Any Tips For Non-cdl Drivers

I want make a living just driving straight and box trucks. Is this a possibility and are there otr possibilities with these type of trucks. Thank you. I am open to all suggestions

The only truly OTR straight trucks that I know of are the ones used by expedited fleets (FedEx custom critical, Panther, etc.). They're operated by a team, and many if not all are owner operators. Besides that, the only others I could think of might be some regional moving companies. Generally the long haul movers use tractor trailers, though. Either way, you'll still need a CDL to drive even a straight truck.

To drive a 26 ft straight truck all you need is a drivers license and it has to be under 26,001 pounds.

To drive a 26 ft straight truck all you need is a drivers license and it has to be under 26,001 pounds.

Yes you are correct on that but I doubt you'll find a OTR straight truck that is under that weight. I currently drive for a small company out of Knoxville TN and our truck has a GVWR of 54000 so you need at least a B class CDL to drive it. Maybe someone else on here knows more about it than me and will chime in.

I have a few job listings for lumber and produce and salt hauling. Should I go that route. Ultimately I just want a job that travels the northeast.

I have a few job listings for lumber and produce and salt hauling. Should I go that route. Ultimately I just want a job that travels the northeast.

You will likely need a class B for those opportunities and likely they are local gigs.

I have a few job listings for lumber and produce and salt hauling. Should I go that route. Ultimately I just want a job that travels the northeast.

You will likely need a class B for those opportunities and likely they are local gigs.

Yeah I can't imagine lumber or salt falling under the 26,001 rule. Wouldn't imagine they pay all that much either.

I would say go ahead and try for your class B just because of the opportunities it will open up. I would imagine that salt and produce is more of a seasonal gig, or unstable at best. I looked into a local produce route several years ago. Only paid $8/hour. Told the guy at the interview I was sorry for wasting his time. That would've been a $2 pay cut for me at the time.

Yeah I can't imagine lumber or salt falling under the 26,001 rule. Wouldn't imagine they pay all that much either.

I would say go ahead and try for your class B just because of the opportunities it will open up. I would imagine that salt and produce is more of a seasonal gig, or unstable at best. I looked into a local produce route several years ago. Only paid $8/hour. Told the guy at the interview I was sorry for wasting his time. That would've been a $2 pay cut for me at the time.

I will add and backup southerns reply for getting your B license. I drove for a local HVAC distributor in which the truck was under 26000 gvwr so only an F endorsement ( for hire ) was needed although I have an A, I started out at $11.00 per hour ( 40 hours × $11 = $440 per week ) I was out and back every day but did drive 1500 miles a week, now let's do the math on my current job ( B class minimum requirements ) 1500 miles × .39 cents per loaded mile = $585 that's $145 more per week starting out than my old job plus that's not adding any dead head miles which pays .20 cents per mile and the fact that I average around 2500 miles loaded per week.

So as southern said getting your B opens up the possibilities and the pay scale. Hope this helps.