What to look for in a job listing

There are a few ways to look at this. One is to decide what you want right now and the other is to decide what you will need in the future. By this I mean that if right now you just want to find work, be home more, have free time and a life, then find a local company looking for delivery drivers that hires new graduates. Or you might have to suck it up, start with the first carrier that will provide you with training in the direction that you want to go, stick with it for a few years before moving on to bigger and better gigs. You might have several years ahead of you working a job that you don't really like but in the long run it can be more beneficial for your future.

 

DOT Transportation in Bear hires 18 yr. old cdl drivers. Drivers under the age of 21 will drive within the state and not cross the state line until the age of 21.
Delaware
Bear
301 American Boulevard
Bear, DE 19701
~
Start Driving at 18 (Not 21)!
Drivers Under 21 - Drive For DTI | Dot Transportation, Inc.
While many transportation companies make you wait until you’re 21 to start driving professionally, several Dot Transportation distribution centers and terminals have openings for prospective drivers right out of high school!

Since drivers must be at least 21 years of age to cross state lines, DTI’s “intrastate routes” (i.e. routes that do not require crossing state lines) allow drivers at least 18 years of age to start turning over miles and earn money without straying too far from home.

 

When picking a trucking job, it's tough. They're pretty much the same for the most part, especially starting out. When I first began, I was always told that no matter where I worked, what I got out of it was going to be contingent on what I put in it. I took that mindframe amd went with whoever was going to give me a chance to gain some experience. Now as I gained experience, that's when I figured out what I wanted in a trucking job. If I were to go out and see what my options are, the only things I'd be worried about are freight volume, equipment, and pay. The freight volume is important because that impacts whether they can keep you busy. It's better to run for a company that has their own customers, the mega carriers have a major advantage there. There are smaller companies with mega capabilities that also have that advantage. Pretty much all the well known companies do. The pay is important because you want a steady check. I've always been most concerned with the money I can make every Friday. Can I run steady miles? Many drivers will tell you to look for a company that has generous accessory pay(layover, detention, breakdown pay are examples). Accessory pay is nice to have, but if your company has really good freight and equipment, as well as good maintenance on the equipment, the accessory pay can be rendered irrelevant. Many drivers will also tell you to talk to the drivers at the company you're looking at. Me personally, I think that's overrated because no 2 experiences at a company are alike. Plus, many truckers have negative attitudes and complain alot, and for some reason, have the ability to influence inexperienced drivers. While I think it's overrated to talk to drivers at a company to get a feel, it doesn't hurt to hear what they have to say. Just keep an open mind and low expectations after you have that conversation.

 

I hope you're getting your CDL A and not wasting your time with a CDL B.

 

Agreed.