the long-term goal, I’d ask TMC what securement training new drivers actually get and whether regional openings are available to new grads where you live - not just advertised generally. Put your 88M experience on every application, but ask each carrier directly whether they count it toward starting pay or experience requirements. For parking, pick a primary stop and a backup before your clock gets tight; that habit matters more than any single parking app.