Career center program while still in high school?

Yeah hold off till you are 21

 

I would go for it. The possibilities are endless, you may not be able to go outside your state but I think even a local job is a good head start and you should be able to make a little bit more money than the average 19 year old.

 

here's some advice from somebody whos recently been there done that.

Is this free?


If you can line up a couple of companies that will hire you when you get your CDL to run Intrastate, then do it! If not AND if you have to pay for it dont waste your time, until your 21.

Now IF you cannot get a local job lined up, and you'd have to pay for that course, pick something else you want to do, my advice to Auto or Diesel Tech if they have it.

I did Avation Tech (aircraft Technition) and ended up working as an auto tech, and got my Class A CDL at 18. So i can alway (god forbid with these low wages down south) fall back on being a mechanic for whatever reason i may need to.

ALSO if you ever intend on being a O/O being able to work on your own truck will save you a TON of money....



just my .02cent....Good Luck!




American Trucker

 

Diesel Tech is Definitely a good Field. You can work on ya own truck when you buy one.

 

ya that and diesel Techs pay starts around $25/hr in most places in the US, and the almost always have the option of Benifits with the job, unlike Auto techs....




American Trucker

 

Some people get there CDL's at 18 but like you said,you wouldn't be able to do OTR until you turn 21,DOT rules.

I would get the CDL-B you might be able to get a local driving gig like working for Lowes etc,but till your 21,you can't do OTR.

 

I would do the research but if you want to make a easy living without all the hassle that comes with driving. ... check out those apprenticeship programs around your area ,most of them are for electrician, plumbing, hvac,,etc. Those particular jobs could land you into a government career or even something better where as when u get older you can relax and supervise ppl or work from home making good and I mean good money! !!!!! I love trucking but I also would rather lay on the beach while typing on my laptop and calling it my job while on vacation! !"!!!!,

 

I agree with Truckerman.. Do it. You can get your CDL, get some experience interstate, and when you turn 21 and go intrastate you will hopefully have a little bit of background driving. While it will not count for you on OTR, it is still experience. Even if you go to a school and pay 5 grand... you may still need to take a company program for the driving. Or if you do not have your CDL, you will have to pay out of pocket or lease with them to get your CDL.

As for being a mechanic.. thats what I do. I started in a vocational school, got into a truck shop, and worked my way up to Caterpillar. Albeit, it isnt trucks... I still love em. The job isnt a $100,000 a year pay but it works and it will always be there because a lot of truckers will NOT work on their own trucks or even know how to work on them.

Cant hurt to get a CDL to drive or to work on the trucks.