Help A New Guy Figure Something Out

Okay so I'm 20 years old and I'm really looking to get into trucking. I want to drive tractor for UPS one day (I'm currently a part timer there), but I'm looking to get some experience before then. I have a friend who owns his own trucking company and said that if I got my license he'd have a job for me. I would be driving a dump truck, but he also has a tractor and trailer that he said I might be needed for once in a while. I was going to get my Class B license so that I could start sooner and not have to spend as much money, and then work on getting my class a at another point in time or just wait until UPS trains me. I have experience as a yard jockey for the past 3 months or so and I'm fairly familiar with how it all works. That's another reason I think it would be a lot easier and faster for me to just get my Class B because a dump truck is waayyyy easier to drive than an 18-wheeler. Thank you to anyone who can help!

If you are going to pay for and/or spend your time in a driving school, I think it makes the most sense to go for the Class A so you don't just have to go back and do most of it all over again. I think you'll need to be 21 to get very far...check with your state, etc. After you get the license, it is of course fine to drive the dump truck temporarily, just know that such experience won't be considered commercial driving by semi-truck companies Your situation as a current UPS employee looking to drive for them one day may impact all this though. I would speak with someone in HR and/or a transportation manager at UPS and get their input, since you currently work there and wish to drive for them one day.

Meanwhile, there is also a big wide world out here outside of UPS, and you may want to consider numerous possibilities. There is lots of great info on this website.

Okay so I'm 20 years old and I'm really looking to get into trucking. I want to drive tractor for UPS one day (I'm currently a part timer there), but I'm looking to get some experience before then. I have a friend who owns his own trucking company and said that if I got my license he'd have a job for me. I would be driving a dump truck, but he also has a tractor and trailer that he said I might be needed for once in a while. I was going to get my Class B license so that I could start sooner and not have to spend as much money, and then work on getting my class a at another point in time or just wait until UPS trains me. I have experience as a yard jockey for the past 3 months or so and I'm fairly familiar with how it all works. That's another reason I think it would be a lot easier and faster for me to just get my Class B because a dump truck is waayyyy easier to drive than an 18-wheeler. Thank you to anyone who can help!

Connor thinks something:

That's another reason I think it would be a lot easier and faster for me to just get my Class B because a dump truck is waayyyy easier to drive than an 18-wheeler.

Connor this is not a prudent attitude to have in regards to driving a dump truck.

The weight is on top of you, and top heavy. My trucks weight is spread out over 72' with 10 brake sets helping to stop the 80000 pound truck. A tri-axle dump running in NJ is legal at the same weight of 80,000 pounds with 2 less brake sets to stop it and the weight supported by a frame 26' - 28' in length. Does that sound easy?

Do not underestimate the difficulty or risk driving any vehicle weighing in excess of 30 tons.

It doesn’t look to me like you’re going to get the kind of experience UPS is looking for in a driver. If I’m a transportation manager for UPS, looking to fill a driver position, I’m looking for drivers with experience driving 18 wheelers, not dump trucks. Now’s the time for patience and maturity; turn 21, then go get your CDL-A. Get a job & experience driving tractor-trailers. Then use your contacts and previous work history w/UPS to facilitate your working for them.

And starting out driving dump trucks? Terrible idea. There’s a young lady on this forum whose first job was driving dump trucks… She crashed hers because she was unfamiliar with driving a great big commercial truck. Re-read G-Town’s response: dump trucks are actually much more difficult to drive than tractor trailers.

I agree, be patient. Don't rush. The dumps are easier to roll over, a career ending accident. You said UPS will train you? How long would you have to wait for that? That could be a great option. You can't drive OTR in a CMV before you're 21. Would you like to see the country? If so, wait until you are 21 and then look at Paid CDL Training Programs. However, start here:

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

Now is the time to start learning all you can about trucking. The High Road Training is the best way to prepair for your permit test. Good luck. We're here to help.

I'm gonna throw my hat in the ring and agree with the others. Dump trucks are extremely difficult to drive and getting a Class A is definitely the way to go. Most people that settle for a Class B regret it, and many go back to get their Class A.

Wait until you're 21 and get your Class A. Talk to UPS first, though, and find out what opportunities they'll have or what they recommend as far as a career path to driving their trucks.

Depending on your job at UPS, the way to become a CDL driver is by being a dockworker on the UPS Freight side (LTL, Longhaul-overnight between hubs) & getting trained as a yard jockey, full time dockworker w/ CDL & moving up to full time driver or being a feeder driver (UPS Package side).

From what I've been told, the way to become a feeder (CDL driver going from hub to hub, day cab position, overnights in a hotel if necessary) is by being a package delivery driver first if you work for Brown.

It also depends on when the union bids on the next contract; if there's an open spot as a driver (there should be, seems less people want to drive for UPS that already work for UPS) & your level of seniority in your current position. Your union shop steward would have more info on this.

On the Freight side, 2 drivers were just hired w/ 1 year of OTR experience each, both got LTL jobs w/ UPS-Freight starting at $17/hour. Takes 4-5 years to max out at $35/hour. Feeder & Longhaul get paid per mile & I don't know the current rate but its competitive w/ other LTL companies.

The above has been my experience in Northern NJ, it's possible it's different depending on what region you live/work in.

Depending on your job at UPS, the way to become a CDL driver is by being a dockworker on the UPS Freight side (LTL, Longhaul-overnight between hubs) & getting trained as a yard jockey, full time dockworker w/ CDL & moving up to full time driver or being a feeder driver (UPS Package side).

From what I've been told, the way to become a feeder (CDL driver going from hub to hub, day cab position, overnights in a hotel if necessary) is by being a package delivery driver first if you work for Brown.

It also depends on when the union bids on the next contract; if there's an open spot as a driver (there should be, seems less people want to drive for UPS that already work for UPS) & your level of seniority in your current position. Your union shop steward would have more info on this.

On the Freight side, 2 drivers were just hired w/ 1 year of OTR experience each, both got LTL jobs w/ UPS-Freight starting at $17/hour. Takes 4-5 years to max out at $35/hour. Feeder & Longhaul get paid per mile & I don't know the current rate but its competitive w/ other LTL companies.

The above has been my experience in Northern NJ, it's possible it's different depending on what region you live/work in.

Do you drive for UPS, TZ? If so, I may have a couple of questions for ya.

Before OTR I had previous experience driving rock truck and class b foodservice delivery. Harder to stop, top heavy and if loaded asymmetrical by a inconsiderate loader; potentially dangerous on side grade or unbanked turn. (already covered by others). It's how I started. I didn't die ....obviously? I didnt wreck and I learned the ropes. I just used it as a stepping stone. If you are that focused on driving you should have read your states CMV testing booklet. I would be amazed if your jurisdiction didn't allow INTRA-STATE CDL. Look it up. I used company paid training to re-enter after 20 years of other career. It's been well covered by Brett and others why this advantageous. At 20 it's a tough search for one who will do this, it's the only reason I would consider a school. I personally would never consider a company option where I paid them....anything. The early departure penalties are reasonable given the outlay of investment, but once I started driving I was keeping all of my CPM's. And I started OTR, solo and flatbed.

It's great! If I was younger without mortgage and two smallish car payments I would be setting myself up for a great lifestyle. Good luck.

Do you drive for UPS, TZ? If so, I may have a couple of questions for ya.

Nope, I don't drive for UPS. I'm just observant & have talked to several drivers (package & freight) in multiple facilities that I have worked in. Info from management, HR, & drivers all seem to be consistent with what I've heard but I'll answer what I can if you want to ask.

Usually UPS drivers that I've met at truck stops or on deliveries don't seem to know much about current hiring practices or they will know what it was like back in the day. Going by them alone, you would think you need 5+ years OTR experience before UPS would consider you but that's no longer the case in NJ at least. It looks like UPS is losing drivers to non-union competitors.

Fedex CDL drivers supposedly start at $24/hour.

It's possible the next union bid will increase starting CDL wages to $24/hour on the Freight side to match Fedex, but it ultimately depends on the collective bargaining process. I don't know if it's the same union in each facility or if they are different depending on location or subsidiary.