Where to start to become a trucker?

TRUE, But you may have trouble getting a job. To get a CDL, check with your local communtiy colleges.

 

You have several choices.
The easiest way to start is to know someone that has a truck you can practice in, and test in. There is no rule that says you have to go to a school, though that is the way most do it these days.
Getting your learners permit is just going to the DMV and taking some written tests.
For your license you need to have a truck though. They will have you drive around town, usually around a few turns that you will need to have an idea how to drive to make it around. The backing portion is different in different states. Will include straight back, may include serpentine, alley dock, parallel park etc.

You can drive in state till 21.
Some local companys will train you to drive a class B dunp truck or mixer, if you have your learners permit. Not always, but worth a shot. Otherwise a community college school will work well. You can find a local construction job in most areas. If you do not know where to look then try a temp service.

 

Don't unless you like being lonely, no family life,sleepless nights,crappy meals if your lucky,snow and ice driving. missed holidays poor medical care,don't have time to lay down when your sick. GO FOR IT THEN . that's 40 years experience talking to you . Danny

 

Go to college and get a degree,...then forget all about trucks.....This industry is a horrible way to make a living....I have a clean MVR, Class ACDL, with NHT endorsements,..and I can't find work...I wouldn't want to trying as a newbe...AND I wish I would have stayed in college and got a degree and NEVER lerned to drive truck....JUST my .02.....

 

Why can't you find work?

 

I have only found 2 outfits taking apps, out of countless attempts...I will know more next week, my fingers are crossed..
It doesn't help that most of my experience is local, with the exception of the last year hauling cars....
Oh, and I'm looking for local work,.I'll have to move to get it but I'm not gonna go otr, at least not yet..If I have to go that route I'll have to put everything into storage and "live" back at home...No way I'm going to maintain an apartment and not be there...And most of the OTR outfits I have talked to are not taking apps either.....

 

Something is wrong somewhere. Trucking is one of them jobs where you can find a dozen jobs the next day if there is nothing in the closest holding you back. People put down trucking as I see you were telling that other guy to forget about trucking as it is a horrible way to make a living. I say just the opposite. It is one of the few jobs where you don't need a college degree to make a decent living and look at all of those jobs that have folded up and went away. Not trucking. It is one of the most secure jobs out here. Depending on where a person lives many places a guy can only take home 300- 400 bucks a week at home. Hard to raise a family on that. Compared to taking home 800-1200 bucks a week.