I've developed a number of questions since I started reading about trucking but this one is the most crucial.

A bit of background: I'm turning 21 next month. I've been going to college, but struggling. I believe I need a change in lifestyle. Joining the military is an option, but I'm not sure I'm willing for a four-year commitment. Driving a truck has always appealed to me, I greatly enjoy solitude, and being paid to listen to music all day and travel all over the country certainly has its pull. I've been single for a while, no kids or anything, no major bills or expenses.

However I'm not about to drop out and dive into a strange new industry without doing my research, or spend money on getting my CDL only to end up jobless. My driving record is clean - one verbal warning for speeding three or four years ago, a warning for not having a plate on the front of my car, and that's it. Never had any legal trouble either. Don't do drugs.

But will anybody hire me? I don't mind working for peanuts at first if it means getting OTR experience. My age is the one factor that I see getting in the way. What do you think?

EDIT: Note that if I do decide to pursue my CDL and a trucking job, it won't be til this summer. I know there's a lot of pessimism on this board about job availability and the economy, and that this will also affect my chances of getting a job, but it's hard to say where the economy will be in seven or eight months and I'd like to avoid too much focus on that.

first things first finish college that way you can get another job (that pays better) if trucking doesn't work out.

If I were you I would go to the dmv asap take the written test for your permit then find a o/o that will show you the ropes and let you drive his truck and use it for the dmv driving test. Once you get your cdl I would talk to local operations (like dump, concrete mixers etc...) and get a job that way. Then you can do trucking part time, gain experience and get your degree also.

Trucking is not at all the glamorous lifestyle that is promoted......

You're young....stay in school get your degree...

You didn't state what your major is in your post.......

But no matter...with a degree you are "Trainable".......Keep your sights towards your degree.....

Trucking is a lifestyle...not just a career....

In my case.....I'm a solo O/O.......
I have to deal with long hours away from home and family......

Many times....I park in BFE for the night with only the stars for company.......
Many of my loads take me to places where cell services are non-existent......
Many times I'm also wrenching on a rig on the side of the road.....
I have the best "Corner Office" in the world...but then reality hits when I drop....

Stay in school...get your degree.....If you find yourself still desiring life on the road...at least you'll be an educated driver.....

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A Patriot's Dream Come True.......Beauty, Brains, And Conservative......

Obama and Company: Step aside and let the adults take Charge.......Playtime is over.....

Stay in School if at all possible, none of the trucking hipe is true, or join the military and GET THEM TO PAY FOR SCHOOL. Questions? Read last part of last statement again.