31 year old Canadian with no degree or diploma. Currently working as a forklift driver making $22/hr and pretty much capped out, no where to go from here.
Thinking of either getting my AZ licence or going to back to college for a trade. AZ licence looks like itll cost around $15K. I have around $30K saved up and am thinking of spending it on a good AZ school. Id rather not go to a college for several years. AZ licence looks very attractive.
I think i would enjoy the work. Im a good driver, clean record, can pass a drug test, and I like being on the road. No kids and dont mind being away from home for long periods of time. Feels like a good fit for me.
Is this a good industry to get into right now? Or would you recommend staying away?
Sorry in advance, Im sure you all get these kind of questions all the time and so im sorry for the trouble. Also, thank you all for your service. I have nothing but respect for truckers. Youre the best drivers on the road.
Worth getting into the industry right now as a Canadian?
Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Catzo, Dec 19, 2024.
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Having your AZ (CDL) License is good to alway have. However, the difficulties in the beginning is obtaining the experience. Not sure how it is these days but in the early 90's I remember no one would hire me right out of trucking school. Possibly Schneider but they're no longer in Ontario. Reputable companies want a minimum of 3 years exerpeince whiles you might see ones saying only 1 year or even 6 months experience needed a lot of redflags go up especially considering most insurance companies for smaller fleets less than 10 trucks have to approve the drivers via Abstracts and experience. Be careful of companies offering (%) pay only as well in three times. A good majority because of the Freight recession are trying to scheme the newbies & naive. A good rate per mile (cpm) is $0.50 cpm or more. I know a few years ago it was around $0.60 to in some cases $0.65 however, things have become difficult in the overall industry. Personally, I would recommend local first regarding backing up practices and experience for perfection.
Catzo Thanks this. -
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1st, welcome aboard, tis' no trouble, it's why we're here. We don't care where you are from, so no need to qualify that. 2nd, am I missing something? $15K for a CDL in Canada? Sounds a bit much, I thought it's between $5-$7K here. Regardless of the cost, don't let current events sway your decision. There are so many opportunities today, a good driver can't possibly fail. You'll certainly do better than $22/hr. While 6 figure incomes are possible( in 20 years or at the lunch counter), you could expect at least $60-$70K/yr. easy. Best way there I say, is to go to a trucking company that will help finance the schooling and have a job waiting. May not be the best, but beats looking for a job. Many times you can work the schooling off, after a year, you can go anywhere. You sound like a good fit for a driver. It's when people with no options and desperate, is a recipe for failure. Good luck.
Puppage Thanks this. -
I don’t know how the pay is in Canada but in USA you might make more per week but you working 70 hours a week in USA to get it. In USA we get paid by the mile, then if lucky you get detention pay by the hour when waiting to load or unload.
I just switched to getting paid by the hour and at $26 per hour working 48 hours a week. I make more money then I did driving maybe 60 hours a week. I was doing 5 day driving and 2 days off. Now I work 4 days and get 3 days off and make a little more every week.hope not dumb twucker and Iamoverit Thank this. -
Get a trade. Better hours, generally better pay, depending on where you are located. Better work life balance.
Knucklehead, AModelCat and hope not dumb twucker Thank this. -
The smart way to do this is find the job you will walk into and have the company review your background, driving record, criminal record and agree to hire you BEFORE you go to CDL school.
201 Thanks this. -
I would strongly suggest a trade school. Learn a trade and in a couple of years you will be making good money and home every night ( if you want to be) depending on your trade.
That will leave room for a wife and kids in the future.tscottme Thanks this. -
6 figures working 40 hour weeks is easily obtainable in the trades.Albertaflatbed, tscottme and TX2Day Thank this.
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