Need help and advice with getting started

Well alot of the bigger companies will send you to school for "Free"...that basicly means it's free long as you stay with that company for a certain period of time...if you leave earlier then you'll owe whatever the schooling was...somewhere around $3,000-$5,000...but for over the road driving you have to be atleast 21 i think...but must companies say 23...that's to go interstate...intrastate can be 18...basicly...it's a little harder for someone your age...

 

This is what I did when I was 18. I joined the army as a truck driver. Did my time and got out and got hired as a civilian truck driver. I am still out here 29 years later.

 

To drive in interstate commerce (more than one state) you must be at least 21 years of age. If you wish to drive merely in CA (intrastate) and not leave that state you'd have to check with the DMV to see the minimum age for a CDL for intratate service as the state sets that policy. As a general rule though, most states require 21 years of age (the same as the federal government requirement for interstate) although I am aware of a few states that allow an intrastate CDL at 18 but then comes your other problem; that of finding a company to hire you at 18.

Trucking companies and insurance carriers by and large agree (and so do I) that a person that is only 18 is too immature to drive a truck.

From a retired federal DOT officer.

 

Interesting . The military thinks they are mature enough to put their lives on the line and defend our country .

 

Most decent co's are 23-25. 18 is young, but it depends on the person. 18 is not too young to go to combat. You mature as you adapt and overcome.

 

Dang it, you posted this while I was typing mine. Made me look like I stole your train of thought.

 

No it won't count. You can bet on deploying as a reserve status. I never deployed on active duty, but deployed twice in the reserves. You might find that a year contract with a co is more than you care to bargain for.

 

There are quite a few who do like CREngland, Swift Schneider. to name a few take a look at which is more convienent for you and your goals and good luck to you be safe out there which ever you do chose