Unpaid time off?

I don't know of any companies that will tolerate that much time off. Most will have you resign, then re-apply when you're ready to return to work.
Your best bet is to work for a temp service that hires cdl drivers, then you choose when you want to work and can take as much time off as you want. When you are ready to return to work, you simply contact the temp service and say, "OK, I'm ready to hit the road now; what's available for me?" At that point, they will give you choices of what's available.

 

I wouldn't work for anybody who's got a problem with how much time you take off on your own dime.

 

Give company notice and they will either deal with it or say no at which point you find another job while you are off.
I've taken 5 periods of 3 months plus medical related the last 20 years and return to my job as senior line haul each time.
As far as getting paid, I do get paid whether its short or longterm disability or vacation pay, some won't get a dime. We have a "leave of absence" option we can use for extended non payed leaves. All depends on your employer.
I'll add, currently its slow for whatever reason and at this time asking for time off is greeted with a "HELL YA" Moose season coming up nobody is ever denied a week off at that time as end of October is not exactly prime vacationing weather.

 

most companies give an otr driver 1 day off for every 6 days off so if you're out a month 4 weeks 4 days off ..... depending on where you live you can get drive by and take at least a 10 hr break at home or any extra time at home I did that a lot when I first started but live in Ohio so that's easy if you live in Florida or California that isn't an option . I usually had to ask for it depending where I was at in Midwest ask for something east ect ... you can get good at this and your company may never know what you are doing then still get your regular time off ..... I am an owner operator now and I will take a 250 mile trip out and a 500 trip back 250 miles the other way from my house taking a 10 hr or more break at home I can park my truck and trailer in my driveway and that makes a big difference I pick my own loads now so it's easy ..... you can't start out that way but you can get there in a couple of years by learning as much as you can . about the only thing you can learn from a mega carrier is that you don't want to work there but sometimes it is about the only option open to get started just stick it out get a year in and move on . with the driver shortage companies are a little lenient on time off but they may put you on the sheet list and give you the garbage loads even with the dumbest ### companies there are drivers that make money it's up to you to find out how

 

Companies understand on time off. They have their offers up front.
When they say, for instance; Take home time every 3 to 5 weeks. Forget how much. But that much time working is what they want minimal.
My company let’s them take a week each month if they want. Some do.
I’m about to take a week off after three months working. My boss really likes me. Makes it easy for him. I plan on two weeks in January. Partly because we’re not busy then. Partly? I don’t know? Might go fishing in Cabo for a few days? Either way. Don’t feel like sitting around in January.
I think home time is less of an issue than you might wonder about.

 

What about a CDL school somewhat close to you that offers weekend classes? That is what I did back years ago. Worked my M-F job, Friday night I'd be at the hotel near the School. School was done on Sunday I'd drive back home ready for work Monday. It sucks sometimes, and takes longer to complete the school, but you still have a job while deciding on a Trucking company.

 

To much times off and the truck isn't earning. The last job I had I got one week of paid vAc after the first year. I took unpaid time off to do some family things. It was no problem. Didn't abuse it and I was a good employee. Do it every month and be a jackwad you might be an exemployee.

 

The last company I drove for was a real pain about taking off. My Mom pasted away in April of 2017. She lived in FL. I live in GA. So, I had to take a few days off for that. I told them I need to take a week off in June to handle cleaning out her condo. Then I told them I would another week in late July to finish cleaning out the condo, and getting it ready to be sold.

They give me the whole "well ok but this is the last time". It was all I could do to not destroy the bosses office. Needless to say I don't work for those jack holes anymore.

 

Some companies the biggest problem is DISPATCH is too frigging lazy to work around a person requiring time off.
If that’s the case just call in sick, beer in hand and feet in the sand, they’ll figure it out
I always give company a heads up, that is one good thing about Megas is they have plenty of bodies