Make sense to try B4 you buy?

Do you already have a CDL A? Islf so just apply to one of the starter companies. They will all send you out with a trainer for a period, if you find it is not for you, just tell them and resign, no harm, no foul.

 

Hi my name is Mike and I own my company. I run around the the east coast and some times out west, if you would to ride with me email me and we will go from there. hdjacobus@yahoo .com

 

Sure there's harm. You don't go with a trainer until you are hired. Once you are hired, that becomes part of your job history on any application. Do you think it looks good to work for a company for 2 weeks, then quit? I believe that's why he is wanting to try it out first- to avoid just that situation.

To the OP, try advertising on Craigslist or in your local paper. If you have a local truck repair shop, maybe they would have a bulletin board you could post a notice on. If you do get any takers, agree to meet in a neutral place (treat it like a personal ad) and get an impression of who they are and whether you could stand each other's company for a couple weeks.

 

Maybe I misread the OP, but it sounded.to me like he was trying to decide if he wanted to become a driver... if he tries.it and does.not want to, that two week is harmless. I believe he said he is already retired... but like I said... maybe I misread it.

 

Sourdiesel - Insurance would be a key factor... You might want to contact your insurance company and see if they have a waiver he can sign.

 

Why not take a truck driving course at a community college? It's usually less than 2000$ (My school just cost me $1000.00) depending on the college and area. My class was 10 weeks. I was in a truck at least 1/2 the time, backing, driving on the course, then its out on the road for 6+/- weeks. I liked it because you are introduced to "most" aspects of trucking. Laws, paperwork, even things like food costs, and of course driving. An additional bonus is that usually community colleges have job fairs, and on-going career services. Often trucking companies with jobs to offer contact the teachers directly, and so you get wind of jobs before they are offered to the public. Also, some companies give students of the schools preferential treatment. For example, I just got on with a company that does not hire "students"-- at least that is what they tell the world. I also took a break between starting school and getting a job of 6 months-- they still hired me.

Going with a community college allows you a good look at the industry without much investment-- and if you really love it, you can get a job right out of the gate.

Look into it, I'll bet it is an option you haven't considered.