Northern Californian looking to get into trucking

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Nuttysquirrel, May 22, 2025 at 8:23 PM.

  1. Nuttysquirrel

    Nuttysquirrel Bobtail Member

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    Hello,

    I’m a 27 year old man wanting to get into truck driving. I live in Northern California. By Northern California I mean out in the boonies where the nearest major city is an hour away. I’ve gotten my permit with every endorsement except for hazmat. I have my DOT physical done. I’m in debt, broke, and looking to make something of myself. My work history has been spotty due to untreated health issues which are now treated. I have a clean record, and can pass a drug test, just haven’t worked in over a year. What are my options? I’ve been on a waitlist for a grant at the local office that helps with finding work, but there’s no funding for months, and I’m about at the end of my rope. Any help would be appreciated.

    Thank you and have a great day!
     
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  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    Where in Northern California? I’m from there also. Can help with companies
     
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  4. Nuttysquirrel

    Nuttysquirrel Bobtail Member

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    I’m south of Redding about an hour or so.
     
  5. Walk Among Us

    Walk Among Us Light Load Member

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    Just opinion. You may want to look into someone like Prime out of Springfield, MO and enter their paid CDL program. You can live in CA and be hired by them. They have a high satisfaction rate with new drivers. If you're able bodied you should go into flatbed and make more money doing more interesting loads. They train you in everything. Drive for Prime inc. | Start Your Career as a Truck Driver Today
     
  6. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    Ok. I’m from Weaverville. So probably Corning area. I’d look at TVT or Mike lowrie trucking, or valley. Anything really harvest related. Could also try wheeler out of red bluff and learn to haul logs. I’d even give Ed Staub a call and see if they’d give you a shot hauling fuel.
     
  7. Nuttysquirrel

    Nuttysquirrel Bobtail Member

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    I’m in shape, 5’6 140lbs, able to do pushups, pull-ups, and all the basics. Always been small, and struggled to gain weight. I’m sure sitting in a cab all day will cure me of that, so flatbed would definitely be something I’m interested in. If I get the training out of state, will I still have the CDL for California, or will it be for the state I train in? I’d prefer it to be in California since the regulations are tighter, and would lead to me being a safer driver overall.
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If you train out of state, you'll be given the paperwork to take back to California. Take that paperwork to the DMV in your town or anywhere available and there you will be given a California CDL.
     
    Walk Among Us Thanks this.
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    JC1971 Thanks this.
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