Prepared to begin School for CDL-A, Questions about process?

Most OTR companies require that you are at least 21..with that said...

Can you get a CDL/A and drive..probably..

Will it be OTR..No

Are there other opportunities for CDL holders..yes

will they hire an 18 yr old..dunno..you'll have to call and ask them

Reason o the 21 age limit..lots..some people at 18 have no work history..and without a verifiable work history OTr companies won't put behind the wheel of a hundred grand worth of equipment..you are too high risk

Best advice? Wait a couple of years..I know you don't want to hear that..but thats the best thing you can do..This isn't a spur of the moment decision by any means. Get an easy job that will pay your bills there and save up some cash..use the cash to pay for your cdl training on or near your 21st b-day

something that may also come into play is that at 21 is when your insurance rate will take its first dip downwards as long as you keep your record clean.

Petey

 

Moving companies are always looking for loader/unloaders and with your expressed interest, when you get old enough will help you get your cdl and won't put you under contract usually if you have already worked for them for a while..

You'll work your butt off loading and unloading all that furniture..but they usually pay decent, and you'll probably get to drive smaller straight trucks even at your age that don't require a cdl..but its still verifiable work experience..

Allied Van Lines
United Van Lines etc..

Check the yellow pages for others..most promote from within..and those OTR bedbugs make pretty good money if you stay with em and go OTR for them

Petey

 

No..hire on as a loader/unloader then work your way from there..once your foot is in the door, express to them your interest in getting a cdl in the future..when you meet their age requirements..if they will allow you at age 18 to drive..great! They may also pay the tuition..but I don't see that happening.

Your best bet is to go to the companies like that in your town and talk with them personally about their cdl requirements..you'll probably find 21 is the minimum..so if you go to cdl training now..thats three years before you can use it which then means refresher is required by most companies so you just be wasting your time now.

Don't rush this career..especially at your age..as a loader/unloader for a moving company you will see enough of what the driver does and the paperwork they have to deal with to get a good head start on things when it is time for you to go to school..their drivers will help you learn about pretrips, brake checks etc which most trainees have a hard time with remembering.

Allied I know at age 21 will ask you if you want to become a driver if you are a loader/unloader..its the only way to advance in the company and they advance from within, especially if you work your butt off for them as a loader/unloader.

petey