Looking for advice on CDL Schools, and reputable companies in SE VA

OTR isn't a requirement right out of cdl school. Depending on where you live, local jobs may be available.
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For example, this company hires new cdl school grads from approved schools and has local, high paying jobs.
Eagle Transport Corporation | Locations

 

The best paying jobs, even for new cdl school grads, are refrigerated, flatbed, tankers.
Avoid dry van if possible because the weekly/annual pay will be much lower than the other three choices. The pay looks good on paper, but doesn't add up in the long run. I'll also tag another new driver to this @CatesCube

 

there's a ton of container companies, hauling out of the port.

 

Workforce Credential Grant - Virginia Career Works looks really good. Mostly community college programs. CDL training should be excellent.
While in CDL school, get all the endorsements which will give you many choices of trucking companies to choose from.

 

Swift has a terminal/school there in Richmond. Can't go wrong. Multiple divisions, etc.

 

Magnum Ltd. is OTR and hires in your area.
A little early to recommend companies, but you can at least start a list for future reference.
OTR HIRING AREA
We hire drivers that live within 150 miles of a regular customer. Our main lanes of freight are in the upper Midwest to/through Chicago to the southeast and east coast. We also have freight in the south including east Texas up to the pacific northwest. Our average run is right around 1,000 miles between pick-up and delivery. We have Peterbilt 579s and some Freightliner Cascadias, all within 4 years old, and pull 53-foot reefer trailers. We are continuously improving and growing our fleet. Being issued a brand new truck is a common perk at Magnum! Our drivers average 2,500 miles a week and are on the road for 2-3 weeks at a time, some out longer by choice.

 

I'm with you on Swift, but will take it a step further and add Swift Refrigerated.

 

Epes Transport takes recent grads from approved schools and has a terminal in Norfolk and Franklin and Chester and others

Jobs | EPES Transport System

 

Eagle Transport has a hiring freeze on right now, according to another Forum member.

Other fleets have greatly scaled back the hiring of new drivers.

It's a tough job market right now.

-- L