Does Class B Passenger bus experience help me towards my goal of Class B straight/dump truck?

Can't you just get a Class B job with a Class A license? I thought you could, guess I was wrong.

 

Those class A jobs you’re looking at are still training companies that are self insured. The companies that can actually get insured will have a completely different set of requirements.

 

First, it isn't about class B or A, it is what the truck is.

AND it isn't all about insurance; it is about experience.

Watch these drivers work; there is a skill needed to put the load right where the customer wants it or to follow instructions and put the truck where it needs to be.

Most semi truck drivers don't need to think much, and seeing 99% are steering wheel holders, 6 months is all that is needed.

 

No, the bus experience will not transfer into dump trucks or other vocational type work. Speaking from direct experience, since I began my career at 18 as a school bus mechanic and driver, then moved into commuter bus, they are far too different of jobs.

Dump trucks are a unique animal with overhead obstructions and tip over hazards being critical. Most employers don't want to be the first dump truck you drive to be theirs, too easy to roll it over or hit something, and they really don't care at all about tractor trailer experience unless you were doing open deck or hauling heavy equipment. My dad and brother owned an asphalt paving company, so I got a lot of dump truck experience in addition to my bus experience, and can tell you they are very different jobs.

It is easier to transition into dump trucks if you do other vocational type work first, such as fuel oil or propane delivery or get on with a big construction company and drive one of their flatbed material trucks or use your class A to haul around equipment for them. Once they see that you are a good driver that can handle being off pavement, makes good decisions, can work independently and are willing to do the manual labor required, they will likely consider putting you into a dump truck or cement mixer.