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Looking to start a career-Young but determined-Advice please?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DanielEverett, Jan 10, 2012.

  1. Jan 10, 2012 #1
    DanielEverett

    DanielEverett Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Jan 10, 2012
    Dublin, NH
    0
    About me:
    I'm 20 and looking to start a career in trucking (21 in April).
    Ever since I was a small boy, I told my dad: "I want to drive a truck with a load of pipes on it!"
    It's in my blood, My grandpa drove trucks most of his life, and my dad was a shop manager at a Peterbilt repair shop in California.

    I've been working with Holscher Sealcoating (Asphalt repair) since I was 16. I enjoyed that job, and was able to work my way up to a crew chief position, which included keeping my workers moving, juggling jobs, (4-8 jobs a day) paperwork, and several hours of driving each day. Late nights and long weeks were common.
    Only issue is that the job is only seasonal, and I want something more regular.
    Also, clean driving record, no tickets, nothing.

    I did a lot of mainly regional/local driving, the trucks I drove where under 20k lbs of course, and included two box trucks and a '40 pickup and trailer rig. Not a lot for mileage, approx. 30k miles per season.
    I enjoyed the driving part a lot more than the rest of it, and thought I would head into trucking career.
    Also, clean driving record, no tickets, nothing.

    I'm currently attending a small bible-school (post high-school), in New Hampshire, which is a work-study program.
    I will be graduating in May, and would like to start training in mid-August. (I might finish up another season with Holscher.)

    Advice please?:
    I've done some research and am thinking long haul trucking for now, while I'm young and independent and maybe switch to regional when I get a family.
    I need some advice for CDL training, such as independent schools versus company provided.
    Also, which companies I should look in to, since I will only be 21. I hear that some will only hire 23 or 25 + yr olds.
    I have a friend (25 yr old male) and might ask if he wanted to train alongside, and we could be partners, I'd like advice on partner vs. solo long haul trucking.

    I might need advice on load types such as reefer vs normal cargo, but for now, I'll stick with the fundamentals.

    Thanks for looking, I'm open to any serious advice.
     
    DanielEverett, Jan 10, 2012
    DanielEverett, Jan 10, 2012
    #1
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  3. Jan 11, 2012 #2
    silentlysailing

    silentlysailing Light Load Member

    244
    97
    Mar 21, 2010
    DFW, TX
    0
    I was actually talking to a driver last night where I delivered about age requirements. I think minimum ages can vary from state to state. TX's minimum is 18 if you only drive within the state. You may have to look into some local stuff to get started. I just started last year at 23 though, so I feel your pain as I had to wait some.

    Teaming, lots of miles, and I know at swift teams get newer better trucks. But it means less time to do other stuff as the truck is almost always moving. Living in that close of quarters can be tough, even for good friends though. You'd have to think about how your personalities/lifestyles mesh.
     
    silentlysailing, Jan 11, 2012
    silentlysailing, Jan 11, 2012
    #2
  4. Jan 11, 2012 #3
    icecubetrucker

    icecubetrucker Light Load Member

    111
    12
    Oct 13, 2011
    greenville, nc
    0
    I am also only 20 (will be 21 this may). My father was also a truck driver for over 38 years before he became sick. You can get your cdl at 18 but as silentlysailing stated you cannot leave state lines unless you are 21. The route i chose was to get company training and run over the road for a couple of years to get experience. If you have at least a year over the road local companies will be more willing to hire you. I am going to go solo and maybe try teaming with a friend of mine. i think personally i will like solo better because it is a small space to share with someone for weeks on end. You can try going online and see what "training companies" in your area are hiring and give them a call, ask some questions.
     
    icecubetrucker, Jan 11, 2012
    icecubetrucker, Jan 11, 2012
    #3
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