So I'm about to turn 18 and I would like some feedback on what to do next. I already know I want to get into trucking. My problem is if I go to a CDL school when I turn 18, I don't know what kind of jobs I'd be able to get. I know I wouldn't be able to drive out of state but I figured I could get some experience before I turn 21. I could either drive a straight truck or try to drive a tractor trailer with a nearby dairy company. But I'd have to pay out of pocket to get the CDL since there would be no tuition reimbursement.
The other option would be to get a job as a school bus driver and have them train me to get a CDL and work with them until I'm 21.
I know the school bus option seems like the better choice but I want to get into truck driving as soon as I can.
Advice on what to do
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Randy0980, Aug 28, 2016.
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You're right; use the school bus option as a last resort, but it's better than nothing.
As for cdl school, go to one that offers 160 hr. course. Don't need anything longer than that.
Some household goods movers can use you as a drivers helper, but when you cross state line you have to sit in the passenger seat.
Google : household goods movers (your city)
Some other drivers on here will have some good suggestions also. Try the dairy company also.Randy0980 Thanks this. -
Chinatown always has good advice! I would add that working out of Quakertown, most big truck cos. are running out of state to NJ, NY etc.
I do know that there is help in PA for unemployed folks to receive CDL training. Maybe there are programs for HS or Tech School students. If you could get in on that deal it would save you a lot of cash.
There's nothing wrong with working a local box truck for just a few years to get your feet wet. The glory days of life on the road are over. If you run the NE in a big truck it's a tough job everyday with traffic and crazies. Ease into this career and see how you feel over time.Randy0980 Thanks this. -
Working locally is great practice, you get to backup lots, so by the time you are ready for the big road you'll have more skill and confidence.
Use to be no one would put us on the highway until we had at least two years experience on smaller trucks. -
Go be a truck driver (88M MOS) in the Army for three years. You'll get lots of preventative maintenance and driving experience. When you get out you'll be 21 years old and ready for interstate driving. And, you can then use your GI bill to pay for up to date 160 hour CDL course. You will probably have to train with a company for a few weeks, but you will be well on your way to becoming a professional truck driver. This may not work for everybody, but it did work for me.
Last edited: Aug 28, 2016
Numb Thanks this. -
I drove a truck around Europe for five and a half years, very good experience.
I believe some states will let veterans convert a military license to a CDL without the schooling.bayoustate Thanks this. -
Be a truck driver in the US Navy SeaBees. One of my sons did just that. After discharge went right to work for Matlack "Pipeline on Wheels", pulling hazmat/tankers OTR then went to some reefer outfit hauling seafood from Florida to California, back and forth.
Last edited: Aug 28, 2016
bayoustate Thanks this. -
At 18 I wasn't able to do interstate alone, so I went with a bedbugger.
They get tired of having to hire laborers Everytime they load and unload.
I had a blast, made good money, and got experience.
When i turned 21 I went out alone. -
Rusty Trawler Thanks this.
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