Questions for a new driver 19 yrs old?

By Federal regulations she can not drive interstate commerce so her options are very limited. She needs to find a local job that does not involve interstate commerce so package delivery, LTL freight and the like are out of the question.

Depending on what class of license and endorsements she has she could look at home heating oil/propane delivery, those companies are desperately looking for route drivers and pay well. STRIKE THIS, SHE NEEDS TO BE 21 FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ENDORSEMENT, MY MISTAKE.

School bus companies hire young -that was my first CDL job at 18 years old. Maybe even look at tow trucks, another industry that hires young and needs lots of drivers.

Transit bus and truck rental companies also hire new, young drivers for fueler/driller positions. They usually require a CDL but don't actually drive on public roads, maybe just cross a public street. Check with the local transit authority and places like Ryder and Penske commercial truck leasing. She would fuel and do pre-trip inspections, cleaning and other basic maintenance on trucks or buses.

If she went to a reputable CDL school this should have been explained before she started, and they should have career placement assistance.

Now, if she has other education as well, she can look at transportation management positions. Some companies will hire her as a dispatcher or supervisor with her CDL yet not expect her to actually drive, just have it for conducting road tests and such.

Lastly, look for yard jockey or dock worker positions to get in with a local freight company. The jockey position will keep her backing skills current, and either position will help her learn about the freight industry and build skills. I would suggest a strong LTL freight company, somewhere she can build a career.

 

Anyone can get a CDL if they are less than 21 years of age. BUT, federal DOT regulations will limit them to driving INTRA state until they turn 21 years old. In other words, they can not legally drive a commercial vehicle outside their state of residence. If they live in Pennsylvania, they can only drive commercial vehicles within the state of PA .....No crossing into another state. Once they turn 21 years of age that restriction no longer applies to them.
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.With that being said, a number of companies also do not hire anyone less than 23 years of age; but, that is an insurance thing and not federal regulation.
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.Sorry for her, but nobody is going to violate federal regulations for her. Look for local or yard jockey jobs.

 

Just remebered something to add to my first post, she will not be able to get her hazardous materials endorsement until 21, so the home heating and propane are out of the question. I forgot about that since back when I started there was no age restriction on haz-mat endorsement, no background screen either in Pennsylvania.

Sorry to have potentially steered you wrong @Stiel

 

She CANNOT until 21 drive Interstate or Intrastate Commerce. HOWEVER.....

Extremely limited exceptions exist. Example Big truck on corner of field being loaded crops to coop some miles away (Farm to market only) Long ago we had passed a 8 year old upgrade near scranton PA in a carnival scrambler equipped flatbed. He was scared but smile on face had it under control while the horses ran ahead of him. At 8 I was not much good for anything really.

Don't take my word for it. Joining the military might put you into Convoy service or resupply with a heavy rig. A number of other thoughts occur but this is quite enough to start off.

Others talked about HM endorsement. Even if you had it at 21 you might be forced to age to 25 via insurance barrier to hauling say gasoline tankers. It's just the way it has to be. (You must never be so tired to fall asleep in one of these, it will cremate you on the spot.)

 

I got mine when I was 20. I worked for a local landscaper moved all his machines and hauled all the material. She can get a local job, she could try for a local p&d job. Or if she is interested try and find a local gravel pit or cement company. I know here in Ma they pay crazy money to run mixers.

 

One of my classmates at my cdl training school was 19. He had a cousin who had a small fleet he was supposed to go work for. Not sure the exact details of what they do. I have had a guy bugging me to go talk to this farmer who needs a few people who have thier cdl to drive his trucks, i imagine hauling grain or something like that, might be an option. Maybe get a dock job at an LTL place like fedex and work dock until they turn 21 and then go into thier driver apprentice program.

 

When I am asked by a teenager about trucking I tell them to consider the military. Enlist go get instruction on driving big trucks and at the same time to take night classes and get an education. I was in an Air Force Transportation Sq although I drove a desk. I still developed many friends that today 40 years later we still stay in contact. I know the military is not for some people. However, for those that can handle doing it the instruction on driving is good. Oh and you can do this and join the National Guard or reserve IF there is a unit near you that does transportation. Many positives here.

 

In the West and Mid-West some companies that supply farms and ranches hire 18 yr. old cdl-a drivers. I've seen those ads and given that information to teen drivers in those states. Companies such as Co-op, Mid-west Farmers Co-op, etc. Also, some companies such as Lowe's , 81 Lumber will hire teen cdl drivers to deliver building supplies. She will find something.
Do some Google searches for cdl and non-cdl box truck jobs. These will at least give here experience with city driving and other highway experience that will be of benefit later.
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Here's one for Fred Beans Automotive in Manheim, PA 17545.
Fred Beans Parts Distribution Center is looking for NON- CDL Delivery Drivers in Manheim, PA.
Click here > Apply On Company Site
Responsibilities include delivering automotive parts to our valued customers. The ideal candidate has a valid driver’s license and safe driving habits. No experience necessary. We will provide a paid training program for qualified applicants through an accredited driving school!