How To Get Started In Trucking?
Topic 4678 | Page 1
Welcome to the forum!
It's advisable to go to a school to obtain your CDL. While you can just take the tests and obtain your license, from what I have read very few companies will be interested in hiring you if you haven't gone to a school. None of the major carriers will that I know of. You might end up taking the tests and paying to rent a truck to take the exam, only to have to pay for a school anyway.
If you are considering becoming an owner/operator, especially as someone new to the industry, I highly recommend this great post Brett made on the subject:
So You're Thinking About Becoming An Owner-Operator?
I'd also recommend checking out this page:
All of the resources here are amazing, and this is hands-down the friendliest site about trucking. I'd casually researched trucking for over a year before finding trucking truth, and I'm glad I did! The other forums nearly had me scared off the industry altogether. So again, welcome!
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.
Hey thanks for responding. I def want to do this but what to do it right. I really appreciate you responding. Any other advice in DALLAS TEXAS would be appreciated. Have a blessed day!Welcome to the forum!
It's advisable to go to a school to obtain your CDL. While you can just take the tests and obtain your license, from what I have read very few companies will be interested in hiring you if you haven't gone to a school. None of the major carriers will that I know of. You might end up taking the tests and paying to rent a truck to take the exam, only to have to pay for a school anyway.
If you are considering becoming an owner/operator, especially as someone new to the industry, I highly recommend this great post Brett made on the subject:
So You're Thinking About Becoming An Owner-Operator?
I'd also recommend checking out this page:
All of the resources here are amazing, and this is hands-down the friendliest site about trucking. I'd casually researched trucking for over a year before finding trucking truth, and I'm glad I did! The other forums nearly had me scared off the industry altogether. So again, welcome!
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.
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Hello,
My name is Andre and I'm totally new to the trucking business. My goal is to own a truck(s) but I'm needing advice. I think I need to get my CDL's 1st so I can know the ends/outs. Please advise if its smart to go to school or just get cdl's? Should I sign up with a company? Whatever advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I live in Dallas, Tx.
Thanks, Andre
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: