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What options I have?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by youngtrucker, Jan 3, 2008.

  1. Jan 3, 2008 #1
    youngtrucker

    youngtrucker Bobtail Member

    11
    1
    Jan 3, 2008
    Paragould, Arkansas
    0
    I just turned 21 years old January 1st 2008 and I just finished another semester of college. I've decided to take up being a truck driver because I have a son and a wife and she is in college to be a denist so money is tight. My father who has been driving for 22 years asked me if I wanted to buy a truck and become an owner operator. I've agreed so far but I don't have a Class A CDL yet do I have to go to school to get this or can I just take the written test then the skills test and be able to drive for a tractor. I've also thought about driving for a company for 6 months to a year just to gain a little bit of experience, what companies will hire a 21 year old who has not been through a school and doesn't have any experience. Thanks for any information.
     
    youngtrucker, Jan 3, 2008
    youngtrucker, Jan 3, 2008
    #1
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  3. Jan 6, 2008 #2
    jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

    1,871
    1,090
    Oct 1, 2007
    Duncannon, Pa
    0
    As far as I know there are no big outfits that accept self trained drivers due to insurance guidelines.

    If your dad drives how about getting your license and joining him? This may be a way to get your foot in the door without having to spend the thousands of dollars most schools ask for.

    As for buying a truck I advise not to. Better to cut your teeth on some company equipment and "learn the ropes" on someone elses dime rather than put that kind of pressure on yourself. Drive for a company for a couple of years before you try to buy your own and if you decide to go that route make sure you spend alot of time talking with your dad about it.

    Check into the owner op section of this site and read some of the posts, especially posts from NIGHTWIND. This will give you a comprehensive view on what an owner op is up against especially if you want to get your own authority later on.
     
    jlkklj777, Jan 6, 2008
    jlkklj777, Jan 6, 2008
    #2
  4. Jan 7, 2008 #3
    latanea

    latanea Road Train Member

    1,337
    235
    Sep 21, 2007
    cincinnati (sharonville)
    0
    those same insurance guidlines will also nix you based on your age...


    most want you to be 23-24...
     
    latanea, Jan 7, 2008
    latanea, Jan 7, 2008
    #3
  5. Jan 8, 2008 #4
    wesross

    wesross Bobtail Member

    24
    0
    Jan 8, 2008
    Las Vegas, NV
    0
    Like a poster mentioned above me, it is best to get a few years in working for a company before you go O/O. This gives you time to build up your credit and get a down payment for a truck. Plus you will have a little more security which is what you need most when starting out.
     
    wesross, Jan 8, 2008
    wesross, Jan 8, 2008
    #4
  7. Jan 9, 2008 #5
    rayjames

    rayjames Bobtail Member

    10
    0
    Jan 8, 2008
    Aurora, CO
    0
    Just get you CDL and get a local job. After six months start looking for a better local job if you need to. Keep contacting OTR companies the whole time trying to find one that will take you with your age. There IS good money in local work so you won't be taking a hit doing it this way.

    Ray James.
     
    rayjames, Jan 9, 2008
    rayjames, Jan 9, 2008
    #5
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