I am working towards getting my cdl class a with hazmat and tanker endorsements. I will be done beginning of march.
study hard, and do not wait for a truck at the school to become empty for your time in it...see one with no student...?? jump in and practice.
When should I begin to put in applications?
as soon as you can, send them out, you may or may not receive any "pre-hire letters" from any of them, but it's a start.
Any ideas on good companies?
you will hear the term.."Mega-Carriers"....those companies are Schneider, Swift, Werner, TMC, Roehl, to name a few, they are pretty much the ones that hire right out of school, but the working conditions can suck at times, so you just "do your time" for about 6 months to 1 year, then look for a better job.
My ultimate goal down the road is to haul gas or liquid asphalt or even crude oil.
those jobs are "typically" more of a local type, in your area. you can get a job at such places, but you NEED road time.
Does anyone know the best route for me to take? I'm in Mississippi btw
as mentioned, study, practice, apply for OTR, do your time for "up to" 1 year, stay accident, ticket free, and it should work out for you.
best of luck to you.