Profile For Brian B.

It's a bear to find local work that accepts rookies with no OTR experience. But it is possible especially if you're over the age of 21!!

Depending on where you're located, look for agricultural companies. Milk truck, grain truck, etc. may hire you. (I'm 18 and have a few grain companies that may take me)

Also, construction/excavation companies might hire you. You said you have heavy equipment experience, so maybe check them out and see if there's a flatbed position to haul that equipment to & from job sites.

Check grocery stores, convenience stores, and "major" companies that have local runs / daycabs in your area.

Thank you I'm 42 so hope that works in my favor.

Brian if your ultimate goal is OTR you might be painting your self into a corner by starting out local. Once you decide you are ready for OTR, many companies will want OTR experience.

Check these links out:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

Paid CDL Training Programs

Thank you!

Welcome to the site! Its an extremely good resource with honest and friendly and experienced advice. I am finding this a difficult task also. I believe its because most local companies want you to have otr experience first. I found some that have you home on weekends starting out. If you put ltl in the search bar on this site there is some great info.

Thanks for the welcome. I have seen a few locals that will take me with limited experience. We will see I guess.

Local class A is a whole 'nother animal. It's actually a bit tougher since "local" usually means lots of in-traffic driving and tight backing/docking. Also you'll probably be unloading your own truck.

Local driving experience does not count for OTR experience.

Thanks for the info. I do drive tucks and heavy machinery on private land right now and do well with tight spots. Unloading my own is ok too.

I'm looking at getting my Class A but staying local at least for the first couple of years.

What I am wondering is if this is a viable option?

Also once I have a few years in what do I need to transition to otr?

Can't really find much info on Class A local then moving on to regional or national.

Any input is appreciated.

Brian