Truck Drivers And College Degrees??

Hey, I was interested in getting into trucking but I saw you have to be at least 21. Like most people, I will be graduating high school at 18. That is 3 years of time I won't be able to truck. And truck driving school is only a few weeks. I know their isn't no degree in "trucking" but what would be similar to it that would help my resume? And, how much would it effect my pay per mile, if any? Thank you!!

A business degree dealing with logistics isn't a bad one to have our if you're the hands on type, dig into diesel mechanics. The extra knowledge even about simple things could help get a load there on time and then head in for maintenance vs being stuck out on the road.

Hey, I was interested in getting into trucking but I saw you have to be at least 21. Like most people, I will be graduating high school at 18. That is 3 years of time I won't be able to truck. And truck driving school is only a few weeks. I know their isn't no degree in "trucking" but what would be similar to it that would help my resume? And, how much would it effect my pay per mile, if any? Thank you!!

Having a college degree can only benefit you in the long run but it won't have any effect on your pay as a trucker. You could be a neurosurgeon and you'll still get 35c per mile, roughly. :)

Mason, here's my two cents. In today's economy I think you are way better off spending your money on training for a trade that you are interested in. I went to college, and I don't think it's all it's cracked up to be. These day's it cost so much you are going to be in debt for ever after you've gotten a degree. A good welder, or a good electrician can make some decent money, and almost always find work. I can't believe I'm telling you this after putting two of my girls through college and about to send my third if she decides to go that way.

There's not really a degree that will help you earn more money in this career, but you may appreciate having a trade that you could fall back on if you need it. Sometimes people just get tired of being constantly on the road. If you had something else you could do for a break every once in a while you just might enjoy the change of pace for a while.

And don't overlook the military! You could get several great years in there, learn a ton, make some money, and really help yourself in a million ways for the rest of your life. Then if you feel like you're ready to give trucking a shot the industry will be ready for ya.

Mason, here's my two cents. In today's economy I think you are way better off spending your money on training for a trade that you are interested in. I went to college, and I don't think it's all it's cracked up to be. These day's it cost so much you are going to be in debt for ever after you've gotten a degree. A good welder, or a good electrician can make some decent money, and almost always find work. I can't believe I'm telling you this after putting two of my girls through college and about to send my third if she decides to go that way.

There's not really a degree that will help you earn more money in this career, but you may appreciate having a trade that you could fall back on if you need it. Sometimes people just get tired of being constantly on the road. If you had something else you could do for a break every once in a while you just might enjoy the change of pace for a while.

I agree. The only reason why I mentioned it is because if it is related to trucking, it will be hands on. Everybody is different. College can get you very far in life, but college isn't for everyone. It sure isn't for me. I am an A/B student but I have always known that college wasn't for me. Something like hands on stuff such as mechanics would be something I would get an associates in but no way am I going to become a lawyer, doctor, or even an automotive engineer. That would be pretty cool if I did get the education for trucking and for being a mechanic. Then I could trade off jobs. Trucking is only around a month from what I heard in training and so as mechanics. But advanced mechanics get associates though, I would do that. Thanks!

And don't overlook the military! You could get several great years in there, learn a ton, make some money, and really help yourself in a million ways for the rest of your life. Then if you feel like you're ready to give trucking a shot the industry will be ready for ya.

I could definitely do that for the 3 years of time. I was considering the Navy prior before getting introduced to trucking. I always knew about it but wasn't familiar on the career side of things. Of course, I would do Marines or Army because if I did Navy I would have to go through BUDS and that takes almost a year itself, and I need to just get into it. Thanks!

And don't overlook the military! You could get several great years in there, learn a ton, make some money, and really help yourself in a million ways for the rest of your life. Then if you feel like you're ready to give trucking a shot the industry will be ready for ya.

I could definitely do that for the 3 years of time. I was considering the Navy prior before getting introduced to trucking. I always knew about it but wasn't familiar on the career side of things. Of course, I would do Marines or Army because if I did Navy I would have to go through BUDS and that takes almost a year itself, and I need to just get into it. Thanks!

I always thought BUDS was only if you wanted to be a SEAL...

I could definitely do that for the 3 years of time. I was considering the Navy prior before getting introduced to trucking. I always knew about it but wasn't familiar on the career side of things. Of course, I would do Marines or Army because if I did Navy I would have to go through BUDS and that takes almost a year itself, and I need to just get into it. Thanks!

I agree with Brett, the military could be a great option for you for tons of reasons....service to country, job training, and money for college to name a few. Also, only SEAL candidates are required to attend BUDS.

If you are serious about going in to the trucking industry, I suggest going the military route for a few years. They have truck drivers there and you would get a ton of training in driving that way. I was in a similar situation myself many, many years ago. I wanted to be a cop at 18, but back then you also had to be 21 so I went in to the USAF and was able to pursue my career in law enforcement that way. It's a win-win! Good luck with whatever you decide.