18 year old son and local trucking jobs?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MaybeAFutureTrucker, Jun 19, 2025.

  1. MaybeAFutureTrucker

    MaybeAFutureTrucker Bobtail Member

    49
    102
    Apr 7, 2025
    0
    My 18 year old son has some interest in becoming a trucker. I spoke with a local CDL school and they believe this is a realistic option with the only thing being that he will need to find local work that keeps him inside the state where we live. I want to believe what the school says but I would rather hear your guys opinion on this. Is it realistic to think that an 18 year old with a fresh CDL can find local jobs? And if so, what type of jobs?

    Thanks and I appreciate that you guys are here and able to give insight on things like this.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. snicrep

    snicrep Road Train Member

    1,115
    2,001
    May 13, 2009
    mcallen, tx
    0
    It's tough right now but others will be a long soon to give similar opinions. Since he's not signed up yet, I'd recommend the trades or medical training. Maybe I.t.
     
    trucker-chase Thanks this.
  4. MaybeAFutureTrucker

    MaybeAFutureTrucker Bobtail Member

    49
    102
    Apr 7, 2025
    0
    I don't think he's looking to do trucking for the long term. This is something he might do for 5 to 10 years.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  5. Sons Hero

    Sons Hero Road Train Member

    2,229
    21,936
    Jan 8, 2021
    Indiana
    0
    not sure which state you live in, but maybe it would be a good idea for him to find a local farmer that he could help haul grain in the fall. would at least give him a taste for what it’s like driving a truck. There are local jobs available, dump truck drivers are always in demand, at least around me. LTL freight could probably keep him within the state as well
     
    BlackjackCo, JolliRoger and 201 Thank this.
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,615
    169,577
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Location is Wichita, KS.
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,615
    169,577
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    DOT Foods Transportation hires 18 yr. old cdl drivers.
     
  8. snicrep

    snicrep Road Train Member

    1,115
    2,001
    May 13, 2009
    mcallen, tx
    0
    I would never say not to, if his hearts set on it, but it an easy profession to get fired from and then blackballed.
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  9. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    He's severely limited by his age. Ag CDL is ok for his age though & I'm guessing there is enough to keep him busy. His job prospects are determined by the employers in your area. OTR trucking companies won't touch him until he is 23 for insurance reasons. He's limited to in-state work until 21, IIRC.

    CDL schools would recommend he get a CDL if he was paralyzed below the neck or legally blind.
     
  10. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Credit to you for asking BEFORE signing a contract for CDL school. 99% of newbies just walk into CDL school with no idea if they can get a job.
     
    JolliRoger Thanks this.
  11. Star Rider

    Star Rider Road Train Member

    1,464
    12,022
    Sep 23, 2019
    Michigan
    0
    Food/Beverage delivery. My first driving job in the late 70s was delivering beef quarters to stores. Never needed a gym membership. o_O
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.