Being an OTR right after training?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by nicedude80, Jan 19, 2015.

  1. nicedude80

    nicedude80 Bobtail Member

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    I am a prospective truck driver. My dream would be to drive from my home (in canada) and do long routes down into the United States. However my question is: will I be able to do long routes/OTR in my first year on the job? Or will I have to get many years experience? Thanks!
     
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  3. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    Nope. The majority of drivers start their careers over the road! You have no worries!
     
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  4. nicedude80

    nicedude80 Bobtail Member

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    I see. So is local work more wanted then OTR? Honestly working around countries, hauling different things, stopping at random truck stops etc sounds a lot better then working in a place I have been living for years. BTW I am still in high school, but definitely see a trucking career in my future. I was just worried I would be stuck with local work.
     
  5. Moon_beam

    Moon_beam Heavy Load Member

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    You need experience to get a local job typically. Most trucking companies will not hire someone that is less than 23 years old.
     
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  6. nicedude80

    nicedude80 Bobtail Member

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    But they hire OTR easier? Is it possible for an 18 y/o to get into the industry? With full training and air endorsement etc.

    Edit: Also is inter-country and inter-province legal for an 18 year old in Canada?
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2015
  7. Knucklehead619

    Knucklehead619 Medium Load Member

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    You would need to be at least 21 to drive interstate in the US. You can get a CDL at 18 but it's valid intrastate (within the same state) only. So my guess is you would also need to be 21 to make a trip into the US. Not sure what the regulations for Commercial Driver licensing are in Canada but I imagine they're similar to ours.
     
  8. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Its about the same,they're both in demand for trk drivers.Most that start out do OTR.Alot of local companies prefer drivers with 1 to 2 yrs otr exp.So if otr is what you prefer you'll find thousands of companies that want otr drivers.But you living in Canada your choices may be limited if you plan on driving for a carrier from the states.
     
  9. nicedude80

    nicedude80 Bobtail Member

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    But if I can't get a job because I don't have experience, that is kinda catch 22. Are there companies that hire complete newbies? I know in Alberta the highways are crawling with trucks. The oilfield needs them. There are companies that just have water trucks as well. Where would be my best bet at applying after school? I would assume larger freight companies would require me to be 21 in order t go to other provinces/the US but maybe places like Wal-Mart and other department stores? Hauling reefers and box trucks from the warehouses to stores within the province? Obviously I need some experience before I will get to go OTR.
     
  10. Knucklehead619

    Knucklehead619 Medium Load Member

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    Most people get their initial experience from the big OTR carriers (who will train you). And most OTR carriers require you be at least 23 for insurance purposes. Walmart has VERY high standards including several years OTR experience... most of the other grocery and department stores that run their own fleets do as well.
     
  11. nicedude80

    nicedude80 Bobtail Member

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    The message I'm getting is that I can't be a trucker till I'm 23... That 5 years of nothing.

    will vac trucks and other small companies hire newbies? Or do they want the xp drivers as well? In other words can you get a trucking job at 18?
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2015
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