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Is Getting Hired for a Greenhorn Harder in Winter?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Yoster, Oct 13, 2014.

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  1. Oct 13, 2014 #1
    Yoster

    Yoster Light Load Member

    58
    65
    May 16, 2011
    Fort Smith, Arkansas
    0
    Hi there, I've been saving up to take a month-long CDL course at a local university. My original plan was to take the course in January, now I'm wondering if I should delay a month or so. If I get hired in February, do about 6 weeks of training, theoretically I could be going solo with the possibilities of winter weather right? Do companies consider this for rookies?

    Also, I will be 21, and although my records are spotless across the board, I know my insurance rates are higher being under 23. I've noticed some companies outright wont hire under 23, like USA Truck, but for those who do, do you think it will make it more difficult for me to get my foot in?

    Thanks guys.
     
    Yoster, Oct 13, 2014
    Yoster, Oct 13, 2014
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Oct 13, 2014 #2
    Trckdrvr

    Trckdrvr Heavy Load Member

    742
    621
    Dec 25, 2010
    Georgia
    0
    Getting hired right now difficult?..umm,No
    If a CDL licensed driver, experienced or not, cant get hired now, they never will.
     
    Trckdrvr, Oct 13, 2014
    Trckdrvr, Oct 13, 2014
    #2
    Lepton1 Thanks this.
  4. Oct 13, 2014 #3
    icsheeple

    icsheeple Trailing the Herd

    2,548
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    Nov 1, 2013
    Kansas City, KS
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    I planned my journey around winter. Got the CDL in spring. Had plenty of drive time in before winter. By the time the ice and snow hit the roads I was ready for it. Granted, I usually just pull over and wait for it to clear.
     
    icsheeple, Oct 13, 2014
    icsheeple, Oct 13, 2014
    #3
    Pmracing Thanks this.
  5. Oct 13, 2014 #4
    gpsman

    gpsman Road Train Member

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    Dec 10, 2013
    45212/59759
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    Most states... or a dang lot of them prohibit drivers under 23 from interstate truck driving. A cursory search suggests Arkansas thinks it's still ~1989 with regard to providing info via the intertubes.
     
    gpsman, Oct 13, 2014
    gpsman, Oct 13, 2014
    #4
  7. Oct 13, 2014 #5
    Yoster

    Yoster Light Load Member

    58
    65
    May 16, 2011
    Fort Smith, Arkansas
    0
    Not highly experienced in winter weather driving, waiting seems to keep sounding better, granted I've been waiting 4 years to turn 21, I think I can handle another month, lol.

    icsheeple thats a fine looking machine you drive sir.


    I have never heard of this, could you provide a link(s)? I wouldn't see companies hiring 21 year olds if they had to make special accommodations and routes for them.
     
    Yoster, Oct 13, 2014
    Yoster, Oct 13, 2014
    #5
    icsheeple Thanks this.
  8. Oct 13, 2014 #6
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    45,961
    Jan 13, 2013
    SW Arkansas
    0
    Individual states do not regulate Interstate Commerce, including the minimum age for truck drivers. According to the FMCSA website, the minumum age for interstate truck drivers is 21. In some states you can drive intrastate at a younger age.
     
    kemosabi49, Oct 13, 2014
    kemosabi49, Oct 13, 2014
    #6
    cowboy_tech, Yoster and Lepton1 Thank this.
  9. Oct 13, 2014 #7
    BoostedTeg

    BoostedTeg Road Train Member

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    Jun 2, 2008
    Boise ID
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    I started driving a couple months after I turned 21. You should have no problem getting on with a company.
     
    BoostedTeg, Oct 13, 2014
    BoostedTeg, Oct 13, 2014
    #7
    Yoster Thanks this.
  10. Oct 13, 2014 #8
    Figgy

    Figgy Light Load Member

    52
    17
    Jun 19, 2012
    southeast regional
    0
    I went to get my cdl at 20 while in school I turned 21 and did over the road. Had no issues with age restrictions but I did wait till I was 23(this year) to go to a better conpany that only hire 23 and up.
     
    Figgy, Oct 13, 2014
    Figgy, Oct 13, 2014
    #8
    Yoster Thanks this.
  11. Oct 13, 2014 #9
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Don't waste time, go for it in January. Trucking companies hire 21 yr. old drivers 24/7 year round. Get all the endorsements, especially hazmat and also a passport for Canada runs.

    Best things to do right now are study the "CDL Practice Tests" which are accessed at the top of this page and start researching companies that hire at 21 yrs. old.

    Here's a few; check the websites:

    Melton Truck Lines
    Halvor Lines
    Navajo Express

    There's plenty more also.
    Start submitting applications the first day of CDL school. Submit as many applications as you want, then choose from the job offers. This way you will be ready to roll the day you graduate.
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2014
    Chinatown, Oct 13, 2014
    Chinatown, Oct 13, 2014
    #9
    Lepton1 and Yoster Thank this.
  12. Oct 13, 2014 #10
    chris886

    chris886 Medium Load Member

    531
    286
    Aug 22, 2013
    Chicago, IL
    0
    Jump into it. Start in the winter and it only gets better from there. I started in January doing local deliveries in Chicago.
     
    chris886, Oct 13, 2014
    chris886, Oct 13, 2014
    #10
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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