In need of some advice - 19 y/o looking for local trucking jobs

Here's the story:

Im 19 and i have my class A with air brakes and my tanker endorsement.
I work at a local scrap company and Ive been driving now for 4 months. We use tractor-trailers and roll-off trucks. I love my job. I've always wanted to be a truck driver since my dad worked at con-way freight my whole life.

Im currently getting around 45 hours a week at my job, but it's only paying $12/hour, which seems kinda low to me, but it's a job. Thing is, i need more money. I've started a family early in life. But with my age, i can't drive out of state. Ive been looking for a yard jockey job, but there aren't too many right now, and most things in the paper ask for you to be atleast 21.

Any advice on some other jobs to look for or type of companies to look for? I wanna stay in a tractor trailer so i can keep the experience for when i turn 21 and have more options available to me.

Thanks in advance

 

thank you
Ill be sure to check some out

 

Why wouldn't any companies look at the experience im getting now? Would they rather have a 21 year old who just got out of cdl school, or a 21 year old with almost 2 years T/T experience?
And im not necessarily looking for money. Im looking for a career. I've always wanted to drive a truck, and it seems a good amount of drivers make enough to atleast cover their bills.

My dad doesn't have too many contacts other than con-way, and i doubt their insurance would even let them hire me. I have other family members who drive, so maybe ill see if they know anyone who's hiring local.

Thanks!

 

Another question:
I live in Virginia, so would i be able to drive in D.C.?