Path for New CDL holder (no experience)?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jaginFL, Dec 25, 2024.

  1. jaginFL

    jaginFL Bobtail Member

    26
    45
    Dec 25, 2024
    0
    Hi,

    I decided to do the CDL program at the local technical college. It’s completely paid for with grant money. So, I won’t have any attachment to any trucking companies.

    What would be the best gig to aim for immediately after finishing the CDL program? Obviously, I’d like which ever pays the most. Being away for weeks isn’t an issue for me, either.

    My main interest is to do fuel tanker/hazmat. I already had TSA pre check, so TWIC/Hazmat won’t be an issue. Intermodal is also a gig I’d prefer.



    Thanks!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

  3. lual

    lual Road Train Member

    4,694
    8,413
    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    You will get much better answers -- if we know your approximate location.

    What is your zip code in FL?

    Also -- how old are you?

    :dontknow:

    -- L
     
    nextgentrucker and tscottme Thank this.
  4. jaginFL

    jaginFL Bobtail Member

    26
    45
    Dec 25, 2024
    0
    I’m in central Florida near Orlando. I am 35.
     
    austinmike and Chinatown Thank this.
  5. lual

    lual Road Train Member

    4,694
    8,413
    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    Do you live north or south of I-4?

    -- L
     
  6. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

    1,405
    2,960
    Aug 10, 2015
    0
    Go to Schneider and you can work almost all the jobs trucking has to offer a new guy, pretty much all with in your first year. Then you can find out what you like, and no rock solid commitment if you end up somewhere you really don’t like.
     
    austinmike Thanks this.
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,670
    169,750
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    How many hours is the school?
     
  8. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

    1,392
    2,353
    Jan 7, 2023
    0
    I'm too long out of the business to talk about companies, but there are a few things you should know before getting into this:

    First, while community college programs are a great deal, the quality of instruction varies greatly from one school to the next. Even the best programs are not likely to have more than 2 separate trucks to learn on. A 'private' school, however, almost always has more varied equipment. The one I attended more than 35 years ago had road tractors, day cabs, dry van trailers, 28'6" doubles, a flatbed, a low-boy, and a variety of engine/transmission combos; Detroit 6V's with an 8-speed, Big Cam Cummins with a 7-speed Spiced, and a Mack with a twin-stick 16-speed Maxidyne. I got to drive them all. But it cost $6k (back in 1987 dollars). However, I got hired the day after I graduated.

    So, take a good look at the equipment you will be learning on. If they only have 1 truck, you won't learn more than just the basics. You will STILL need at least 2 months OTR training, and you should be ready for this experience, which can often be stressful and chaotic. I can't believe how lucky I was with the 2 trainers I had (the first one was scheduled for a vacation at the end of my second week, btw..), but even then, there was an occasional personality conflict.

    Also, the business is in a bit of a slump right now, and who knows if the new year will bring any improvement. So, don't expect a lot of choice when you are ready to be hired.
     
    jaginFL Thanks this.
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,670
    169,750
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Eagle Transport Corporation | CDL Truck Driver Jobs in Florida
    Graduate from Eagle-Approved Driving School, meeting Eagle GPA requirements, within the past seven years (school certificate and transcript required).

    Once hired, we have paid tanker-specific training for both our Petroleum Division and Chemical Division.
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,670
    169,750
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    nextgentrucker Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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