Should I Get My CDL In Texas Or Arizona? Need Help!
Topic 1514 | Page 1
Todd, the simple answer is that your CDL needs to be in the state where your residence is. If you want to get it in Arizona you can always get it transferred to Texas when you are ready.
I'm from Texas and I can tell you that no matter what the advertisements say it is difficult getting in on one of those high paying oilfield jobs without experience. I think your best bet is to get your CDL in Arizona, get you a job driving over the road for a year, and then go pursue that dream of making all that money down in the Lone Star State. I'm old enough to have seen Texas go through several boom times in the oil industry and that is just what they are, boom times. The bubble only lasts so long and then it bursts. On the other hand, decent respectable over the road jobs are always available to people who want to enjoy a great job with an ever changing view.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Over The Road:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Going to be honest. I don't know why people have such an obsession with oil fields.
In my opinion, I don't think you should risk it especially with no one in TX to fall back on. I believe that it would be more beneficial for you to go OTR for a year with a company of your choice and then decide your next move from there. Remember, this job isn't for everyone. I know the oil fields are your goal but what if you happen to hate trucking after that year. I would experiment with the industry first if I were you. After a year of safe driving you'll have a ton more employment opportunities.
Let me give this example.
Ice road trucking is my ultimate goal. But that doesn't mean I'm going to go into it head first. I'm going to do an "easier" job first and learn and master my craft before I attempt to advance myself.
That's just my opinion sir. I would play it safe if I were you. I hope I helped!
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Both of you gave me rock solid answers.
That is what logic is telling me to -- It is just a boom times and the bubble will burst. Plus, they won't hire me with at least one year OTR experience. This is true.
Additionally, I am putting the cart before the horse. I need to get into a truck and see if I like it and drive for one year. That makes sense. If I enjoy it then maybe consider the oil fields, but if I dislike it then it would be pointless to go out to the oil fields.
Much appreciated fellas.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
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I would like to go to Texas and work in the oil fields as a truck driver. But I live in Arizona. I hear the cost of living has gone up in Texas and housing is scarce. I have limited money.
Should I stay here in Arizona and get my CDL or risk it and move to Texas and get my CDL over there. I know NO ONE IN Texas. I would be on my own. No oil fields here in Arizona. Here in AZ I have family to stay with.
Any ideas? Texas oilfield truck driving is my ultimate goal. I have no experience nor a CDL.
Thanks.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: