18 with class A

I had the same problem back in the 70's. got a good job hauling sand and gravel. 3 month in the owner called me in and told me that he was so sorry but his insurance would only cover me if 21 & married or 23 & single. Went to work driving tandem dump hauling cow & sheep manure for composting co. It sucked. Lasted about 5 months and then I got on with Merchants Fast Motor Lines in FTW doing like you. Worked the dock. After about 6 months. Then they started letting me drive bobtail trucks. Later got to do swaps for older guys who had regular routes. You might want to stay where you are for awhile. Make sure and let them know you want to drive. If you are a good hand more than likely they will let you-in time. You can keep your eye open for another chance in the meantime. A good solid work record goes a long way with a good company. Hang in there. Before long you'll be going "where did all those years go so fast".

 

Have you tried construction co., they might give you the chance, as for otr co., most of them require you to be at least 23 due to insurance reasons. Best of luck to your findings

 

hey tropical, if i am not mistakin here, you have to be at least 21 to drive outa state, so as far as find and otr job you still have a few years to go. really what you should have done was some research on what companies should hire you cause its harder to get a job till your at least 21, and even at that age its still hard to find someone to take you in due to you age, and the companies insurance restrictions as well. as i tell everyone, keep your head up and keep looking.
if you go someplace, dress nice, not like a " kid " or a dirty truck driver, it will get you nowhere.
in the event you find a local gig and its crap/dirty work, as long as it involves driving a truck it will benifit you when you turn 21-23.
best of luck, and keep looking, and keep us posted on how your making out.

 

Thats what I have always heard. Till 21 driving jobs will be far and few and cant cross state line. At 23 things get better and has far has I know all companies will hire at 25.

 

And that all has nothing to do with a age that's minimuly required by federal law.

 

That's 100% correct. FMCSR §391.11 (b) (1) is at least 21 years old. I can't believe that a communty college would not teach that simple requirement. I'd ask for my money back.