Dale;
Only you know about your medical/meds condition, so I will only speak to the driving. I am not an professional driver, even though I have my CDLs.
However; I would like to tell you some of what I have learned from my son, who has driven OTR (over-the-road) for the past 16-18 years. He has over 3 million miles without a chargeable accident.
First off, do not pay some "professional driving school" for your classes..they are just doing minimum to get your $$$.
Many of the big companies have their own schools and tend to train (IMO) a bit better, simply because you will be driving THEIR truck on THEIR insurance.
There is a charge for the school, but as I recall, if you stay for a full year..somehow the charge is waved, if you leave early, you pay back.
My son started with a large company, used to be "Victory Express", later "US Express" you can see their trucks on the road.
He us no longer with that company, since he has moved on to more qualifications in hazmat, and runs hazmat now. He has about 4 or 5 different, scheduled routes,
running to places like Houston , Montreal, S Carolina, Winepeg, Manitoba, Sioux st Marie and many points between. Don't know for sure how much he makes, but believe it ranges from $1,000 to $1,600, depending upon his route that week.
Yes; you MUST have a solid, trusting family setup..or you may not keep a family ! Yes, it does become a drag sometimes !
Most of the "big guys" keep pretty decent trucks, with decent seats..some offer fringes like XM or Sirius radio, an important thing for OTR drivers.
They don't offer these things just out of the "good of their hearts"..no, there is competition out there for the good drivers.
Some couples, who are set up for it..no little children etc. both get their CDLs and "team drive"..and some of them retire in just a few years. Most trucks have "condo" cabs, 2 bunks, cupboards, closets and places to store your coffee maker, microwave and other utensils.
Others, often used by husband/wife teams are larger and are more like small RV campers than truck cabs and contain more creature comforts..
There are some interesting facets to the job..I have ridden with him on some of his longer (as well as shorter) runs. You will find that the OTR drivers live in an entirely
different culture than the other people using the interstates; their own customs, language etc.
You only live maybe 70 miles south of me & my son, but if you drive OTR, your route may well take you to the "sunny south" fairly often. Sometimes he will call me and rub it in as to how he's basking on some beach, while I am freezing...LOL
Dale; take a short drive to your nearest truckstop, such a Flying J, Pilot or TA (truckstops of America)..in the entrances you will find free magazines, put there by the
trucking industry...lots of info about the various companies, their training, and what they have to offer.
Perhaps you will want to get your CDL from one of the "big guys", work your mandatory year and then get a job nearer home. Who knows, perhaps after you have driven a while you may just find a place you would like to make your new home..anything is possible.
Dale; don't even consider getting your own truck until you have some time in the industry..even then , I wouldn't do it ! With the company truck, if you blow a tire, transmission or engine..that's the company's problem, if the fuel jumps by $.50 per gallon, that's the company's problem, if you are held over till next morning for a load, that's the company's problem. Again, with your own truck you will usually be hauling as an owner/operator for some large trucking firm..if times get a bit tough, will they give you your fair share of work..or will most loads go on their own trucks ?
There are benefits, but there are also drawbacks, if you get a chance..while you're at the truck stop, strike up a conversation with a trucker. Remember though, there is sometimes a bonus if they recruit someone new...but that is usually just for recruiting a current driver..
Someone said their friend got busted for powdered candy or asprin which "looked" like cocaine..I don't understand that ! The driver should have demanded a test !
Almost invariably he will get a test without asking, the cop doesn't want to go to court with a "looks like' powder..he will insist on a test of the powder and the driver, just to bolster his case..