I am going to make the jump to driving soon and was hoping to get advice from all you crusty drivers that have learned the hard way before I have to! LOL! I am wondering which companies would be best if I pay for my own school? CPM is important but so is home time. I was also wondering if there is any call for a driver with a government security clearance? What driving schools are best in the Melbourne, FL area? My background follows if it helps tailor your advice: I do not have any tractor trailer experience but drove large firewood and beer delivery trucks in my youth. I am currently working in a government contract job supporting military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and field sites and have only been home about 4 months out of the last 24 months. I am 37 years old, married with two boys age 11 & 14. I am planning on moving to Florida around the Melbourne area for the climate and the great schools for my kids. My wife has a degree and will be working to help make ends meet but we have saved up a little money to make the transition. I really like driving and I have very thick skin after over 10 years active duty military and 7 years as a government contractor so I can deal with the BS and keep a good attitude usually :). I will take a pay cut to drive but although money is important, my sanity/hapiness in my current situation pushes me to take this path in my life. I have only had 3 jobs in 18 years so I have a good work record. I have no legal trouble in my past and I have not had any type of traffic violation in at least 5 years and before that just simple stuff (speeding, parking). I would like to find a stable company with decent pay that treats their drivers like human beings. I will be moving to Melbourne, FL before the kids start school in August. I am hoping I can learn from your mistakes well before I make my own. Thank you all in advance for any much needed advice you can give! Dan