Looking Forward To Driving Trucks

Topic 17226 | Page 1

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Seth P.'s Comment
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Currently I am 16 about to turn 17 and I tell you what, I am excited to turn 21 and hit the road, if you guys could give me any tips, that would be great!

Tractor Man's Comment
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I would recommend reading Brett's Book. The Raw Truth about Trucking. Available free on this site. Or, order it on Amazon, I'm sure Brett wouldn't mind selling a few either!

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's Comment
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Here's your homework...

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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.
LDRSHIP's Comment
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I have another young man in your position some advice. I guess it is easier if I just share again.

1) protect your driving record. Don't speed, don't do reckless stuff. Pretty much don't do all of the foolhardy stuff teens love to do with a license and a car.

2) don't be a party animal. Nothing will end, at least delay it for a good while, faster than a DUI.

As far as preparing you for a future as a truck driver there are 2 viable options that stand out to me.

A) military. Turn 18 and join the military for 3 years. Have them initially train you to drive large pieces of equipment. There are many benefits to entering this career after military service.

B) start working at a dock for a wharehouse, Distribution Center, etc.. Work your way into a yard dog position. Do that until you turn 21. Again you gain practical experience.

Of note: if the yard jockey position requires a CDL than you may have to downgrade your CDL back to a class C/D license when you turn 21. Your work as a yard jockey won't count for OTR experience and most companies want drivers without OTR experience to be fresh out of school.

I wish you well in your endeavors.

Drive Safe and God Speed

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.

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.

DUI:

Driving Under the Influence

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