Should I Wait, And What Should I Expect?

Hey guys, I'm new here and considering possibly getting into the industry. Only problem for me right now is that I am only 20 years old. Currently, I am in college studying accounting with a scholarship. However, I do not seem to be enjoying it very much and I am not entirely sure life in an office is what I want to pursue.

I have been toying with the idea of going for my CDL after I turn 21 this upcoming spring. Although, I do not really know what to expect, what I should study, or if I am even qualified to become a Driver. I assume in most cases, driving experience is only going to come through actually spending time behind the wheel. However, I also know there is more to the exam than just the driving portion. I was wondering if there are any tips on how to study or what to study in order to be successful if I decide to pursue a career in trucking.

The other question I have surrounds qualification. While I do have work experience, it is relatively minimal and has primarily been under the table cash payments for summer jobs. While my most previous job last summer required me to fill out a 10-99 form, the rest have been relatively simple cash payments under the table. Will this lack of verifiable work history make it more difficult for me to find a job trucking? I guess I can use my previous employers as references but other than trusting their word, there is not much other than a 10-99 to prove I even have had a job.

Thanks for the help, I know I am young and therefore probably very ignorant when it comes to the trucking industry. So please feel free to educate me on anything I seem to be misled by or anything that I misinterpret.

CORRECTION

I have mistyped the above "1099 form" as "10-99". I also would like to clarify on my question about a lack of verifiable experience. I have numerous references that would speak highly of my work ethic. However, being so young and coming from college, would that be enough? Would companies accept those circumstances stated above and not assume anything sketchy is going on? Or would it be better for me to seek out a job now with a W2 until I turn 21?

Thanks for the help again, and sorry for being so ignorant on the topic. I definitely need to do more research.

As far as preparing for a trucking career, there is no better study program then the one provided right here by Trucking Truth

High Road CDL Training Program

• Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide
• Daniel's Pre-Trip Inspection
• Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
• Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Questions

• CDL Practice Tests
• High Road Practice Questions
• Android App: CDL Practice Tests

The main reason the companies want a verifiable work history is to make sure the applicant isnt some nut case training to be a terrorist. Being as young as you are, they may look at your past differently then someone older. When you finally apply, ask the company recruiter what paperwork they need to see from your college to prove you were there. The letters of recommendation from your employers wouldn’t hurt either

Definitely look at the links Delco Dave sent. Also when the time comes you're going to be pretty limited on companies giving you an opportunity. A vast majority of carriers require drivers to be 23 due to insurance requirements despite federal law allowing you to drive interstate at 21. DO NOT dish out money for a private school to obtain the same license you can get through Paid CDL Training Programs. With many of these programs your schooling is free if you stay with them for 1 year rather than spending $8,000 or more and risk not being hired due to your age. I wouldn't worry too much about the work history especially with you being a college student however some will turn you down for it anyways. Some companies such as Prime Inc. Are much more picky about who they bring on. Don't allow a couple rejections stop you from getting started. You can use this link to Apply For Paid CDL Training and it will send a single application to several companies. Don't do it until you're ready to start otherwise they'll make you redo it when the time is closer. They typically need an application that's been filled out within the past 30 days.

If you study the high road and pretrip guides Dave sent you'll be far ahead of your classmates. Good luck, please stick around and keep us updated how things end up going.