Newbie Questions

[GM man]

First got to say what a awesome website.
I am looking at going with a cargo van and drive for someone first.I live in kalamazoo michigan,4 miles north of I-94 halfway between Detroit and Chicago.Would this be a good home base?Have CDL-A no hazmat.Do all van drivers have hazmat endorsments?
I drove otr for 9 months till the co. went out of business.Normal run was grand rapids mi.to the west coast.Do van drivers go on long runs like that?Any information you can give me about companies out of mi.would be great.
Thank you
Tim

 

[Preacher]

Welcome GM Man! Glad to have ya on board. There are a bunch of van drivers on here that will be happy to give you good answers to your questions. I run a hotshot rig out of Oklahoma so I won't be much good to you, but you've come to the right place. Best to you.

 

[Crazynuff]

See the topic on hazmat in the general forum . You don't need it and don't want it . It's a lot of risk for no more money . Solos generally aren't given loads over 500 miles although you could get one load almost 500 miles west then deadhead 100 miles north , then another 400 west . It's unpredictable.

 

[Crazynuff]

With a CDL-A and your experience you could make top dollar if you bought a tractor . All the expediting companies are always looking for tractors .

 

[GM man]

Thanks guys,would really like to drive semi again.I thought after reading some of the expediting websites I would have to have at least 1 year otr or is 9 months close enough?
Thanks Again
Tim

 

[Broompilot]

Your in High Demand with that Class A, go ahead and add the HM even if you do not need it. You can drive team for anyone on here (almost) with that background and you could not hardly be in a better place to live for this industry. Stay out of a Van youll do much better in a D unit or E unit with a team. Doubt anyone will hire solo.