I am married to a long haul, random route, over-a-million-miles-accident-free driver. He said right off how's your drving record? He also said that while you'll be able to get a CDL (commercial drivers license) you won't ever qualify for what's called a haz mat (hazardous materials) endorsement because of the background checks the Homeland Securities Act now requires. Soooooo, he advises several things. Get to a truck stop and pick up the magazines there - they are loaded with ads. Start calling around to see if you can find a company that 1) will take you without a haz mat endorsement and 2) will provide for or pay for the schooling necessary to gain your CDL like-- Werner, Snyder International or CR England or maybe JB Hunt (not sure if they still do but they used to). Just go down the list calling and asking those two questions until you hit paydirt.

Everyone makes mistakes -- what's important is what is learned from them. I hope that helps!