I'm 18 - should I become a trucker in a few years? Need advice...

I still think he should become a DOT officer . Mess with all you " passionate " drivers out there .I noticed a few little remarks when it comes to drivers . " Great career for the un-educated." Why even throw that out there like that ? Another driver says " a good driver does it out of passion ". Im a good driver but i have to tell ya im not that passionate about driving especially when its below freezing and hailing Golf Balls . I do it for the MONEY ! bottom line . Sorry just turned off by some of these negative comments by those who seem to think they are SUPER TRUCKERS ! Nothing wrong with tellin the kid to do something else especially at his age . Sorry i dont want a 18 year old out there next to me in traffic . Besides he can't get his license till he's 21 so go figure . Now if you would be so kind to allow me to tend to my real passion ...STEAK

 

Trucking is defintely not for the uneducated. You have to be able to read maps and understand maps. You have to be able to do math well. Time management is very important in trucking as well. On top of that, you have to be able to safely operate an 80,000 pound vehicle while paying attention to everything that's going on around you, including what your vehicle is doing. You also have to be able to be diplomatic when dealing with your DM, shippers, receivers, and the DOT. Trucking is definitely not for the uneducated or the faint of heart.

It does however, get in your blood, and once it's there, it always will be. You can take the driver out of the truck, but you can't take truckin out of the driver!

 

Well said Lilbit

 

I'm 18 and not all of us are immature and irresponsible! Actually you can get a CDL at 18 along with tanker and double triple endorsements but you have to be 21 to get hazmat and to be able to cross state lines. Very few companies hire at 18, I know from experience even dump truck companies won't touch until I'm at 25 or have experience. I found a roll off carrier to hire me but I don't have my CDL yet just the permit. I'm working with a carrier now working in the shop so that is a good start for me and I think when I'm done with school they are gonna refer me to a company so I can get some experience. Besides that I plan on going to college but it'll be done online so I can work at my own pace.

 

I say give 'er my 9 year old wants to be a trucker although I would love to see him do better than his "old man" it's been putting a roof over our heads and food on our plates and no it does not get in your blood, you either have it or you don't. I can't imagine doing anything else.

 

Isn't that "having it in your blood"? :smt102

I think it's easier to quit smoking than to quit
truckin'

 

Ive had this same dream and Ive Thout It over many times i would like to drive a truck, Or drive a truck and go to college Im only 15 but i have to start thinking. Big for my future my dad says there isn't any money in this he says become a broker i say some brokers are rats. Why would i be like that Im starting to see ive got this trucking, in my blood but the dream fades away mostly becuase of the future and such. If your real determened wait and go to college if it doesnt, work out you have a plan don,t you?.. And trucking will serve as your backup.

 

Luis!
Are you SURE you're 15?
The words you type seem to be much older in their wisdom.
I'm impressed.

 

Yes Im At the correct age i think Im getting, smarter. I need to apply those kinds of words to school I didn't know I was smart, I think Im growing up and After Shock Thank you.

 

You're quite welcome, amigo!

Just don't grow up TOO fast.
Enjoy your youth.
In my opinion, you're doin' fine.
I only wish I was as smart at 15 as you seem to be.

I wish you the BEST of success.