I've been very interested in training and getting my CDL to start a new career path. I own a small business now but am not passionate about it any longer (my husband passed away and I just don't enjoy it anymore) and have been doing a ton of research into the trucker lifestyle. A few questions I had: 1) I currently live in Saint Louis, moved here from Hawaii and while in Hawaii I let my DL lapse, no particular reason except I drove a moped, so my MO DL is fairly new. I drive just fine and the only minor accidents/tickets I've ever had date back to when I lived in NY, 10+ years ago. Because my MO DL is fairly new, should that be an issue? 2) I've driven small cars, big pick up trucks, multi passenger vans and box trucks (back when I was 20 or so for a company I worked for that did entertainment set ups) All automatic, never learned manual. I'll admit I know very little about trucks (the mechanics of them, that is) I can tell you all about VW Beetles (I've owned 3) just because I had to learn. Should I know more about trucks before starting training or will I learn all that as I go along? 3) I like the idea of OTR driving - I have no SO or dependents (only 2 cats), rent my house and have family nearby I stay with when I am home. I figure I can save around $1200/month by just putting my house and life into a storage locker while on the road. Anyone else do this when they first started out? If I am not leasing my truck (which I don't plan on), what costs do you incur while out on the road? What do you have to pay for and what does the company provide? 4) From my research, it sounds like OTR jobs will be easier to qualify for once I get my CDL as many of the job postings I see for local(ish) routes, high pay ($1000+ a week), dedicated runs or high miles all require at least 1 year of OTR experience. Is this true? As a rookie driver, what can realistically expect to bring home each week/month, wage wise? From the lowest to the highest. (Yes, I know it will depend on the company but there has to be some average) 5) Solo vs team driving - I've also read a bit that seems to point towards quite a few companies requiring you to team up with another driver for a few weeks/months. Is this often true? I can see the pluses and minuses of it (especially if teaming up with someone experienced) but I do like my privacy and solitude. 6) There are a couple trucking schools in my area and the local community college actually has a program for CDL training but I may not qualify for it. I've also seen websites and job postings from trucking companies that will train you and then put you to work (most likely being in "debt" to them for your training) Besides the reputation, cost of the tuition/training and location - what should I look out for? What would you recommend - college program, CDL trucking school or company training? They *should* all teach you the same things, correct? I'm 30 years old, female, nothing holding me back and ready for something new. Thanks in advance!
1. Age of license isn't an issue but when you get a CDL no matter what state you must surrender your current license 2. I'll estimate half probably more in CDL school have never driven a stick or know anything about trucks . Passenger vehicles for the most part are automatic , standard . It's hard to find anyone under 40 who can drive a stick. 3. Great plan on locking up the house and reducing your expenses as you cannot expect to earn a lot while on the road first year earning your stripes. Most companies will pay transport to training center and lodging . Some provide meals . Your expenses on the road will be food , drink , hygiene , entertainment. Most companies will let you advance on your paycheck every week for this , 100-150 dollars 4. There are some upper tier companies like Trimac that will take on trainees and set you up with a school and pay you well in a local or regional position . Also look into freight companies like Old Dominion . You sound smart , Google is your friend . During training expect 300-400 a week with an OTR company , 700-900 a week gross once you have your own ride . - draw - insurance - taxes expect 500 take home , maybe 30k your first year . 5. Go solo . Why split your check ? Plenty of solo jobs out there 6. Trucking companies have a list of ' approved schools ', RoadMaster as an example . Go with a big one like that unless you can get low cost grants for community college . Cheapest is always best if they can hook you up , or just throw your hat in the ring and go to Swift , Stevens, US XPRESS, get your CDL and grind it out . You're young it won't matter much . Hope this helps Last . Specialized always pays more . If you have the moxy get into flatbed , oversize , tanker . They pay 60-90 k a year and average 20--30 an hour locally
Earl Henderson Trucking in Caseyville, IL will probably hire you and put you through their CDL school. Witte Bros. in Troy, MO has their own CDL school and I think you need $500.00 for that.
I'm probably biased but you should consider Stevens Transport, the contract the training all over the country but the best facility is in Dallas, you would spend a couple of weeks in Dallas learning the bare basics, getting a physical, drug test x2 and a Tx CDL ( you have to transfer in to your home state ) then you would spend about 6 wks (240 driving hours or so) with a trainer over the road. Then 3 to 6 wks solo on probation after that they loosen the leash a little and you are on your own...the driver support is good and the safety and maintenance are top notch. I suggest pushing the issue and holding out for Dallas but in the end you have to go to Dallas anyway to get a trainer.... Bill
Either way you go prepare now by acquiring an original birth certificate and original social security card that's not laminated. Earl Henderson has a real good reputation. Not sure about Witte Bros. because not much is posted about the company. Earl Henderson provides a single occupancy hotel room and meals during cdl school. Not sure if Witte Bros does or not. Probably make the most money starting out with Henderson. If those don't interest you, look at Southern Refrigerated Transport. Also provide hotel room and meals. The reputation is lots of miles running coast to coast.
You'll be alright, you seem to have it together. If you know how a VW beetle works and did any work on it, you pretty much can figure out a truck they are simple now a days.
Community college have the best cdl training programs. All the commercial training programs have one goal in mind, teach you just enough to pass the test. Many don't even touch on a log book, they say your company will teach you that.
youve been given some good advice here. All I'll add is this...the learning curve is steep so allow yourself the space to adjust to this new career path. Focus on learning to be a "professional driver". Don't worry about the money, it'll come with the experience. I started out green 4 years ago and it just got better and better. Now I own my own truck, only work 7 months a year and I love what I'm doing! You'll get lots of support from other drivers. Expect the best and that's what you'll get!
Good for you, girl! I'm in the same boat, 27 and wanting a career change. I don't know the answers, but wanted to wish you luck with your possible new career
