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Just got my Class A license. Where to start?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Ice9, Apr 13, 2011.

  1. Apr 13, 2011 #1
    Ice9

    Ice9 Bobtail Member

    4
    4
    Apr 11, 2011
    Chicago
    0
    I got my Class A license recently, and have a few questions. I did not go to a school, I went with my father for some months and learned to drive with him.Now that I have my license, I want to apply for work and am overwhelmed by the many options.

    A bit about myself, I live in Chicago, I'm 22 and would like to stay driving local. I learned to drive 22ft dump trailers and 46-53ft containers. I also have N and T endorsements, clean record. I do not want to be O/O right now, just be a driver. My experience is about 2 months of me driving with my father in the passenger seat (Before that I practiced in an empty yard after work).

    I wanted to ask someone with more experience than me these questions.

    Where can I apply for work that will accept me with almost no work experience?

    What should I expect beginner pay to be?

    What are trusted websites that I can apply at?

    The best companies for newbie drivers?

    Good companies in my city?

    I thank you all for your input.

    -edit-
    I am also reading many of the forum threads, and boy it is a lot of information.
     
    Last edited: Apr 13, 2011
    Ice9, Apr 13, 2011
    Ice9, Apr 13, 2011
    #1
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  3. Apr 13, 2011 #2
    Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

    6,354
    3,178
    Jan 28, 2011
    Arlington Heights, IL
    0
    Congrats on passing the test!
    I think you may have had better training than some of the schools I have heard of.

    Unfortunately not having a minimum 160 hours of certified schooling might hold you back from some companies... I hope not.

    I chose KLLM out of school. You could give them a call and inquire...
    Good luck and congrats again.

    Mikeeee
     
    Pmracing, Apr 13, 2011
    Pmracing, Apr 13, 2011
    #2
  4. Apr 13, 2011 #3
    KO1927

    KO1927 Medium Load Member

    569
    263
    May 19, 2009
    NH
    0
    Congratulations! I learned the old school way too.

    If you want to stay local, the best bet is to put boots to pavement and go knock on doors. Go into every yard you see trucks parked in, introduce yourself and see if they'll take you on. You might start as a yard jockey or grease man, and go from there.

    The large companies might not take you, but it's worth a phone call to find out (I recommend exhausting your local options first).
     
    KO1927, Apr 13, 2011
    KO1927, Apr 13, 2011
    #3
  5. Apr 24, 2011 #4
    Ice9

    Ice9 Bobtail Member

    4
    4
    Apr 11, 2011
    Chicago
    0
    Thanks for the advice, I might reconsider going over the road if it opens my job opportunities. Now to narrow down which ones to apply too.
     
    Ice9, Apr 24, 2011
    Ice9, Apr 24, 2011
    #4
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