Interested 20 Yr old.

You won't get it in 'trucking'...checks, loads, miles, etc...ALL extremely unpredictable in this industry.

If you're looking to get your foot in the door at your age, you're gonna have to accept "Intrastate" trucking. You can start driving within your home states boundaries at 18 years old. HOWEVER, keep in mind, that a lot (most) over-the-road companies do not except Intrastate driving as "experience"...so when you reach that 22, 23, 24 years of age that insurance companies dictate for companies; you MAY have to start all over with a trainer as if you just graduated trucking school. Just how it is...don't shoot the messenger.

 

Start preparing now; scroll to the top of this page and click on "CDL Practice Tests" and memorize the questions and answers.
Google : " Free CDL Practice Tests Pennsylvania" and memorize.
Get a passport or passport card for Canada runs.
Get a TWIC ID Card which is used for entry to rail yards, sea ports, chemical plants, military bases.
Watch Youtube videos about "Pre-trip Inspections" because this is the hardest part of cdl school.

Do you plan to attend a private or community college CDL school or a trucking company CDL school? Private school gives you more options as to companies to choose from.
Do you want to run coast to coast and see the country? Plenty of companies hire 21 yr. old drivers to run coast to coast, so let us know what you want.

 

Get a job changing oil or and doing light mechanical work on semi's. Will pay off in the long run.

 

Dude, go in the military, retire then come out with retirement check in hand. And then go trucking. Go see the world learn a trade and smile on the 1st and the 15th that you got paid.

 

You big bunch of Debbie Downers.

Did anybody say "Welcome - good on you for asking questions and getting prepared" ?

 

Welcome to the real show Forum.

 

Good advice. I wish I had stayed in because it's now been 20+ years and I think of what I could be doing with my life and the pension, almost free health insurance for life and the many other benefits that retired military have. As a newly enlisted 18 year old soldier 20 years seemed like an eternity but now looking back it's a blink of an eye.
You're 20 years old, the world is a big amazing place. Don't settle for anything less than what YOU want.

 

@Laneoh Find a good dock to driver program at an LTL freight company. You will receive steady paychecks if you pursue that Avenue.

UPS Freight
Old Dominion
ABF
YRC
New Penn
A. Duie Pyle
Pitt Ohio
Estes
Fed Ex Freight

You could also try your local Pepsi, Coke, or beer affiliate. Lots of beverage companies will train for your CDL, give them some time to get experience and then move on. I got my Class A with all endorsements at Coca Cola at the age of 18.

 

Blair, you should be on "Dancing With The Stars" and do the Black Swan ballet.
Thank you.
Yes, trucking is a great career and hopefully Laneoh, the OP, will start with a good outfit. Too many of us made trucking a career for it to be a less than desirable choice. Great career!