I really want to try to drive truck, how should I get started?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Lizardking5446, Jul 3, 2022.

  1. Lizardking5446

    Lizardking5446 Bobtail Member

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    I want to give it a shot, I’ve always been interested in truck driving for the past 5 years watching videos, looking at truckers on the road. Lately being bored at my low paying job (ramp agent at an airport) I drive a fuel truck and fuel aircraft on the ramps, granted the truck is only like 30ft long so nothing like tractor trailer size or what you guys do. But it’s been further giving me the itch to want to try to get my cdl a and be a truck driver. I’m turning 28 this December and I want to do something with my life while also doing something I want to do, not getting any younger. Past week I’ve been researching how to or where to even begin but it’s so much information that it’s overwhelming. I live in south Florida (Fort Lauderdale area), anyone with a cdl a know where I can start? There’s schools out here but I don’t know how to go about it, or do I join a company that offers cdl a school and truck training? I have bills to pay too so I couldn’t possibly commit all my time to school, but I really want to give this a shot at this point in my life. If anyone can help me I’d greatly appreciate it.
     
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  3. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Heavy Load Member

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    @Chinatown your knowledge is humbly requested if you would be so kind
    @Lizardking5446 grab a pen and paper and listen to this guy, he is gonna SEND A LOT Of information your way! He is NOT a recruiter just had a WEALTH of trucking knowledge, he won’t BS you take his advice for best success
    What kind of trucking are you wanting to do? OTR where you are gone 2-3 weeks, Regional where you can get home usually weekly or local running around your city and neighboring towns
     
  4. Boondock

    Boondock Road Train Member

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    Sheridan Technical College has a Commercial driving course. It's 320hrs.
    And they have day, evening and night schedules. It's in Hollywood, watch out for the schools down in the Miami area. Don't go to Metropolitan or the CDL school or any other place like those.
     
  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Haven't we heard from you before? Or someone in a similar situation. 1st, and most importantly, you MUST be single. While a partner may be on board initially, possibly due to necessity, it fades quick. 2nd, if you are just starting a tractor/trailer career, there are a ton of hoops to go through, and will garner a sub-par job, at best, to start. It's where 50% of new drivers quit within a year, and half of the remaining quit the next. The up side, is there are so many jobs, most all good paying, by that, I'd say 75g's+/ year, but you may need 2 years experience, and many say screw it. If you make it, and keep your record clean, a near impossible thing today, there's no shortage of jobs. My biggest advice, make sure you have a dash cam. Good luck, let us know how you do.
     
  6. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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    Driving fuel truck at the airport is low paying job ?!... with enormous liability...
     
  7. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Heavy Load Member

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    Why MUST you be single?? Been happily married for 21 yrs
     
  8. Lizardking5446

    Lizardking5446 Bobtail Member

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    im mostly looking for something regional or local though I’m willing to be otr if it is required for training, thanks for your help

    I will look into it, thank you very much

    Thanks so much
    you would think right? Lol it pays $15 an hour, so much liability with so little pay along with towing the aircraft..
     
  9. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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    Any skilled trade makes over $30 these days , you can become one ... Just find something you like and enjoy - thats the hardest part . As of today for me trucking is the last thing i would look in to ... I dont hate it because i am an o/o and have my own work schedule, but as a driver i wouldn't survive ( and i started as o/o)
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Right; I've been happily married eight times.
     
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