Hi, I am 25 years old. I have been working as a driver, driving non-cdl trucks since I got out of high school. I delivered produce driving a 15K gvwr box truck for a few years. Now I work as a parts driver for a refrigeration company driving a 3/4 ton pickup truck. I would like to get my cdl to improve my career. If I get a class B license I would be more valuable to the company I work. Even though I dont need it for my current job, I would like to get a class A license with every endorsement I can get, to improve my career and give me more options, in case I get laid off.
new wanna be trucker from Cleveland, OH
Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by jleo, Mar 4, 2010.
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Howdy JLeo
Welcome to the forums
Here, not unlike Big truck truckin', it is what'cha make of it.
Oldnewbiegonnabe mentioned that you sound like a "thinker and a planner".
I agree.
For whatever that's worth.
You mentioned being more valuable to the company you work for with a class B-CDL,
and I'm wonderin' how so?
The reason I ask is, sometimes it's possible to be over-qualified, and that can worry some companies. For instance, if you drive with a non-CDL-A license and upgrade to a class A-CDL when the job doesn't require it, that can make an employer nervous -- thinkin' you're gonna seek greener pastures, read higher paying job.
On the other hand, if the company could benefit by having a Big truck truck driver employed there, you might talk 'em into financial assistance to attend Big truck truck drivin' school.
Be aware though, that generally local companies require a year or more of over the road driving experience to be considered for employment driving locally.
Also, and probably most important, right now is, at best, the worst time to attempt to get into the truckin' industry as a driver. Freight is slow and there are a glut of applications on driver recruiter's desks. Many of the large training companies are taking advantage of that by running students through their revolving door, only to spit them out the back door a few months later.
Don't believe all the advertisements for drivers that you read.
And by all means, read past posts here. Not just the ones you think apply to you, --- rather, read all that you can read. The more you know and understand about this industry, the better prepared you'll be and the better chance you'll have to succeed.
You'll read differing opinions here. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which opinion(s) would best suit your desires. One size does not fit all. What works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. Know what you want and what you'll actually settle for.
That being said, --- go grab a snack and let the readin' begin.
kickin chicken, Ducks and Baack Thank this. -
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
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