Best of luck to you David. Have you tried to find a local job hauling dump or water, even flats for a landscape company? It might not pay what OTR will but it's a start and will give you experience driving tractor trailer. Check around and see if there is a driver placement agency. There is one in Phoenix and Tucson called HDS. They also operate under the name DSW (Swift contractor) that will take a new driver. Usually they place him/her on a team with a seasoned driver. You might have one in town that will do the same.

Nannette is right, it's an insurance thing. Even companies like Swift and Gordon that are self insured are still underwritten by a reputable insurance carrier.

Steer clear of CR England and Stevens Transport (they will put you to school, demand a year of service then still charge you for a portion of the cost). Best bet is hooking up with Swift. Let them run you through their school and get a year in with them. At least you'll make money with them and get the experience to move on to a better company. If you can find an o/o that will do it, best of luck. My dad used to do that but he was also in the moving business so his "students" also learned what hard work was.

Check out the driver job service websites & see who else offers driver training. Schneider at one time would put you through their school but I don't know if they still do that.

You can get student loans to attend truck driving school, the Dept. of Education regards truck driver schools as a trade school and allows you a bit more freedom as to who to choose to work for. Company driving schools will demand a 1 year contract from date of graduation or you will be required to repay the cost, usually around $3500 to $5000.

How much wheel time you have? Gordon Trucking will take you with 6 months but you will have to go with a driver trainer for a month before you get your own ride. They have a yard there in Vegas and a terminal in Rancho Cucamonga, CA (Fontana/Ontario). Swift is okay for entry level drivers, they like to keep close tabs and a short leash on their drivers though. Most anyone will take you with a year or more experience.