Comments on: Becoming A Truck Driver Part 4: Trucking In A Bad Economy (maybe even a recession)

By: Tyler

Tyler — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:39:59 +0000

Hi, thank you so much for your help!! I appreciate it a lot. I have just one more thing to ask. When i get my CDL at 18. What job you you recommend i get? What can I do with a class A when I get it?(since i probably won’t be doing OTR until age21). Basically what i mean is; When I get my CDL at 18, do i have to wait 3 years mininum to get hired? Or can I make local runs at 18, then at 21 I can go OTR (cross country)?
Thanks for your help!!! Its so nice of you to help others and inspire those who are thinking about being truckers

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:40:25 +0000

Hey Tyler.

Getting your class A is not much harder than your class B. I never, ever recommend that anyone get their class B. I’ve seen tons of people over the years get their class B, only to turn around and go back to school to get their class A. They always say the same thing – I should have just gotten my class A the first time.

The minimum age to get your CDL is 18. However, I can tell you that it is almost impossible to find a job anywhere before the age of 21. The insurance companies set the hiring requirements, and many of them say 23. Some will hire you at 21, but many won’t. But 18 – you can pretty much forget it. I was 21 when I got my CDL and only had about 1/3 of the choices for companies that would hire me that the older guys had.

The best thing you can do to prepare for your testing is:
A) Download the CDL manual from your state’s DMV or DOT site. It’s free. That manual is what all of the written testing is based on. Read it and re-read it several times and you’ll be in awesome shape.
B) Go to my website and take the CDL practice tests – they’re free, and many of the questions you’ll find on the real test are also on the practice tests. You can find them at http://www.truckingtruth.com/cdl-test/cdl-test-practice.html

Best of luck to ya!

By: Tyler

Tyler — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:44:20 +0000

Love your info! I just have a quick question. I’m considering OTR and I know you need a class A. Does this require a lot more training than class B?. I was just wondering how difficult it is because if it is, I’ll want to do my best in preparing for the tests/training. Also, what’s the minimum age you can get your CDL? Thanks!!!

By: Brett Aquila

Brett Aquila — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:00:15 +0000

You’re quite welcome!

Listen, just be aware that if you do decide to go OTR, you will likely have to go through some sort of training since you have no class A experience. Class A companies do not count class B jobs as driving experience. So even though they’ll be willing to hire you, you’re going to have to go through the training. But that is certainly no big deal! It only takes a few weeks and it will help you a ton! So don’t let that stop you if you’re planning on going class A. It’s not a game changer – you’re actually going to be glad they put you through it once it’s done.

Best of luck to ya!

By: Ferlin Denison

Ferlin Denison — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:02:14 +0000

Thanks, I’ve been starving for this kind of information. I’m seriously considering the career move, but I’m trying to be smart about it and do my research (home-work). I’m looking forward to reading your book and any other articles of yours I can find. I’ve had a class A CDL since 1991, but all of my experience has been Class B. I know I have the desire for adventure, the ability to work hard, and I’m always eager to learn. I just hope it’s going to be a positive experience, and not a financial blunder. I never did plan on owner / operator anyway. Thanks for taking the time to pass on such valuable information.

By: brettaquila

brettaquila — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:25:23 +0000

You’re quite welcome! Yeah, the “California Handbook” is not the most entertaining publication in history. My website has a ton of great stuff on it – here’s a few highlights:

Here’s some information on companies that offer free, or nearly free CDL training:
http://www.truckingtruth.com/free_truck_driving_schools/free_truck_driving_schools_homepage.html

Here’s a great step by step guide to becoming a truck driver:
http://truckingtruth.com/becoming_truck_driver_nav_page.html

And here is a bunch of articles I wrote:
http://www.truckingtruth.com/blogs/blog_homepage.html

And here is our blog, with new stuff being added every day:
http://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking_blogs

Enjoy and good luck to ya!

By: Alberto Orozco

Alberto Orozco — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:50:30 +0000

Hay Amigo,
Thanks for the in sight and the experience you bring to many as myself beginners looing for a career change. The little I read has been great so far and is a great start for me and a great way to get some other reading away from “The California CDL Hand Book”. I look forward in reading and learning from people as yourself. God Bless you Brother.
albertoorozcom@hotmail.com

By: brettaquila

brettaquila — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:54:21 +0000

You’re quite welcome Larry!
Hitting the road is indeed a dream job for a lot of people. It’s an adventure from day one, it’s good money, and it’s a lifestyle you really won’t find anywhere else.
Glad you enjoyed the post!

By: Larry Peters AZ

Larry Peters AZ — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:55:30 +0000

Excellent advice!! Having come out of the auto industry then health care hitting the road sounds fantastic and to have experienced people like Brett giving me tips it’s like I found my dream job!

Thanks Brett