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CDL a Necessary Evil?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by Cajun Justice, Feb 28, 2013.

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  1. Feb 28, 2013 #1
    Cajun Justice

    Cajun Justice Bobtail Member

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    Feb 12, 2013
    New Orleans
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    I am trying to get into hot shotting, but I do not have a huge cash reserve to buy a truck and gooseneck. So, my solution was to lease to say ACME until I build up the cash reserve. The strategy is simple use a half ton until I can buy a one ton and then use a one ton until I can buy a gooseneck. Hypothetically speaking this would work, but most companies only lease CDL drivers. Thus, I would have to pay out of pocket to attend a driving school. Is this completely true? And if so can you guys give me ideas on good driving schools with not terribly expensive tuition?
     
    Cajun Justice, Feb 28, 2013
    Cajun Justice, Feb 28, 2013
    #1
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  3. Feb 28, 2013 #2
    critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    so you wanna do hotshot with a half ton and no trailer? for one you'll beat the crap out of a half ton.
     
    critters, Feb 28, 2013
    critters, Feb 28, 2013
    #2
  4. Feb 28, 2013 #3
    PowerWagon

    PowerWagon Medium Load Member

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    You don't think you can get your CDL without a school? There's a bit to learn, but I'm sure that with some dedication you can do it.

    I'd say that should you want to drive a big truck, school isn't optional, unless you have an individual to teach you. But to JUST get a CDL, it's possible to learn all you need and take your driving test in something besides a big truck without going to school. No endorsements, but you CAN get your CDL.
     
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    #3
    mje Thanks this.
  5. Feb 28, 2013 #4
    Cajun Justice

    Cajun Justice Bobtail Member

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    Feb 12, 2013
    New Orleans
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    ACME limited weight capacity on half tons to 1500 lbs, which my truck can handle. Besides it would not be for very long at all, just until I can get a one ton that runs. Also, I do have access to a trailer I can use, but a company who leases trucks will not beat the living hell out of their o/o's trucks it's bad business, no one would lease with them.

    So, then what would I take the driving test in, because it sounds like they make you take it in semis but I could be wrong. Most of the test does seem common sense though.
     
    Cajun Justice, Feb 28, 2013
    Cajun Justice, Feb 28, 2013
    #4
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  7. Feb 28, 2013 #5
    PowerWagon

    PowerWagon Medium Load Member

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    In my state, you drive whatever you're going to drive.

    Unless Acme requires a CDL for some reason, there's no way a half ton requires you to have a CDL to drive it, unless you're moving hazmat...
     
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    #5
    mje Thanks this.
  8. Feb 28, 2013 #6
    Cajun Justice

    Cajun Justice Bobtail Member

    29
    7
    Feb 12, 2013
    New Orleans
    0
    That was my thing as well. CDL's are federal regulation so it is the same, but the way it is worded it sounds like you need a CDL to even be hired.
     
    Cajun Justice, Feb 28, 2013
    Cajun Justice, Feb 28, 2013
    #6
    mje Thanks this.
  9. Feb 28, 2013 #7
    PowerWagon

    PowerWagon Medium Load Member

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    No, the feds do not. But your state might. Look at the rules for your state. Really, what matters most is what Acme might want. They're the driver moving that train.
     
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    #7
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  10. Feb 28, 2013 #8
    critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    traverse city,MI
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    my point was half ton trucks aren't made for that kind of use,when you do something like that most Times you just beat your head against the wall,spending big bucks for repairs and maintenance.
     
    critters, Feb 28, 2013
    critters, Feb 28, 2013
    #8
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  11. Feb 28, 2013 #9
    PowerWagon

    PowerWagon Medium Load Member

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    It would depend on how much he's hauling. There's nothing about hauling a few hundred pounds that destroys a half ton. And some do run a lot of miles. I just read an article of a guy driving an 04 Dodge 1500 that's got a half million miles on it, and he just rebuilt the trans the first time, not rebuilt the motor, and very little other work.

    On the other hand, towing a 5000 lb load... Yeah, a short life is in your future.
     
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    PowerWagon, Feb 28, 2013
    #9
  12. Feb 28, 2013 #10
    Quickfarms

    Quickfarms Heavy Load Member

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    May 29, 2012
    Los Angeles, Ca
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    This sounds like Jared on shipping wars
     
    Quickfarms, Feb 28, 2013
    Quickfarms, Feb 28, 2013
    #10
    379exhd Thanks this.
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