QUESTION FROM A POSSIBLE NEWBIE

[HARDDRIVE]

Howdy Everyone

I've been looking into a possible career change
I'm a computer repair specialist by trade in the field. So,
I do allot of driving local & semi-local.
Been looking into Expediting driving!

Now, My question is. I know I SHOULD go to driving school.
and I'm a not go to school guy. OK you're all saying " I DON'T want this guy driving on my roads!! "

If I drive something like a SPRINTER or a Cargo van
Do I need to be licensed or what licensing do I need?

Thanx much

Rico

 

[mvbn1]

Depending on which carrier you go with, they may require that you have a hazmat endorsement on your license. You can contact your local driver license office to see what the requirements are for your state. Here in Ohio, if your driving your own vehicle, you can get a CDL-C without doing anything more then taking the test(s).

 

[Broompilot]

Don't disqualify yourself. Do you like to drive? Have you always wanted a career driving? Are like me, always looking at the big rigs, Freightliner, KW, Pete, etc...

I did not go to school, self studied, found away to get my drivers permit, than found away to get my class B. If you have a class B with Hazmat your in big demand if your willing to team. Do not cut your self short if you want to drive a truck and just willing to drive a van just to get into it. On the other side if you do want to drive a van than get Hazmat added and go buy your own. What I am saying here is you do not have to go to Truck Driving School, that said nothing against anyone who drives a Van I personally do not look down on them because I drive a D unit.

 

[merkurfan]

your not kidding about drivers with B's and hazmat being in big demand. I stopped by the house to empty the mail box today. There was all sorts of mail from recuiters trying to get me to team with other drivers. Problem is, if I am gonna live in a 48 to 98" box with someone, I want to know them first. Not get to know them while underload. I did this once, when the freight was dropped off, so was I. Guy would not take a shower, was a slob, and the truck smelled of BO with in days.

yuck yuck yuck yuck

Next time I team will be with my wife.. and I don't even have a girl friend yet! (single as they come)

 

[Tennesee Trash]

I just recently got my B class CDL's in N.C. and I did it by taking the test after studying the guide book they provided. I took the general knowledge test, hazmat test ( has criminal background check $97.00 in N.C.), and air brake test, learner's permit issued good for 6 months w/ restrictions. I then contacted a local test facility about taking road test. It was $195.00 to take the test , $207.00 to rent a 33k GVWR vehicle with air brakes, and $100.00 for a person with CDL to go with me to be in the vehicle till I had been fully licensed. It took 6 months for me to get full CDL's because I took my time on my permit to ride with someone before I took the plunge into it full time.
I would say inexperience is only limited by your driving ability. If you can drive a 24' box straight truck you make better money, if you can't or have no experience drive a van or team with someone willing to train you properly.
I would also look into renting a 24' box truck from a Hertz or Penske site for non cdl licensed drivers, i.e. moving van you use for personal moving. I did and it gave me a entire weekend to practice before I took my test.It let me get familiar with the backing, turning , etc. of the truck, plus I drove with someone for six months prior to this. It cost me $59.95 a day plus mileage and if you rent it late Saturday you don't have to take it back till Monday morning and only get charged with a one day rental.
I hope this helps as this is the advice I was given and I know it worked for me.
I would recommend you listen to everyone's advice and make your choices from there.I listened and it paid off in money earned as well as avoiding some of the pitfalls. I just completed my first two weeks on the road so you can see I am new and am still learning something new every day.
Good Luck,
Larry Tn/ Trash

 

[plumcrazy8]

It all boils down to what your wants, desires, and talents are. I know 16 year olds (honestly) who have more driving ability than some of the 18-wheeler pilots out there.
Some of us need schooling - this is not just something you can take an outsiders advice on. I still remember driving hints from my first National Safety Council course I took in High Scool in 1973! I take one whenever I can just to brush up.
As far as regular truck driving school goes I would say that if you can afford it then do it, you won't be sorry. I've got a lot of rounds on the clock with no at-faults and give all the credit to safe-driving courses. Wish I could have afforded truck-driver training but got the hard-knocks kind. Good luck to you Harddrive and PLEASE be safe out there, my grand-kids do appreciate it!

 

[jtmaineak]

I got my licence in Texas in Jan of this year a class "B" with Hazmat. I was extreemly lucky in that the couple down the street are expeditors and offered to let me use their truck. (an 05' freightliner) THANK YOU JEANNIE. Expeditors are a different breed of good people.

I own my own van and hopped right in. Got my first load on Jan 31.
With panther ii, you have to have a minimum of a class "B" with hazmat. In Texas it was really too easy to obtain.

I am told this is the bad time of year for vans, possibly, I don't have enough experience yet, but if that is so then if you stay out there and take the bad with the good things work out fine. I can't complain with around 7500 loaded miles my first month.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Wow! $500 to take your road test? I can understand the cost of the truck, but it seems you were taken to the cleaners. My former co-driver paid $100 to take his road test using my truck. It took him two times to do it, but in the end was well worth it. My nephew will be going to the same company. We looked into a training course, and found one that cost $1500 and it was one on one. It went at the pace of the driver. I decided to teach my nephew as we go. But if anyone around Detroit wants to know about the company, leave a post and I'll reply when I get home.