Route-Rock is right on the money. Depending on who you go to work for, you may have to chase a job for the first several years before working near home.
I work for BNSF. Hired out of Arkansas City, KS. Cant hold. Through the use of system wide seniority, I now work in Winslow, AZ. Go out every 12 to 24 hours when I'm home. Usually about 15 1/2 to 24 hours off at the away from home terminal. Couple this to the usual 10 - 14 hour days and you could be away from home a lot.
Yard work is stable hours and days off. However the pay is a fraction of road work. Locals offer a little more stability and pay but they can be hard to hold.
Go to a hiring seminar with the carrier of your choice. Ask questions, lots of questions. Generally they will be honest with you about the working conditions. Beware however, they work for the company.