Howdy all

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by APCP, Sep 20, 2013.

  1. APCP

    APCP Bobtail Member

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    Sep 20, 2013
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    First time post, I have a class B license and have been moving extruded aluminum around Southern California with a 26' flatbed for the last ten years, today I was informed that my position would be changed to 30 hours after the first of the the year. My question is how much of a jump would it be to step up to an A? I have a spotless driving record and have never had any problems putting in the hours, my only concern is that I'm 51 and hoping that isn't too late to switch. Thanks in advance for any advice.
     
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  3. Northtown

    Northtown Bobtail Member

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    From what I have heard in reading these posts....It's never too late. I'm in my late 40's and am starting a (new) second career. Good luck with your decisions.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Many, many people on this forum are changing careers to trucking, in their 60's. In this economy, it's about the only recourse for a good paying full time job. Be careful shopping for that new trucking job though so you don't earn poverty wages. A good flatbed or tanker company and you will be OK.
     
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  5. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    You already have the basics down. Driving a large vehicle, dealing with shippers/consignees, tying down loads. You just need to "graduate" up to a truck/trailer combo.
     
  6. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Sounds to me like you are an ideal candidate to step up to Class A. Once you get the mechanics of backing and shifting down your experience will be a great asset to any company.

    As for your age, don't sweat that AT ALL. There are LOT'S of us that are either getting back into trucking or getting into trucking for the first time that have a few more years than you do.

    Get ALL the endorsements when you get your Class A. The more endorsements you have, the wider the range of choices you will have for companies to hire you. I'd be surprised if you aren't hired or prehired within days of getting your Class A.
     
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  7. APCP

    APCP Bobtail Member

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    Sep 20, 2013
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    Thanks for the encouragement everyone I'm going to check out some schools, I will probably do weekends, I have already been going over the practice tests which are really helpful.
     
  8. FSU

    FSU Light Load Member

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    Sep 17, 2013
    Tallahassee, FL
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    Just please, do not commit to a company when you do make the switch. More doors are open if you get the training and CDL A on your own. Do not get suckered into these scams that many of today's drivers are falling for. BTW, your age is good. I have had recruiters tell me that people in that age range are often the best employees because they aren't all naive and lacking of common sense. You still have many good years ahead of you!
     
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  9. o/otony

    o/otony Light Load Member

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    Dec 25, 2012
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    All you have to do is test on a class a vehicle.
     
  10. luvtotruck

    luvtotruck Road Train Member

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    Phoenix Arizona
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    You age is fine, The compsny you are working for is getting hit like everyone else with the Obama Healthcare bill and so instead of paying it they are making the positions P.T So if you go to a school then you can certainly get on where you want, basically without the training at a company and then you owing them the time to pay back the training, Be sure to find an Accredited School the companies that you ask will give you a school in your area that you can go to, I may also add that when you get on with a company that you stay with them for at least a year, you can certainly move on after that but you don't want to be a job jumper in this industry, Only reason to leave in your first year is if the checks don't clear the bank. But with your longevity where you are you know to stick it out, there is a wealth of information here, I highly suggest you figure out what type of truck you want to drive, There are some specialty trucks that they won't let you till you have a few years of experience. But other then that have fun reading up on all of this information here!!
     
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  11. APCP

    APCP Bobtail Member

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    Sep 20, 2013
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    Thanks a lot for that, all I know is that after 10 years I don't want to do flatbeds anymore.
     
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