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Thinking of being a driver and have some questions please :)

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JimmySmith, Jan 22, 2011.

  1. Jan 22, 2011 #1
    JimmySmith

    JimmySmith Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Jan 22, 2011
    0
    Hello

    Long post I know, thank you very very very much in advance to those of you that read it :):biggrin_25514:

    I am new to the forum but after looking online this seems to be the place to go for any questions.

    So I am thinking of being a driver for at least the next several years and have a couple questions.

    First is I am currently 20 years old but will be 21 in about 1 1/2 months. Would you guys say its realistic to be able to get hired and trained for a CDL by a truck company at 21. My driving record is clean, never got a ticket or anything. I have been involved in one accident that was not my fault, I was waiting at a red light and someone else hit another car and then bounced into me, I was not even moving. This was in my person car of course not a truck or a job or anything.

    My second question is what you guys think are the best companies to get trained at for the CDL, especially ones that can deduct the cost of school from my paycheck as I dont have much money. I read around on the forums but it seems like allot of the people on here are from the East and South where as I live in New Mexico. I wouldn't mind going to another state for the school, even if its across the country but I would like to stay in the Southwest/West if I can (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Cali etc)

    My last question for now lol is that I wear glasses. I can see just fine with them but I was wondering if there is any problems that could cause and if I should get contacts or anything like that, my sight is good enough with them so im not worried about actually being able to pass a vision test as much as if there are any biases that companies may have against this.

    Thank you all very much for your time, I appreciate it :)
     
    JimmySmith, Jan 22, 2011
    JimmySmith, Jan 22, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jan 22, 2011 #2
    Paddington

    Paddington Medium Load Member

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    Jul 5, 2009
    Cleveland, Ohio
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    At your age...my advice to you would be to try and get on with an LTL carrier.
    This time of year, they're hiring for the usual freight pickup in the spring and to cover vacations in the summer.
    Either that, or try to get on as a part-time dockworker.
    You'd start at the bottom, but you'd build your seniority up over time...which is the advantage of starting so young.
     
    Paddington, Jan 22, 2011
    Paddington, Jan 22, 2011
    #2
    Palazon Thanks this.
  4. Jan 22, 2011 #3
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    Hey Jimmy Smith......Most companies want you to be 23, there are a few exceptions. Some do the training in exchange for a commitment to drive for them for a year or longer. If you bail, they send the collection agency after you. Your eyesight needs to be correctable to 20/40. Good luck and welcome aboard.
     
    Allow Me., Jan 22, 2011
    Allow Me., Jan 22, 2011
    #3
  5. Jan 22, 2011 #4
    fulgrwnmn

    fulgrwnmn Light Load Member

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    Sep 17, 2008
    whitehouse,oh
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    if you have other options............take it
     
    fulgrwnmn, Jan 22, 2011
    fulgrwnmn, Jan 22, 2011
    #4
  7. Jan 22, 2011 #5
    Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

    1,430
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    Feb 5, 2009
    Tacoma, WA
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    You will find some problems with some companies about your age. Swift for example, wants drivers 23 or older (unless prior military). Not a ding on you personally; it's just a statistical analysis about reliabilty and safety. You might have some good luck working with local fuel companies, propane, cement trucks, septic etc.

    As far as glasses? No real problem. Just keep a spare set handy. Oh, and wearing a western style hat keeps the rain off them nicely.
     
    Palazon, Jan 22, 2011
    Palazon, Jan 22, 2011
    #5
  8. Jan 22, 2011 #6
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    I started driving over the road at age 21 and had 9 points on my license. A lot of carriers due prefer you are 23. Keep in mind there are about 450,000 trucking companies in the US so someone will hire you. You just have to do your research. Make a list of your wants and needs and get crackin'! You should be able to find all you need right here on the world wide web. Most every company lists their requirements and what they have to offer on their websites. Here is a site that will help get you started. Type in where you live and will get you a list of companies hiring in your area.

    http://www.newtruckdrivingjobs.com/student_%20driving_%20job.php

    Welcome to the forum and good luck to you!
     
    chompi, Jan 22, 2011
    chompi, Jan 22, 2011
    #6
  9. Jan 23, 2011 #7
    American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

    10,371
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    Nov 8, 2009
    Charlotte, North Carolina
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    dont listin to the age stuff above, there are 20+ carriers that hire new drivers right out of school at 21, as you can see im 21 and I'm a driver....As long as you can pass the DOT physical no need to worry about the glasses


    I wouldnt recomend going through company training but if thats your only option....in that area....Try Central Refridgerated, just DONT sign a lease.





    American Trucker
     
    American-Trucker, Jan 23, 2011
    American-Trucker, Jan 23, 2011
    #7
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