Regular Construction Worker, New Driver, Considering Work For Winter Months

I’m from the Chicago area. I work construction from March to around October/November. I want to get my CDL class A this year so when I am laid off I can still make money and travel instead of collecting unemployment. Doing research I see most big companies require you to sign on which is not going to work for me. This is just for my lay-off season. Is this a feasible idea? Or should I look into getting my own truck and being an owner operator during the winter? And is purchasing a truck even worth doing that for the winter months only. Completely green to the industry and looking for experienced insight.

Welcome to the forum George Z.

Honestly, "no" it's not feasible, nor is it advisable. Learning how-to operate a tractor trailer requires a nothing less than a full-time commitment for at least 1 year.

Beyond the initial schooling, there is also road training anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months depending on the company. The first full year of solo or team operation carries with it a very steep learning curve. Typically only 30% of new drivers make it past 3 months. Unless you can commit a full year after road training, it's not worth it and likely will not yield the results you desire.

Please invest some time reading this book on the subject of trucking: Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving and visiting the Trucking Truth Blog section (upper left, 3 black menu bars). There is a ton of information to enable a truthful understanding of trucking.

And the notion of owner-operation? As a part-timer? No, never. You'll be bankrupt in no-time. Please put that out of your head as a possible path.

Read this link: Confessions of an Owner Operator

If you want to drive during the colder months; my suggestion is to get your Class B and hire on with a home heating oil dealer. Most of their work is seasonal. You can also look into driving a dump truck, that might make better sense since you are already in the construction trade.

Sorry if this isn't what you were hoping to hear. Good luck.

What about if I drove during my lay off and leased it out while I was doing my construction season?

What about if I drove during my lay off and leased it out while I was doing my construction season?

Trucks are expensive. Maintenance, insurance, fuel, payments, repairs, tolls, weigh stations... It's payments and more payments. Your insurance alone would be astronomical since you have no experience.

I don't think someone would be willing to lease a truck for a portion of the year. What are they supposed to do during the winter? How are you going to manage the truck and loads while working full-time? Why would somebody drive for you instead of a carrier that offers benefits and can guarantee the check will clear on Friday? What do you do if that driver is on the other side of the country and abandons your equipment?

You're plan won't work because of cost and time restraints. I have to agree with G-Town. Get a Class B and get a seasonal CDL job. Some states hire seasonal snow plow drivers. That might be worth looking into.

What about if I drove during my lay off and leased it out while I was doing my construction season?

Please reread the link I sent you and the other articles like it in the blog section.

If for no other reason; without CDL-A experience, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to find an insurance company to cover you. And if you actually did find one? The rate would be through the roof and not affordable.

Sorry there isn’t a viable “what-if” to the owner operator scenario you presented.

I'd say inquire about working for the state doing seasonal snow plow work or maybe snow plow work for a private company, clearing lots of businesses etc? Might not even need a cdl for that, just a heavy duty pickup and a plow/blade with a salt spreader in the back. Landscaping companies often offer private services.. maybe they could use some help? Idk, but buying a truck to use only 3-4 months a year is crazy.