Where to start

stinkychute · Sep 16, 2005

Hi, I've been lurking around different trucking sites for months now and at first I wanted to drive tractor/trailer then I shifted to straight trucks, but after really thinking about it, I think I'd like to start off with just a regular cargo van. My question is how do you get started in this biz? I would like to just be a solo driver if at all possible and I have a spotless driving and criminal record. I know I need to get a DOT physical and at least a class C cdl. What vehicle could I use to take the driving test for a C license? (kentucky)
Another thing I've kind of had trouble finding info on is what does a cargo van driver do exactly once you get where you're going. Is it just like T/T where you may or may not unload by hand or do you always unload or what?
And finally, when you're driving a standard cargo van and you're out for a couple weeks at a time, where do you sleep? In the seat? Is there room on the floor? Do you have to pay for a motel?
I know those seem like naive questions but I really haven't found many posts talking about either of them.

bryan · Sep 16, 2005

HI
On most loads they load and unload you with a forklift, unless its light enough for you to carry.
Most of us have a bunk built behind the seats or along the wall.It just matters how much you want to spend or how handy you are with tools.Since you will be having to sleep at all times of the day and night make it as comfortable and dark as possible.Im heading to the military surplus store today to pick up more foam for my mattress.Been having a hard time sleeping, so that when I do get a load Im tired most of the time Im going down the road.This can lead to quit trip into the median.NO fun and quite expense.
Not sure about the license issue.Call a recruiter and ask them they'll know.

mvbn1 · Sep 16, 2005

All the extra foam in the world won't help. If you were driving a Chevy, you'd be sleeping like a baby! }> }>

Renagade1 · Sep 16, 2005

For a class c license you can take it in a car or truck or the van that you'll be driving. I deliver campers for a living and I have a bunk built behind my seats. I use a air mattress to sleep on you can get them at walmart reasonable and I bought a electric air pump that airs it up in no time but you need a invertor to power the pump. I would think in a van this would be a good setup easy to stow away and wont take up room and can air up the mat to how firm you want.

Ren

stinkychute · Sep 17, 2005

Thanks guys! So I can just use any old car or truck to test in? What is different on the road test from just a class D test? Can a guy get hired on solo with no experience?

bryan · Sep 17, 2005

Hi
If you have had a regular drivers license for more than 10 years you will only have to take a Haz Mat test.Experience usually isn't an issue for most carriers.
MVBN I had a Chevy once, the only thing it was good for was a lawn ornament.It kept the driveway well oiled.It rattled all the time so I never had to worry about falling asleep at the wheel.I could go on Chevy bashing all day.But us Ford drivers have a life other than adding oil and removing the dog box.
Thanks have a good one.

greg334 · Sep 18, 2005

Whoa, wait a minute

If you want to know what vehicle you can take your test in, ask your DMV. Different states and different testing facilities have different requirements and I know I can not take a test in a car in my state. Same with the hazmat endorsement, check with the state.

I don’t know what a class d license is, here in Michigan we have a chauffeurs endorsement which some say is equal to a class C CDL. The state has differing opinions about it so I can still drive for a company.

As for the Chevy issue, they are all the same. I owned fords, I owned chevy/gmcs, I owned dodges; they all gave me good service because I took care of them. The only real problems I ever had was my ford cube trucks catching on fire because of defective wiring harnesses and burning up my inventory while it was on the truck. The only thing I hated about the gm products was that they would rust as fast as my ford pickup, (which he ford had rust on it a year after I bought it and never seen snow). Every dodge (except my 1966 dodge army pickup) had problems with the A/C, the caravan and my dodge ram I have don’t have working air. The caravan has had the condenser replaced three or four times and the ram needs an evaporator because of pine needles rotted it.

stinkychute · Sep 18, 2005

Thanks, didn't think it could be that easy. I'll email the dmv and see what I'll need. A class D license is just a regular driver's license, at least here in KY.
Oh, and just my 2 cents on the Ford vs Chevy thing, I have owned both myself (cars) and a Ford will last until there's nothing left of it, you'll be lucky if a Chevy will last until you drive it off the dealer lot.

Oh, one other question, how many carriers require a uniform? I'd wear one if I have to but after 3 years of being a security guard wearing the most uncomfortable uniforms imaginable, I'd rather not.

How come you guys hate security guards so much? I never had a problem with any of the truckers I dealt with, I don't think they had any problems with me either. The only exception was when a trucker backed into a brand new all-aluminum gravel dump trailer accross the street from my post. The guy tore the whole front-end of it to hell right in front of me,(not to mention what his own trailer looked like) then said he didn't do it and I was lying. Anyway, he's not trucking anymore, at least not for Trans Am!
Then there was the time a guy backed over the main phone line distribution junction box for the entire factory, warehouse, and every other building on-site. He was an O/O and had to pay something like $25K to fix it. Never saw him again.
Come to think of it maybe I do know why you guys hate guards, I hate it when people catch me doing something wrong too.

Broompilot · Sep 20, 2005

Its the ones who hate life which in turn makes for a not so happy greeting. If you go into this you will see for yourself.

Class B you need alot of book work to study. You will have to rent a Ryder Truck with Air Brakes to take your driving test with. Someone will have to drive it to the school or DMV. I would recommended taking the test at a school Isothermol College is the only one I know of that will do Class B. Check with driving schools or community colleges in your state, or ask the DMV who does it.

Read the posts here your gona be in my opinion much happier, successfull, and less stressed in a D or C. Just my opinion.

stinkychute · Sep 20, 2005

>Read the posts here your gona be in my opinion much happier,
>successfull, and less stressed in a D or C. Just my
>opinion.

You mean D or C class license? That's what I'm trying to get, a class C so I can haul hazmat, most of the jobs seem to want at least a C, are there any that only require a standard D? I haven't made much head way in my cdl stuff, just haven't had the time to look into it more yet.

stinkychute · Sep 20, 2005

Sorry, I just got what you meant I think, a D or C class truck right? What exactly is the definition of a class C vehicle? I was under the impression that you could drive anything less than a Class B truck with just a regular driver's license. (i.e. motorhomes, u-haul, etc.)

Broompilot · Sep 21, 2005

LBD just described it or I could not tell you I believe he said a payload of up to 5K where a D unit is generally 13K or 33GVW. I seriously considered a Van until I read an interview on here with I believe the Pres of Panther answered that if he were to go into driving it would be a D unit for the same reasons under LBDs Post you can haul BCor D loads and it is the undisputable most profitable truck of all of them. Just quoting what I remembered.

It works for me, comfortable living accomidations, great profitable loads.

stinkychute · Sep 21, 2005

Just found Kentucky DMV's definition of who needs a class C:

1. Any vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds transporting hazardous materials for which placarding is required.

2. Any vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver, with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds.

I'm going to email them to see what sort of vehicle I'd need to test in. I guess just a box truck with placards on it?

stinkychute · Sep 21, 2005

Okay, I think I finally got it now, I didn't realize that you guys had sort of opposite definitions for the trucks. I thought they were like the classes of CDL.

I did a search and found this, B=Van, C=Straight truck <18ft., D=Straight truck >18ft.

Is that correct? Guess I should be doing more research in this stuff, so yeah, I guess I am wanting to drive class B using that scale.

I checked with the DMV here in KY and the chick I talked to didn't know much more than me, she just said that I'd have to test in whatever kind of vehicle I planned on using. Well... I don't really know yet! What do they do on the class C road test that's different from a standard driver's license exam?

I think I'm missing something here still, say I have a regular E-350 cargo van right? Okay, it's just a regular van that anyone can drive right? Well, how does it become a class C vehicle? Is it just a matter of having hazmat placards put on? If so, then if it's empty it's still just a regular van right? So why do I need a CDL driver to accompany me for a test in a vehicle I can already drive legally on my own?

OR am I really confused and a cargo van doesn't need placards? In which case do I need to use a box truck like a U-Haul or something?

Sorry to sound like such a dumbass but Class C is sort of overlooked on everything I find that talks about CDL stuff. I would just get a class B CDL but then I'd have to find a school and somehow pay for it.
Seems like the state just thinks anyone wanting a class C license wants to be a school bus driver!

ACE · Sep 22, 2005

In Kentucky a Class C License is needed if you want an endorsement such as Hazmat or you plan to haul 16 or more people in your vehicle including yourself, and your vehicle has GVWR of 26,001 or less [Van normal GVWR is 10,000 or less].
You may need to pass a written test to obtain your Class C CDL.,if you already have a drivers permit.
Then you need to pass the Hazmat written test.
If you decide at a later date to drop the endorsement you will revert back to a standard drivers license.
Most large companies like you to have the Hazmat endorsement.
I suggest you pick up a Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations handbook at a truck stop, this will clear up allot of questions, and possibly bring new ones.
Try calling
Transportation Cabinet
Department of vehicle regulation
Division of Driver Licensing
200 Mero St.
Frankfort,KY 40622
[502]564-6800 Ext 5365 CDL office

Good Luck.

stinkychute · Sep 22, 2005

Cool, Thanks, I'll see if the Flying-J next town over has one of those. That's what I've been looking for is something that can clear up some of my questions. Actually, I don't even have my permit yet, haven't gotten my DOT physical done yet either, I'm still in the planning stages, I just want to know everything I can before I even start.

picbuck · Sep 23, 2005

Security Gaurds & other cops

Just for the record, I don't hate security gaurds. Don't care about them one way or the other, really. They're just some guys doing their jobs and earning a living.

I did run into one (out of hundreds) loser of a gaurd. He'd use the CB to belittle drivers who took a wrong turn in the yard...according to his bad directions. Last time I delivered there he was gone.

But I've also run into a very, very few losers on the loading dock. Hey, we can't all be Mr. Personality.

But by far, something like 99.9%, everybody I've ever run into has been the same as me, we're just trying to get the freight moved with the least possible hassle for everybody.

Which suddenly reminds me of something I think I'll mention. I've never had any problems whatsoever with the police, local or state. I've gotten myself into some pretty bad places (did I mention I drive 18 wheels?) and all the police ever did was help me get out of there, and wave me on my way.

I think things can be as hard or as easy as you make them.

-a-

whitewolf53 · Sep 23, 2005

Excuse me if im wrong,But if he drives a van he won't be hauling any Hazardous Materials in it.So there is no reason for him to get the Haz-Mat endorsement.I do not think the companys require van drivers to have Haz-Mat. But then again what the hell do i know.

WHITEWOLF 53
HERE LIARD LIZARD LIZARD

ACE · Sep 23, 2005

You will haul hazmat in B units and even have to Placard some loads.

stinkychute · Sep 23, 2005

Yeah, that's the problem, all I need for the test is a van, but it sounds like it has to have the placards on it so I can point to them and say "that's a placard" to prove to the testing agent that I'm not retarded. Can I use a rental vehicle to test in? I thought if nothing else maybe I could find somewhere that sells the placards and just stick them on the rental for the test then take them off.