I Want This LifeStyle!!

Hey my name is Jonathan I'm only 16 as of now but I'd like to get into this asap because I know this is what I want for my life and I can see myself succeeding. I don't plan on going to collage because I see no point! I wanted to become a police officer but I suffer from a chronic disease which makes me weaker then most people and I can't walk for a while without it hurting which is another reason I'm interested in joining the family, I know there's a lot more to it then sitting behind the wheel and shifting gears all day but then I don't know everything to it which is why i'm reaching out at an early time because I feel that the sooner I learn the quicker I can transition into the company. I don't have much of a family right now so that would not be an issue in the long run and I don't plan on it! I just love the idea of site seeing and exploring the world while doing what I love most, Driving! I am ready for this so help me help myself. I know I still have some time but when the time comes I want to be fully prepared for the outcome. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this and give me feedback. I greatly appreciate it. I know it's to early to become family but when the time comes I want to make you guys my family.

I applaud your enthusiasm. Some key points. Protect your driving record. Don't speed, don't do all those foolhardy things teenagers love to do with a drivers license and a car. If you are serious about being a truck driver, don't become a party animal. Nothing will end your hopes for this career quicker than a DUI. Yes I know there are companies that will give 2nd chances. Most of those even have certain time requirements for keeping your nose clean; before, they will accept you.

You have to be 21 before you can engage in interstate commerce. I think, someone correct me if I am wrong, you have to be 18 for intrastate commerce.

I would recommend military, but you stated you have health issues. My best suggestion for you is get a job driving forklifts at a dock, whatehouse, or distribution center. After doing that for a bit try working your way into yard jockey work. Keep doing that until you turn 21. If whatever company you work for has a private fleet, then perhaps get into their fleet at that point. If not, you will be ready to step into the wide world of trucking.

Here is something you may have to consider and think about. If the job jockeying trailers requires a CDL you may have to downgrade it to a regular class C/D license than get the class A permit again and go threw school/company training. The reason I say this is doing yard work will not count towards OTR experience. Most companies that hire rookie drivers that have their CDL want them to just recently graduated from school. Probably 6 months top.

I wish you well in your future endeavors.

Drive Safe and God Speed.

I do not want to be the potential bearer of bad news, but something you should probably do before you become too invested in this job as a potential future is ask a doctor that performs DOT physicals if your medical condition(s) will disqualify you from getting a CDL-A.

You did not say what the problem was, and we don't need to know (I don't think we have any doctors here anyway), but a doctor that does DOT physicals will certainly know if there are challenges ahead for you, and what you might have to do to address them.

If the condition requires you to take medication, even infrequently, you should also disclose this to the DOT doctor as well, so they can evaluate you based on your medicines as well.

Go into this with your eyes open. To do that, you really need to consult with a doctor. I'd feel terrible for you if you were to spend several years making lifestyle changes and preparing for a life on the road, only to find out your medical condition or medications to control it bar you from getting a CDL-A.

Welcome Jon! I wanted to be a Trucker when I was young too. Unfortunately...Patrick wasn't around to give me the solid advice he just gave you. I had a pretty awesome ride, was in automechanics class & we all decked out cars out to impress the ladies.

Cops aren't as impressed with fast cars as high school girls are.

Another thing. Clean up your food. For years I had crippling arthritis. Dr's had me on Viox (which btw, killed more people than the Viet Nam war). Some times I was laid up in bed for 3 days and the husband had to help me get up to use the bathroom. Long story short, I'm allergic to corn. Even today, if i eat a hardy burger, (corn syrup to sweeten the bun) I'll wake up with aches and pains. There's a way to test yourself if you have any food allergies. Wish I knew that 30years ago. Good luck.