Hard Decision - Getting Hired at 21 With No CDL Experience

I really think you should do a lot more research. I'm 23 and I did exactly what you are thinking about doing to get into trucking. I'm not saying its a bad thing to do if you really want to start, but wait until any season other than Winter to start your career. Loads are #### slow in the Winter time and you won't make any money just starting out. I've been sitting for two days. In this career, if your wheels aren't turning, you're not earning. I made an exception to the rule only because I'm still in training lol! But anyway, I still would like to get longer loads to get myself out of training faster. My company uses actual drive time as the training time.

 

If you want to drive, why wait? That won't accomplish anything but delay your plans and goals. Do your research. Remember when reading here, it's human nature to post negative and you're only reading one side of the story. I've always encouraged guys to hit a truck stop and talk to drivers in person. Leave 'em alone if they appear in a hurry, but if they're just lounging around, buy 'em a cup of coffee.

Good luck...

 

There are no guarantees in trucking . Just about everyone will advise against giving up a steady job to go to the type companies that hire drivers with little or no experience .
You said you have an opportunity to obtain your CDL . Could you give more detail on that ?

 

I have been doing a lot of research as well due to I am looking in to the industry too. I would have to say that as long as you can pay your bills and be happy, taking a pay cut is not a bad thing. Happiness goes a long way.

 

You can drive interstate at 21 years old, but many carriers don't hire inexperienced drivers until they are 23-25 years old. Before spending your money on school, I would check with some carriers and ask about their requirements. There are several carriers who will train you, but ask for a time commitment for at least 6-12 months. If you go this route, make sure that you stay for the duration of your commitment or you will be on the hook for the entire amount of your training.

If you can obtain your CDL with your current job, that would probably be the best thing for you and it would make it much easier to get with an otr company when the time comes. You can easily spend $5,000 or more to obtain your CDL. Being able to get it without the obligation would be a plus.

I would prefer to earn less money and do something that I enjoy than make more money and work at a job that I detested. Some people find it difficult to be on the road and away from friends and family for 2-3 weeks at a time. Not everyone is cut out for this business, but many do like driving otr. Pay tends to be lower the first year or so, but you can still earn a decent living. After you get a couple of years under your belt, you will be able to earn much more as a driver. If you decide to pay for your own training, you may check with local community colleges. Some have driver training programs and the cost is usually much less than private schools. Make sure you check accreditation on any school you consider. Good luck.

 

if you get your cdl threw your place of employment your at now no one will hire you due to lack of exsperance,so you might want to consider company paid training with someone

 

The last thing he'd want to consider is company paid training . Few drivers fulfill the obligations required and end up owing the company thousands of dollars .
By no one you mean no one anyone with any sense would work for . There are good jobs out there for people with a CDL and little experience . Finding them just takes more effort than most wannabes want to make .