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Part-time; reality or a pipe dream?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by infsgt35, Aug 2, 2012.

  1. Aug 2, 2012 #1
    infsgt35

    infsgt35 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2012
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    Driving a truck has been an interest of mine for as long as I can remember. Never really followed up on it though, as college and different career choice (law enforcement) gave me opportunities and options that were difficult to pass up. I'm now exploring the possibility of obtaining my CDL in order to drive a truck part-time, supplementing my full-time income and itching the scratch. Anybody had any success with finding a decent driving job part-time? I know that that (and aren't interested in for that matter) OTR in any form isn't possible part-time, so I've been exploring regional and local openings in my area. The only potential hang-up I see is that many are looking for experience, and without that experience, a CDL would be pretty useless.

    I've explored the possibility of applying with a school bus company, as they provide CDL class B training. The problem with that, however, is my work schedule; M-F, admin hours (mainly when kids are in school and drivers would be needed). I've also explored companies that provide CDL training-the biggest local one being Brinks (the armored car company); however, they too have restrictions on the amount of time you have to be employed prior to being eligible, and they lock you in on the amount of time you have to work once you obtain the CDL (which is understandable).

    After all that rambling, I guess my question still stands: is a CDL worth it for part-time employment? An officer that works with me has had one for years (got it to work with municipal services) and even though he doesn't use it now, swears up and down about the potential opportunities he's been offered. It would be a significant financial investment ($4800 for the training) for just a part-time job, so I want to make sure it's a good investment. I guess more than anything, I'm looking for practical opinions-my personal feelings towards trucking have always been a "go", and I've learned enough in life to know that practical vs. personal can vary significantly.

    Take care,
    infsgt35
     
    infsgt35, Aug 2, 2012
    infsgt35, Aug 2, 2012
    #1
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  3. Aug 2, 2012 #2
    bigdad7

    bigdad7 Road Train Member

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    brinks on the weekend might be fun but check out garda they used to be at systems ie armored transport worked there for a year in my younger days in orange county and LA area ....they used to keep a dot instructor on staff and got everyone a cdl (class b) with airbrakes but with you experience they used to hire on law enforcement as body guards on runs used to pay 25 to 30 an hour .....but everyone bid on mon to fri runs and the rookies or part timers covered the weekend routes was a fun job lotsa free food ....amazingly got sick of in and out though they allways fed us and had at least 6 or 7 on every route
     
    bigdad7, Aug 2, 2012
    bigdad7, Aug 2, 2012
    #2
  4. Aug 2, 2012 #3
    Watchman

    Watchman Crusty Rifleman

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    Sir
    do some looking around your area and find out if there is a market for a newbie driver doing local work ,,most likly there will not be , but look into it ask companys even if they are not hiring right now if they have hired new drivers for part time work ,,with the line of work your in right now that $$ could go for good level3 or more training or better equipment (myself I would opt for more training) LEO with that line of work more training just might give the edge you might need someday Massad Ayoob leathel force inst comes to mind ( I hope you never need it tho) .


    Good Luck

    Watchman
     
    Watchman, Aug 2, 2012
    Watchman, Aug 2, 2012
    #3
  5. Aug 2, 2012 #4
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Personally I would think the a Class B would be worth it if you were to go part time. Whether it be Brinks truck, garbage truck, dump truck, bus, (though bus you will need pass.end.) all those jobs can be done part time and also at night.

    You may actually find, depending where you live, that Class B pays pretty well. (except here in FL.) You may even decide to do it full time, who knows.

    I think Class A part time would be a little too much involved up front to do just part time at first. Also the part time Class A jobs are usually reserved for the retiree truck drivers. (not to say you couldn't do it) Getting your Class A would involve quite a lot of hours at a school and roughly $6000.00 to do. Getting your Class B involves going down to your local DMV and taking the written test and passing the Airbrakes section. I don't believe there is any driving test to upgrade to a Class B, I'm pretty sure it is just a written test only. Now if you drive a propane truck or gas truck or something similar you will need to take your Hazmat test and apply for that endorsement. Its a little more in depth now then it was back in the day.

    I would highly recommend you check out Craigslist. There are often some good gigs listed on there! Just check under the "Transportation" section and sometimes also the "skilled/trade" section. There are many, many different types and opportunities of Class B driving.

    Good luck man....
     
    chompi, Aug 2, 2012
    chompi, Aug 2, 2012
    #4
    semiret Thanks this.
  7. Aug 2, 2012 #5
    semiret

    semiret Light Load Member

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    Chompi - Good advice about looking on craigslist

    To the OP, - As an example, Knight has an advert on the Salt Lake craigslist for part time drivers right now.
     
    semiret, Aug 2, 2012
    semiret, Aug 2, 2012
    #5
    chompi Thanks this.
  8. Aug 2, 2012 #6
    Rolloff Truck Driver

    Rolloff Truck Driver Bobtail Member

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    Apr 16, 2010
    Houston,Tx
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    I think it's a good investment and plus you would have something to fall back on if you get tired of being in law enforcement but class B jobs are kinda hard to find but easy to get if you have 6 months or 1+ years of experience.
     
    Rolloff Truck Driver, Aug 2, 2012
    Rolloff Truck Driver, Aug 2, 2012
    #6
  9. Aug 3, 2012 #7
    infsgt35

    infsgt35 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks to everyone for the insight. Class B appears to be the way to go, both for practical and part-time employment purposes; obtaining a Class A would be a personal goal, but I can always explore that option later in life. I don't think, with a few very rare exceptions, there's enough Class A part-time options for drivers with no experience, for me to be able to justify getting my Class A. Would I like to have it? Absolutely. But if I can't really do much with it without some time behind the wheel, it's not going to give me very good "return on the investment", and I don't have a lot of money that I can throw around.
     
    infsgt35, Aug 3, 2012
    infsgt35, Aug 3, 2012
    #7
  10. Aug 3, 2012 #8
    demi

    demi Medium Load Member

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    Apr 25, 2012
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    What you have on your side Sgt is your current job.... That automatically lends credibility to some. I would do a little digging and find out more with the CDL A... As far as B jobs, lots of them aren't the greatest paying.... Lots of school bus companies offer free training so look into that, with pretty flexible scheduling. Good luck.
     
    demi, Aug 3, 2012
    demi, Aug 3, 2012
    #8
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