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21 and thinking about starting

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by demonslayer5545, Dec 9, 2009.

  1. Dec 9, 2009 #1
    demonslayer5545

    demonslayer5545 Light Load Member

    52
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    Dec 9, 2009
    Albuquerque, NM
    0
    I'm 21 just south of Albuquerque and I'm thinking about driving. I don't really know how the companys are out here, I do know we have a SWIFT. I also don't have money to go to school so I was thinking about taking the SWIFT class. I have been driving 4 wheel cars for 6 years and no accidents and only 1 speeding ticket which was a year ago. I doubt I can take a loan out as I don't have a bank account or anything like that. There is a school down here called CNM and they probably offer the class but I'm not entirely sure. Just kinda wondering if there are any people from ABQ here and any advice on starting off.

    I have tried to find a job elsewhere but it just didn't jive. I've been thinking about getting my CDL for a few months now, just haven't done any real research on it. About a month ago I did drive from Ohio back home which was a 1800 mile trip and I did it in about 26 hours easy so I think I could do long distance driving pretty good.

    Looking in the phonebook there is: ABF freight, Clover inc, conway freight, and swift. And a few smaller ones it seems, any input would be greatly appreciated.
     
    demonslayer5545, Dec 9, 2009
    demonslayer5545, Dec 9, 2009
    #1
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  3. Dec 9, 2009 #2
    Mastertech

    Mastertech Staff Leader / Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    Welcome to The Truckers Report!

    There are allot of knowledgeable people here that can answer any questions you may have. In addition to that, use the search engine also as there is a ton of info on the site at your disposal.
     
    Mastertech, Dec 9, 2009
    Mastertech, Dec 9, 2009
    #2
    VARITHMS Thanks this.
  4. Dec 9, 2009 #3
    demonslayer5545

    demonslayer5545 Light Load Member

    52
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    Dec 9, 2009
    Albuquerque, NM
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    Apparently, my dad has a motorcycle friend who drives for Prime. I just got off the phone with him and he said Prime is one of the best he has worked for. He said there school will put me on a bus, put me in a hotel, feed me, all of that. Which is good because right now I don't have a job and I'm rather broke. So now I'm gonna go search for people that work for Prime so I can find out more about them before I commit. My grandpa was a trucker and he loved it so hopefully this works out.
     
    demonslayer5545, Dec 9, 2009
    demonslayer5545, Dec 9, 2009
    #3
  5. Dec 9, 2009 #4
    Mastertech

    Mastertech Staff Leader / Admin Staff Member Administrator

    117,210
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    3rd Rock From The Sun.
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    Mastertech, Dec 9, 2009
    Mastertech, Dec 9, 2009
    #4
    VARITHMS and Baack Thank this.
  7. Dec 9, 2009 #5
    smokyjuan

    smokyjuan Light Load Member

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    Mar 26, 2009
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    ABF and Conway are going to require experience.

    Many trucking companies require that their drivers be at least 23 years old due to insurance reasons. They are still reluctant to hire drivers under 30 due to past experiences that show older drivers make better decisions.

    Have you checked into any community colleges to get a CDL? If you go to Swift you will probably have to drive for them for two years to pay back for the cost of training you to get a CDL.
     
    smokyjuan, Dec 9, 2009
    smokyjuan, Dec 9, 2009
    #5
  8. Dec 9, 2009 #6
    jakebrake12

    jakebrake12 Road Train Member

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    If you're gonna do it start as early as you can. I started the day I turned 21 and it definitely is paying off now. You'll be able to establish yourself at a decent place when you're still young and have less responsibilities.

    As already mentioned, avoid the company school if at all possible. Chances are you'll have to do OTR for a year or two before you would be able to land a good local job if that's what you want. That isn't all bad though - you get to see the entire country in the process. It's rare, but I've seen Con-way Freight hire 21 year olds with no experience - probably unlikely right now though with all the experienced LTL drivers looking for work. Worth a shot though if you would rather stay local.
     
    jakebrake12, Dec 9, 2009
    jakebrake12, Dec 9, 2009
    #6
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