question for Construction truck drivers.

I’m wondering too. I want to get into operating but all I know how to operate is a skid steer.

I want to get a job with a crane company because I can at least move their stuff before I learn everything else. I’ve been asking around but it’s the slow season now.

 

I’m not too far, I might have to just to get in then I can move around in a few seasons.

 

I picked up heavy equipment driving in a ready mix which I discovered a very strong enjoyment of even if it's feeding rock and sand into the joint. It went along with my ready mix trucking locally.

Cranes are require a great deal of training. They are nothing to fool with. You might have to go to a technical school for those.

I don't know too much about trailer dumps except that you can make a good living supporting a ready mix with one locally.

 

I have been in the excavating business for over 30 years.
When i decided just out of high school that heavy equipment/construction was what i wanted to do "in the mid 1970's i couldn't find a entry level construction job anywhere, the economy was terrible, but i lucked out and heard Penn Central was hiring in the track dept, i really didn't want a railroad job but they did have heavy equipment so i hired onto them.
I started as a laborer but it panned out to be better then i thought and after a few years working as a laborer opportunity came to learn how to operate equipment and i went full bore, loaders, dozers, cranes and various railroad equipment.
Penn Central, then Conrail then Amtrak but the danger of the job tooks its toll and i left after 14 years to open my own business.
The reason i tell you how i learned is IMO someone can tell you every way to run a certain machine, and advise is great but you will never really learn unless you get in that seat and do it yourself!
Hire onto a company that has equipment and trucks so you can hire on as a driver with the intention of becoming a operator, experience can't be taught, you have to see it being done and have the opportunity to do it yourself.
Good Luck!

 

Easy to tip over accident waiting to happen.

 

Great advice.

 

Not sure exactly what you’re asking for, but here is a good forum, similar to TTR, that has a lot of information on construction equipment. Not just trucking. You might find it helpful.

Heavy Equipment Forums

But I think you need to narrow your search a bit. As to what kind of work you want to do, how much equipment you can afford. But if you just want to stay in excavation, I’ve personally found that phone calls and door knocking can be successful. Dress neat, have a positive attitude and be honest about your skills.

As far as the union goes, get your card if that’s what you want. But be prepared for frequent layoffs. That was my personal experience. Feast or famine.
Good luck!

 

That’s the plan for me. It’s just a matter of this company having work for me.

He didn’t want to give me a job and I’d only work 5 hours a week in the yard.

It’s union so I’d do all my training through my job and their training center.