Need some advice! College and trucking?
Posted by Successful_Cap939@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 12 comments
So I (24m) want to get my cdl A before the year ends and I currently enrolled to go to college beginning next year in January. Because of certain circumstances I didn’t start college earlier when I graduated HS but I can now go and I always wanted to get a bachelors degree in civil engineering, i want my cdl as a back up plan if something could happen in the future (we never know what can happen) as I’m growing up and I don’t want be behind in my 30s. Do you guys think I can get a local gig with a set schedule that allows me go to college or let my cdl sit and keep studying?
Independent-Fun8926@reddit
I would focus in on your engineering program. A lot more opportunities for work than you can get with a CDL that has no experience on it. Remember, an engineer can do a lot more than just engineering
mts6175@reddit
Someone will work with you. I drove Sheetrock deliveries in college for a local lumberyard.
Don’t listen to the negative Nancy’s of Reddit. Go for it.
jmzstl@reddit
Is it being negative or being realistic?
I don’t think it’s fair to OP to make it sound easy, when it’s actually incredibly hard these days to find a local job with a flexible schedule as an inexperienced CDL holder.
Successful_Cap939@reddit (OP)
You have your cdl too?
mts6175@reddit
Yes
Imaginary-Badger-119@reddit
Get ur cdl and get a yard job.. or anything.. but tell them college is your priority.. but dont get a degree in basket weaving and waste your time..
Kkalemauser@reddit
Get a security job. Some will let you study at work, especially at night.
As a trucker with 20 years of experience, go to school. You can always get a CDL later in life and still find work.
thellamaspantz@reddit
Nah, dude. There might be a diamond gig that works for you, but as a rule of thumb, if you're at the wheel, you won't have time for class. A lot of colleges do offer a cdl course. You have a good thought process to think of it as a backup career cause any qualified driver can toss a stone down an alley and get 10 job offers ( quality may vary). Dont truck your way through school, but get that cdl while you're in there as part of your studies, just in case.
homucifer666@reddit
You're looking for a unicorn. Local job that hires new CDL grads and will work around your schedule? Not in this decade, if it ever existed at all. This isn't the golden age of trucking.
I commend you for looking at a backup in case your degree doesn't work out. That's good planning ahead. I'd really recommend you look at a trade cert versus trucking.
Cfwydirk@reddit
A local job where they will work around your school schedule? Not likely. I don’t think the cost of mandated Entry Level Driver Training will be worthwhile for part time work if your plan is to become a civil engineer. You can always get your CDL.
Consider a part time UPS job. Starting pay $21hr. With healthcare benefits. Also some LTL freight companies hire part time forklift drivers.
Microshlongg@reddit
Trucking as the last resort
Tat2dtrukr@reddit
this industry is full. find another profession