Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Thinking of Getting CDL - Need Advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by tomana, Apr 18, 2012.

  1. Apr 18, 2012 #1
    tomana

    tomana Bobtail Member

    26
    15
    Apr 18, 2012
    Albuquerque NM
    0
    hi,

    I'm a newb here and if I may, there's a few questions I'd like to ask. Things are taking shape for me to go to school in May to get my CDL. Was going to get a Class B but someone has been encouraging me to get a Class A. I've tried driving a roll-on and think I'll be ok handling one but a semi? I just don't know enough (anything, really) what that would be like. I'm not interested in shooting for a maximum dollar position. Simply want a good, steady job with an honest company. Here are my questions:

    - For semi, which type (flatbed, refrigerator, etc) and why?
    - Was thinking of getting a class B then 2 years on the job then drive a City roll-on. That was the original plan. Any suggestions or other recommendations to persue?
    - What are the real world realities of driving a truck for a living? I mean, what's encounted day by day, on the job stresses, impact on the body, etc
    - I'm a hard worker but not interested in jumping around company to company for more pay. I simply desire a steady job with fair pay for a good hearted company. What company would you recommend driving for?

    Thanks for any replies ...
     
    tomana, Apr 18, 2012
    tomana, Apr 18, 2012
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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

  3. Apr 18, 2012 #2
    rodknocker

    rodknocker Road Train Member

    1,242
    584
    Dec 18, 2008
    Southeast
    0
    Knowing what I know now, I would get your class a and all endorsements. I would find a profitable ltl company and apply for a forklift job and work your way up to a driving position or an office position. Having class a with hazmat will get your foot in the door quicker
     
    rodknocker, Apr 18, 2012
    rodknocker, Apr 18, 2012
    #2
    tomana Thanks this.
  4. Apr 18, 2012 #3
    leadfoot80

    leadfoot80 Light Load Member

    199
    34
    Feb 17, 2012
    S.E. WY
    0
    You gotta jump through pretty much the same hoops for a CDL Class B as you do for a Class A, so why limit your options?
     
    leadfoot80, Apr 18, 2012
    leadfoot80, Apr 18, 2012
    #3
    tomana Thanks this.
  5. Apr 18, 2012 #4
    Gundermin

    Gundermin Bobtail Member

    23
    5
    Mar 7, 2012
    vermont
    0
    Just go A and save yourself the headache later, especially if you're footing the bill.
     
    Gundermin, Apr 18, 2012
    Gundermin, Apr 18, 2012
    #4
    tomana Thanks this.
  7. Apr 18, 2012 #5
    tomana

    tomana Bobtail Member

    26
    15
    Apr 18, 2012
    Albuquerque NM
    0
    I appreciate all the replies - thanks
     
    tomana, Apr 18, 2012
    tomana, Apr 18, 2012
    #5
  8. Apr 18, 2012 #6
    Dagger

    Dagger Light Load Member

    164
    87
    Mar 17, 2012
    0
    If you want a B, go work for a school bus company and get free training. Stick around for a bit and they may pay you for the training.

    Depending on the school district or company, you may even get benefits and paid holidays. Be careful though. Connecticut put a restriction on a B if you got your training/licensing from a school bus company. The "Z" restricted you to school buses only. (I don't know if they still do this, it was a while ago.)
     
    Dagger, Apr 18, 2012
    Dagger, Apr 18, 2012
    #6
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

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