I need help obtaining CDL/Getting Trucking Job?

This is the absolute worst time to be a otr driver since I started driving in 1996. You will be spending alot of time sitting around with little or nothing to do, and it own't be at home.
 
most of the national companies will train you while you work there docks for free.

My BIL did this through Con Way several years ago.
If I was getting into the trucking business they are the only ones I would want to drive for. Excellent starting pay, 100% paid benefits for drivers spouses and kids, guarantee home every night (longest runs are 4 hour turn arounds), hourly and mileage pay, any time you are stopped (traffic etc.) your auto switch to hourly until the trck is rolling again.

IIRC he made 15.50 hour starting and while he was in school (yes he was paid while in free driver school) with the only caveat that if he left less than a year later he had to repay a very small amount (like $900 again IIRC)
 
When Chris went to work for Coca Cola, they hired him on the contingency that he would pass the driving test. They trained him with a class A CDL and paid for everything but the DMV fees. He used a Coke truck to take the test up in Hickory somewhere. This has been about 7 yrs ago, dunno if they still operate the same way or if the other soft drink companies do the same.

Just a thought, another option for you to get a CDL. (He went ahead and took the CDL A test rather than B so if he left he could drive something else. )
 
Most companies won't deal with you until you're 23.

You really really really need to have a good driving record. A DUI conviction = slim to no chances of a job.

No wreckless driving.

Too many moving violations in a short amount of time is a bad thing.
 
rbo1577186 said:
Most companies won't deal with you until you're 23.
You really really really need to have a good driving record. A DUI conviction = slim to no chances of a job.
No wreckless driving.
Too many moving violations in a short amount of time is a bad thing.
Click to expand...
ooooh also forgot that part.
With conway, they will actually start training you 3 months before your 21st and let you take your test on your 21st bday....
 
i got my cdl when i worked for southeastern frieght as a mechanic. i had to do all the main arrangements myself because i was a mechanic not a driver trainee. you don't have to work for a company or take driver training school. this is what you do.
1. go to your local dmv office and request a cdl book. it is free.
2. read the damn book. i repeat read the damn book. i thought i was the man because i had been to school to be a truck technican and had worked on then for a few years so i thought i knew everything. i ended up failing the general knowledge test the first time.
3.go to your doctor and get your DOT phyiscal. it costs like $95. you will have to get this again every two years.
4. after you read and study the book, go take the test. it is then you have to decide what type of license you will get (class b-straight truck, class a-multi piece vehicle aka tractor trailer) and what endorsments you want. you have to pay the fee for getting your permit and for each additional endorsment.
(note: if you get hazardous materials endorsment you will have to register with government and get fingerprinted. im not making this up)
4. after you pass that you will get a cdl permit. this means you can drive a truck with any cdl licensed person.
5. now here is the tricky part. you have a good friend with a cdl and a truck? if not you need to find one. with your licensed freind and his truck you will need to drive to the dmv. i had to schedule an appointment for mine. then you will back a trailer through and obstacle course and ride with the dmv officer on the road. DO EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK. you will also have to pass a pre-trip inspection test. this is pretty much point and identify different parts on the truck.-once agian reference book.
6. after that they give you a cdl (if you pass obviously) and you will be driving:driver:
this all works if you already know how to drive a truck. if you have access to a truck you should practice before you do your driving test. if you have any questions let me know.
 
rockmafia said:
This is the absolute worst time to be a otr driver since I started driving in 1996. You will be spending alot of time sitting around with little or nothing to do, and it own't be at home.
Click to expand...

There was an artile on NPR about this a few weeks ago, they were saying there currently are waaaaay more drivers available than there is need, alot of folks sitting around waiting for work, and when they get runs, the pay rate is not good, barely breaking even.

Now doing local/regional runs, like Conway as ron was suggesting, may be different if it's a fulltime contracted time of position.

I just wonder if this is a practical career to be starting out at this time...?
 
well, DHL is shutting down (atleast to international only) and UPS is cutting back drivers.....someone has to be hauling the boxes.
 
BigRedB2 said:
well, DHL is shutting down (atleast to international only) and UPS is cutting back drivers.....someone has to be hauling the boxes.
Click to expand...

...psssst... they're cutting back b/c there aren't as many packages to haul....
 
Driving

There are jobs for "GOOD" drivers. I drive more than I want and don't sit anywhere, other than doing a 34 hour reset.

The problem you will have is getting someone to take a chance with a new driver. Most companys are not willing to pay the insurance premiums. Go to one of the bigger companys that offer a training/hire program. They train you, test you, DMV issues your CDL, put you with a trainer for about six weeks and put you on your own. You usually have to agree to drive for the company for a few years.

The down side to driving is you will not have time for anything else. Time to "wheel" for instance will be almost non existant.
 
PM JPScout. He just went through less than a year ago so he is up to speed.
 
Just bring me $135,000 and I will teach you how to drive and help you get your CDL and you will have your own truck and 2 trailers and all the head aches of the trucking world.:driver::wheel:
 
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