Any advice?

Nothing wrong with going through a company. Thousands do that every year with success. Remember, you're not the boss, the trucking company is.

 

If that's what you want, then go for it.
Different avenues to reach a goal; do what's best for you.

 

Who are the best CDL companies to start off with?

In the current, dismal CDL job market -- the carriers that will actually hire (& properly train) you -- that's who!!!

For the foreseeable future -- forget about being choosey. It's an employer's job market.

Very few carriers are hiring & training brand new CDL holders -- compared to say, 2 years ago.

Also: given the current slow job market -- don't expect to make a lot of money your first year or so as a new driver.

Driver pay is based primarily on EXPERIENCE; as a new driver, think of your first CDL job as basically an apprenticeship.

-- L

 

Here's a real find: stick with these people long enough, & you could work your way into much better pay -- & heavy haul/step deck/oversized loads:

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=f40bc70a8067bfe0

-- L

 

What do you think about this list.
You've had this list for awhile.
Cdl permit trying to find school or company.

 

Lucky for you!

Sage Truck Driving School right in your area.

Best of the best so stop your search!

If you have lived in SC for two years then you will qualify for in-state tuition..Typically around $5,300?

Skip the company sponsored training..barf!

Honestly Sage is the cream of the crop..being as close as you are you would be an absolute idiot to go anywhere else.

I went to their school in Fort Pierce, FL.
If you enroll there and have any questions along the way you can just PM me if you want.. I’m in Columbia quite often at the Petro.

CDL Training - Columbia, SC Near you! | Sage Truck Driving School

 

There shouldn’t even be any #2

You will get 8 hours per maneuver solo to practice. You will also get 48? Hours of road driving one on one with an instructor. You definitely won’t get that anywhere else.

Course lasts 4-5 weeks and if you don’t pass the first time they won’t abandon you. I think you get 2 shots before they start charging a small fee for every test after.