New Cdl Driver - planning 1st job

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TruckATurtle, Aug 18, 2026.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Aug 18, 2026 #1
    TruckATurtle

    TruckATurtle Bobtail Member

    3
    4
    Aug 16, 2026
    Richmond VA
    0
    Hey all,

    I'm just finishing up CDL class A. I got all my endorsements in gear except for double/triples and manual transmission. I am holding my class B from school bus work for about 2 years prior so I have my P & S endorsement too.

    Due to take my skills/on the road test next Monday.

    I would like to specialize in tankers/hazmat as I've read choosing a speciality is pretty important.

    Is it going to be impossible for me to land a tanker job under 3 months of experience?

    I'm located in Chesterfield, VA about 30 minutes from Richmond, VA. I'd love local, regional or dedicated to not be away from home too much if possible. I have 2 small kids 10 & 6 yrs old.

    Any tips on finding a tanker company that might hire a newbie from day one around here or possible points I can argue that I'm worth the training off the bat.

    Thanks Gents & Ladies!
     
    TruckATurtle, Aug 18, 2026
    TruckATurtle, Aug 18, 2026
    #1
    austinmike, silverspur and Chinatown Thank this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Aug 18, 2026 #2
    lual

    lual Road Train Member

    5,767
    10,646
    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    You're (basically) asking if you can be seated in the front of an F-15....right out of Air Force basic training. :eek:

    When I first started hauling fuel -- I had 2 years of class A experience under my belt.

    Later on -- I was grateful for EVERY BIT OF IT.

    Suggestion: learn the art of driving a big rig first -- with far less dangerous freight.

    You'll also have a MUCH EASIER time landing that first CDL class A job, as well....

    -- L
     
    lual, Aug 18, 2026
    lual, Aug 18, 2026
    #2
    48Packard, WesternPlains, snowlauncher and 2 others Thank this.
  4. Aug 18, 2026 #3
    lual

    lual Road Train Member

    5,767
    10,646
    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    With all of that said -- Schneider will probably hire you for tanker duty, with no previous experience...to run out of their Charlotte terminal.

    But....as a Schneider veteran myself....I can't honestly recommend them.

    You can learn tanker work elsewhere, later.
     
    lual, Aug 18, 2026
    lual, Aug 18, 2026
    #3
    TruckATurtle Thanks this.
  5. Aug 18, 2026 #4
    lual

    lual Road Train Member

    5,767
    10,646
    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    lual, Aug 18, 2026
    lual, Aug 18, 2026
    #4
    TruckATurtle Thanks this.
  7. Aug 18, 2026 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    79,162
    191,637
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    #5
    Eddiec and Vic Firth Thank this.
  8. Aug 18, 2026 #6
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    79,162
    191,637
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    #6
    TruckATurtle Thanks this.
  9. Aug 18, 2026 #7
    OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

    2,212
    7,543
    Jul 17, 2018
    New Hampshire
    0
    I wouldn’t go tanker right away either. There’s plenty of other local gigs to get your feet wet that are much less dangerous.
     
    OldeSkool, Aug 18, 2026
    OldeSkool, Aug 18, 2026
    #7
    TruckATurtle Thanks this.
  10. Aug 18, 2026 #8
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    79,162
    191,637
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    #8
    TruckATurtle Thanks this.
  11. Aug 18, 2026 #9
    TruckATurtle

    TruckATurtle Bobtail Member

    3
    4
    Aug 16, 2026
    Richmond VA
    0
    Thanks yall. Yeah I was considering republic services since they have some near me.

    So guys, how long should I do dry van or others before swapping to tanker in your opinions?
     
    TruckATurtle, Aug 18, 2026
    TruckATurtle, Aug 18, 2026
    #9
  12. Aug 18, 2026 #10
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    79,162
    191,637
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    Chinatown, Aug 18, 2026
    #10
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

    • Page 1 of 5