Asphalt trucking - wannabe has questions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by KStarkie, Jun 21, 2014.

  1. KStarkie

    KStarkie Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2014
    Michigan
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    You know, I've rode with my Grandpa when he did refrigerated trucking while in off season then he did asphalt in the season. I was very interested, my step dad at the time always used to take me to work with him when I was a kid he did road construction. So paving and wearing a helmet and yellow vest was just always wanted to do it. - I'm graduated 17 years old. Waiting till 18 to get my lisence, and then my Cdl. Once I get my CDL do componies hire an 18/19 year old right away? And should I be a trucker at a young age or just do road construction for a while? And with a class A CDL, if I move outta state could I get a job or would I need a whole new Cdl since I'm not 21? Thanks... Would like a experianced construction worker or asphalt trucker to answer this.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    Broomfield, CO
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    It's iffy.. it really comes down to insurance, but getting into paving is a good way to start... you can get some equipment operator experience, as well.... IMO, infinitely better than being a freight hauler, but it has its caveats... for one, it's largely seasonal.. especially in a northern state... so you'll either be looking at wage attached unemployment during the off-season, heading south for the Winter, or finding other lines of work (such as plowing, if the company's trucks are so equipped). Maybe you'll get into it and find a better niche elsewhere, as well... when you get into paving and infrastructure contracting, you have the opportunity to get into a number of different lines of work... batch plant crews, dirt crews, patch crews, asphalt paving crews, concrete paving crews, etc. So there'll definitely be options down the road.
    As for hiring CDL drivers at 18, again, it largely comes down to insurance. I know at Lane and Martin-Marietta Materials both, they wouldn't. But, why not go around and ask? I mean, there are 18- and 19 year-olds who do find employment as CDL drivers... maybe it doesn't happen every day, but I've run across them. The worst they can say is "no", and even that might lead up to, "but I'll tell you what... we'll let you get your foot in the door".
    When you're under 21, you get an "intrastate only" restriction on your CDL... if you move out of state, you need to establish residence in that state and get a CDL there.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Many household goods movers hire new CDL graduates that are 18-21 yrs. old for in-state driving. Some will even let you train for your CDL OJT. You can start as a drivers helper then run cross country after age 21.

    Goggle for household goods movers. Companies such as Mayflower, United Van Lines, etc. also have agent companies under different names that haul for them. Check household goods movers on Google and Yellow Pages.

    Corrigan Moving Systems based in Michigan recruits from CDL schools. I think they pay hourly for drivers helpers.



    If you can[ attend the cheapest, shortest CDL school you can find and get your CDL there. No need to spend tons of money on a school if you can' leave the state. Doing this you will be licensed to run tractor-trailers or box trucks now. At 21 you can show you've had a CDL for 3 yrs.
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2014
  5. KStarkie

    KStarkie Bobtail Member

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    Jun 21, 2014
    Michigan
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    Thanks man. That was the answer I wanted... Construction, or driving a paver ethier way I would be happy atleast wanna do both some point in life. & I've thought about car hauling or hazardous and oversize load trucking as well... What could you tell me on those?
     
  6. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Lords Valley, PA
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    Don't let your age stop you, I started my career at 18, worked in the shop most days and drove when they needed me, having the cdl was required to do state inspections so they used me to drive as well. My brother took the cdl exam while still in high school on my dad's dump truck and trailer, and we both layed a lot of stone and asphalt from 14 on, it was great experience and I learned lessons I still use today in car haul and heavy towing.

    There are a lot people on here that will say you won't get hired, have to start OTR, etc, but you don't. Yes it is harder to get a job at 18 today than it was when I did it, but it can be done if you are motivated. Check your home state and whatever state you may want to move to, some do not allow you to get a class a until you are 21 but most will let you get one at 18. Chinatown has some good advice for getting started, and your idea on construction work is also good, you may also want to check garages and towing companies, a lot of them are smaller family companies and will hire a younger driver if they are hard working and respectable.

    If you want to get into heavy haul you may want to look into oil field companies, you will start out as a swamper or roughneck but with your cdl you will be driving trucks in no time and making good money as well. Which ever path you chose good luck in your career.
     
  7. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    Stonewall, LA.
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    18 for intrastate (inside your state lines) 21 interstate (OTR) Not impossible but can be difficult. If nothing else get your CDL and go to a farm and ask around. Farms are known for hiring 18 year olds with a CDL and some will even go as far letting you use their truck to test in.
     
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