What to do to get my start in trucking?

Posted by Southern-Boat-7459@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 25 comments

So I want to get my start in trucking cause I mean I’ve always loved driving. I’ve been a mechanic for the past 3-4 years and realized I don’t wanna keep doing that as my job I wanna keep that my hobby. I’m 23, don’t have my CDL, and don’t know what to do or where to start looking. I know some companies will pay for CDL training and such but also heard that some of those companies aren’t that great. So I guess just some pointers on how and where to start?

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miatadvr@reddit

Local Community college should offer CDL training for a decent price. Lots of megas will train you if you rather do it that way. I’d suggest taking a class that includes manual and is at least a 120hr course. Tenstreet.com to find carriers that train and apply to them. Go to your local dmv, get the Cdl permit book (free) study it and take the permit test at dmv. After that you’re good to start classes.

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panda240ss@reddit

Tenstreet good? I find driver pulse to be so fucking shitty imo

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Gonzotrucker1@reddit

Forget what the others said. You want to go through the dock to driver program with an Ltl carrier. Start on the dock or even as a mechanic, and then apply Through that company for the driving school. We just had a trailer mechanic get his cdl this way. After he started driving his pay was $32 an hour starting off, and home every night.

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SellingOutOfMXCO@reddit

Your trailer mechanics not making $30+/hr?

Wow.

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Gonzotrucker1@reddit

He is after he gets his cdl.

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SellingOutOfMXCO@reddit

Ok.

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NextTransition4283@reddit

Knight Transportation is hiring at the moment.

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Gonzotrucker1@reddit

They are always hiring. They have a high turnover rate same as all the big otr companies.

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xDrGertx@reddit

I second this. Got all my training, cdl, and endorsements through FedEx Express. Not only was it free, I got paid to get it.

To OP: FedEx Freight, Saia, and Old Dominion are some other LTL companies, to name a few, that offer this type of training.

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OldeBulldog80@reddit

There is a federal WIOA grant and several states offer similar job training grants. Contact you county unemployment department. They will have info for you. I got mine thru a grant in California, my brother got his thru a Colorado state program. It should cover school and up to 2 grand in clothing or GPS purchases.

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SellingOutOfMXCO@reddit

Its good to have a class a man. But honestly.... turning wrenches is much better bro.

Maybe pivot towards diesel?

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Present-Ambition6309@reddit

Whatever they tell you, don’t blow a steer that’s just weird.

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505Trekkie@reddit

Join the Air Force as a 2T1 or Army as a 88M and get the government to pay for all your training. Worked for me.

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Emergency-Bus-998@reddit

Whatever intelligence you have, lose it.

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Clue-Just@reddit

Get into.something else. Put your time into something else with less hours and more pay.

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chico-dust@reddit

If you don't mind spending a little bit of money almost all CCs have CDL training (as well as many other vocational programs). If you really don't want to pay for it up front then go with any of the Megas (Swift, Schneider etc) they'll pay for the licensing, testing, and handle the training. But keep in mind with that level of investment they'll all make you sign an employment contract so you'll need to decide if that's something you're interested in.

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Comfortable-Menu2099@reddit

I just paid for the school with a credit card, and it cost 3k. Started with food delivery to stay local, then went to drop and hook, then fuel. I love fuel it's so easy and not all windshield time. Progression of income was 60k food 75k freight 108k fuel, those are all beginning wages. I would think sooner you get your license the better, but with an in with UPS or FEDEX as a mech, it might be better to go that route. I would at least check it first.

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AnnulMe@reddit

I went to a school then joined May. I dont like their training (its been 5 years idk if its better or worse) but I learned enough and taught myself everything else on the road. Trial and Error

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NoPayment8510@reddit

Go to work for Coke or Budweiser, they will train you for free.

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StonedTrucker@reddit

You might qualify for financial aid or student loans to go to a CDL school. That's how I did it. My first company paid back the loan for me as well. Look up local schools and ask them. They'll be able to point you in the right direction

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Mobile-Ostrich7614@reddit

I believe if you work for Amazon for 90 days they’ll pay for your CDL through the career choice program

One of my trainees did it and they don’t make u work for Amazon after, you get an automatic restriction tho

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goated95@reddit

Some companies that pay for your CDL training, are In fact, not that great. But just try and see it thru, get your CDL, and make your moves accordingly when you can leave. Either way, you’re not gonna wanna pay for the training outta your pocket

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ValorVetsInsurance1@reddit

What kinda truck ?

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Southern-Boat-7459@reddit (OP)

Any really. Just wanna get my CDL and get my feet in the door

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ValorVetsInsurance1@reddit

Totally get it bro the whole industry can feel like a maze at first. Here’s the basic game plan if you’re just tryna get your CDL and break in

1.  Start with your CDL permit (CLP) — study your state’s CDL manual and pass the written tests. Super important first step.

2.  Decide how you’ll train You can go to a paid CDL school (costs $$ but you pick where you work after), or let a big company train you for free but you’ll be locked into working for them for a bit.

3.  Company sponsored training isn’t bad if you’re low on bread, just do your research — some are solid, others treat you like a number.

4.  Once you’re licensed, stick with a company for at least 6–12 months to build experience that’s when better money and more freedom opens up.