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Need Some Advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by pete08, Jul 8, 2009.

  1. Jul 8, 2009 #1
    pete08

    pete08 Bobtail Member

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    Alright my name is travis and im 19 years old and would like to drive truck. It is something I have wanted to do since I can remember now what would be the best way to do it. A) go get my cdl and possibly drive for one of the many farmers in my area hauling grain or there is a couple of guys in the area that hauls vegetables all summer. B) Wait until im 21 and got get my cdl and possibly get on with an over the road company. Please tell me what you guys think i should do. Oh and I should mention that my dad has been driving for twenty plus years.
     
    pete08, Jul 8, 2009
    pete08, Jul 8, 2009
    #1
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  3. Jul 9, 2009 #2
    jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    At your current age you will have to settle for intrastate driving. There is nothing wrong with driving for a farmer and getting some experience under your belt now. Should you decide you want to go OTR after you reach 21 then go for it. No need to wait until then to start driving though.

    Maybe your dad can help you get a DIY CDL.
     
    jlkklj777, Jul 9, 2009
    jlkklj777, Jul 9, 2009
    #2
  4. Jul 9, 2009 #3
    pete08

    pete08 Bobtail Member

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    What is a DIY CDL?
     
    pete08, Jul 9, 2009
    pete08, Jul 9, 2009
    #3
  5. Jul 9, 2009 #4
    Freebird135

    Freebird135 Road Train Member

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    do it yourself CDL

    he means he might be able to teach u and u wont have to go to a school
     
    Freebird135, Jul 9, 2009
    Freebird135, Jul 9, 2009
    #4
  7. Jul 9, 2009 #5
    xgonzox1

    xgonzox1 Bobtail Member

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    do it yourself CDL

    he means he might be able to teach u and u wont have to go to a school


    Best way to go in my opinion
     
    xgonzox1, Jul 9, 2009
    xgonzox1, Jul 9, 2009
    #5
  8. Jul 10, 2009 #6
    Freebird135

    Freebird135 Road Train Member

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    honestly i dont know about that, because alot of companies require you to have graduated from a school for your CDL
     
    Freebird135, Jul 10, 2009
    Freebird135, Jul 10, 2009
    #6
  9. Jul 10, 2009 #7
    jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    Normally you would be right. The op is only 19 and is talking about driving locally for farmers in his home state. I do not believe he will have to meet the stricter guidelines an OTR carriers' insurance company would demand as a prerequisite to his becoming employed.

    The op further stated his father has "over 20 years driving" and should be more than capable of giving Travis the info and practice needed to become an entry level driver pretty much gratis. Under current regs he will be ineligible for cross country driving due to his young age.
     
    jlkklj777, Jul 10, 2009
    jlkklj777, Jul 10, 2009
    #7
  10. Jul 10, 2009 #8
    stephen ostroff

    stephen ostroff Bobtail Member

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    Travis...ive been out here for 28 yrs and let me tell u something
    nowadays its not what its cracked up to be...truckers r rude and obnoxious and they dont give a rats petuttie about anyone but themselves...its not like it used to be...

    But first of all if ur really sincere about wanting to drive and u have the ambition and the drive...i would consult ur dad and have him teach you the ins and outs about truckin' and how to drive

    I am really sorry that i ever got into wanting to drive a a tractor trailer...It was great at first and i did see alot of beautiful country and different states that i would not have had a chance to see but its a pain now since im away from my family alot and if u quit or the company fires u they can put stuff on ur dac report for all of the other trucking companies to see and that company can put on ur dac stuff that isnt true and u have a hard time proving it otherwise...that all im sayin'
     
    stephen ostroff, Jul 10, 2009
    stephen ostroff, Jul 10, 2009
    #8
  11. Jul 10, 2009 #9
    Freebird135

    Freebird135 Road Train Member

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    i know how that goes, im 20 years old with a class A CDL

    either way i wish him the best of luck, not tryin to discourage him or anything
     
    Freebird135, Jul 10, 2009
    Freebird135, Jul 10, 2009
    #9
  12. Jul 11, 2009 #10
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    :biggrin_2554:Son, go for it......Drive for farmer Fred or whoever and get your experience. You don't need to spend $$$$ for school if your ol' man can teach you. When you go OTR in a few years, you will have to pass a road test to be hired. That's what matters.:biggrin_2554:
     
    Allow Me., Jul 11, 2009
    Allow Me., Jul 11, 2009
    #10
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