New Driver Question for the Experienced!!!!

Greeting to all you guys and gals on the road!

I am seeking to embark on a career change into the world of trucking. Actually, it's not a new endeavor, for I grew up in this industry but choose a different career choice from my dad, brother and grand-dad. Anyway, I'm 48 and wish to start driving without the hassle and expense of truck driving school. Now I know a few will disagree with me but it seems as if the expense of school and the education it provides isn't on the same plane and after I receive my cert I get to go on the road with a "cookie cutter" company that pays very little to be out on the open road for weeks at a time. It seems to be the norm. Correct me if I'm wrong. Remember I'm the newbie here.

Is it possible to obtain a job with a company that will help you get your CDL A's without going through the schools or being gone 3-6 weeks in a "finisher" program. I do have my permit and know how to drive (but wouldn't consider myself "a driver"). My father was well known from Atl to LA for his many years of running that LTL as well as my brother, They were both O/O's. I don't expect to ride their coat tail but I am looking to get started and build my own career. I have read many articles that has pretty much trashed most of these larger companies and schools. So how does one get started in what should seem to be a not so hard job to find with all the ads for "Help Wanted" that is out here?

Can any one give me sound advice on how to complete my task.

 

The problem is most companies insurance companies require u to have schooling before they will agree to insure you. Best bet if u aee dead set on going that route is o/o or local maybe ltl....u will find quickly it doesnt matter who your dad was or good be was u got to make ur own name and i say that with the upmost respect and experience because when i was going thru school i mentioned my uncles name a few times when because he was driving for over 40 years and no one gave 2 cents so just keep that in mind...good luck.

 

Thanks Buckeye

The point of mentioning my dad was just to say that I'm a little familiar with the business and not to have special treatment. I know this industry has changed so much since the earlier days. I didnt however know it would be so difficult to break into. I hear a lot of "old timers" that have been out of the seat that has decided to go back are also having a bit of trouble. I think that it is a shame that it seems for the most part it's more about $$$$$ than trucking...I dont know thou. I think it's best to attempt to locate a local small company that may not offer the perks as the big name brands to get started. That seems to be the challenge of finding them....
Thanks again for all your input...be safe and watch your 6

 

Yep it can be tough...there are something like 2.5 million trucking companies in the country id say about half are o/os maybe a bit more....half of the rest want at least 6 months experience or more....u have half of the rest that are bottom feeders and the rest that will take u are small and not well known...i know pepsi local drivers dont require u to have cdl but if u want to get it they will help u get it....coke might be the same way....i have a friend that works for a local township and they trained him to get his cdla so something like that may be an option....if ur brother drives can he hire u and take u on while u train with him??? Might be an option too.

 

Yea, Pepsi may be a good thought!!
No, my brother decided to go work for the Feds....(free of charge)...lol....His trucking days are over, he felt like he needed to run a trailer load of more than just freight. Crossed the MS. line and BAM...He now makes license plates for truckers...(such a dumb #####).....Wont use him as a creditable reference...lol

 

Are you looking to go OTR, or local, or regional.

Are you aiming for O/O ? In it for the love or the money?

What's your 20?

 

Lmao. At least he didn't haul cheap freight

 

North GA/TN....No OTR SE Regional is preferred. I would prefer flatbed as well...I am a former deputy sheriff and have been in LEO for many yrs so I try to stay in a little decent shape. Flatbed I have heard is some work so it may keep me exercising some...lol

 

If your Dad has his own authority...it would be an option to have him train you on your permit; and then use his tractor/trailer to test in for your full CDL. If he is leased to a company, you'd most likely have to o.k. it through the company (even though he owns the truck).

 

seems to me the small companies only hire experience drivers to keep insurance cost down
megas are self insured and require 160 hour schooling
not to say it cant be done differently just not typically
this isn't some new idea no one else ever thought of you know