Hi, I found this site while I was attempting to research the best way to become a dump truck driver. I have not been very successful in my research.

I live in NH. I would prefer to get on with a company that would help me to get my CDL, rather than to pay for it by myself. Is this even possible? How do I find out about job postings? None of the major sites, or even the local JobsInNH.com are particularly helpful.

I am 22, I graduated in May 07 with a Bachelor's in Computer Info Systems, and then decided (of course after wasting $12,000) that I have no interest in being confined in an office for the rest of my life. I have always loved construction, as a little girl I always got excited when I saw construction sites, and would rather play with Tonkas than Barbies. I am fascinated by those shows on TV that show the huge quarry dump trucks.

I am not willing to relocate, and I would like to drive within the state (or at least return home every night...no overnights). Ideally, I would run back and forth delivering sand, gravel, dirt etc (or removing it from site). Is that a possibility?

Which CDL is right for me? I was told B is adequate. I am not particularly interested in tractor trailers. If you go for an A, does it cover B as well? Is it worth just getting the best one so you are covered for anything?

What do you call the tradition dump truck (one that isn't a cab/trailer combo)?

Also, what is included in the medical exam for your CDL?

Sorry for all the questions. I have just not had any success finding answers on my own! I appreciate any advice that you can give me! I really want to start moving my career ahead.

Welcome aboard.

You won't likely find a dump trucking outfit willing to do this, unless you work for them in some other regard. I would suggest you call around to private driving schools. Some of them have trucks.

Once you do that, start calling construction companies and quarries.

Cant blame you for that.

Yes it is.

Well, since you said you have no interest in tractor-trailering, there's little sense in bothering with that.

The configuration you speak of, is called a "straight truck".

This consists of a drug test, eye test, hearing test, hernia test (for guys anyway), blood pressure test... I think that's all.

No biggie. That's what we're here for.

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Z-Lady's devoted hubby.

Thanks!

You can check NETTS(new england tractor trailer school) the said the class B straight truck course is 80 hrs. They cost alot for a 2wk course. Also check the colleges and trade schools the may offer the course. Class B license will keep you mainly local, constructon co, dairy co, school buses. Ps School Bus co will train you for your class B license for part time work. This could be an option to get your license and experience. Its one of the options I'm considering as well as going to NETTS or NationWide for Class A or B. I might do Class B on my own and then look into class A. Best of Luck Fellow New Englander

If I were you I'd go around to the construction sites or businesses and apply for a job using your degree. The larger companies do all their planning and estimating with programs and it wouldn't be hard at all to learn the business. Then you can transfer over to a dump if you like but the money is in planning the jobs. I've done both in the Navy Seabees and I found it fun to plan everything down to a knats ### and know where every dime is being spent. But then I had to go do the job too. It's something you might want to look into and that job will get you out in the field once in awhile too.

I am not really concerned about the money, as long as I make enough to live, I am fine. I feel it is much more important to enjoy my work than to make a ton of money. I really don't want to be stuck in an office, I wanna be out on the road, in a truck, and in heavy equipment.

But thanks for your advice!

Thanks, yeah I was considering the whole school bus thing. I know I would have to sign a contact for some amount of time, but it would be a good way to get some experience. But don't I have to get some other sort of endorsement besides passenger to drive a dump truck?

I'll look into NETTS... I do know a couple colleges offer Class A in NH.

A lot of dumps will want exp. They can be loaded as heavy as a big truck. They off road on unlevel ground. They flip easy. There is a lot to running a dump. Might not be as easy to get on with someone as you think with no exp. I would call around and see what local companies tell you.

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My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!

For School Bus You Would Take The School Bus Saftey Class And Passenger Endorsment, But The Company Will Send You For That. As Far As Dump All You Need Is Class B Id Also Get Tanker Because Of The Water Trucks Construction Co Use.

[quote=jeepgirl0385;277111]I am not really concerned about the money, as long as I make enough to live, I am fine. I feel it is much more important to enjoy my work than to make a ton of money. I really don't want to be stuck in an office, I wanna be out on the road, in a truck, and in heavy equipment.

If that's the case then you might want to look at heavy equipment school instead of truck driving school. I've run both construction equipment and drove trucks and I'd rather be on a dozer than anything else. It's just the money wasn't there. Sure you can make $35 an hour but the jobs don't last all year long. You can do a search on the net to find a school. Have you thought about the military? I can only speak for the Seabees but they do every type of construction there is. I was qualified on all the equipment except a crane and I could have done that but I passed it up for something else. Well I thought if you wanted to be outside!!!!