Starting out at 19?

Hello Guys, I'm 19 years old, I live in Palatka, FL. I'll be going to National Training School in March. I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on starting out. So far I've asked a few logging companies in my area but they require me be at least 23 for insurance purposes unless i had my own truck. Well I can't exactly afford my own truck right now working the job i do at $9/hour. Once I graduate I'll be looking for a job, now National has lifetime job placement, but since im limited to intrastate travel only, it will be hard for me to get a job. Yes, I already know my age is the biggest factor for trucking. I'm trying my best to go around to companies to see if they would take the risk of hiring me, so far no luck. I've been wanting to be a trucker ever since i was 7, I'm not about to give up on my dream just because of my age. I'm determined to make my dream come true even if it means working for a company at a lower pay than others, if it gets my foot in the door for 6-8 months and gives me experience, its worth the pay cut(in my opinion). Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

I appreciate it man. If i could afford to move to Georgia i would in a heart beat. But FL is where i gotta stay for awhile

Hopefully something will come up soon. I graduate on April 2nd. And ive been calling to ask companies if they would hire me once i graduate. But i guess i should wait till i actually get my CDL, that way i can go to work source, and see if they can find something for me.

 

I appreciate that man. My Uncle has trucked for walmart for about 20 years now, and I have a VERY high respect for truckers, people dont understand that without trucks, our economy stops. And it ticks me off when people dont respect truckers.

I do have a dream Im not going to give up on. Even the people at the training center told me that it will be hard for them to find me a job, i told them not to worry about it too much, im determined to get out there and do what i can to get a job. Even if im just moving trucks around a yard or something. I dont care what other people say to bring me down, ill make it work one way or another.

 

I make $600 every two weeks at my current job, If i find a company willing to hire me for even $250 a week, ill jump on that in a heart beat man. As long as i make at least $800/month ill be able to support myself.