Trucking: getting started, heavy duty trucks, mississippi department of transportation

Question
I have a regular 40-hour job where I only work on the weekends and have Monday thru Thursday off. I am interested in how can I get into hot shot trucking of cars or equipment with a dually and trailer as a second job. My only problem is that I have no OTR or any experience. I have drove heavy duty trucks such as 1-ton service trucks but not OTR or with a trailer behind it. My question is there any schools or classes for this kind of truck driving or can you start off small and local and learn as you go and will people even hire you like that. I have petty good credit so I don't believe getting the equipment is a problem. I welcome any advice and information you can give me, My location is central MS.

Answer
Hi Etheon.

I would contact the Mississippi Department of Transportation and look into getting a Class B CDL.  See what requirements are needed and then get one.  I traditional truck driving school is a Monday thru Friday and not cheap.  I always promote schools, but with your schedule, it will be hard.  I would still see if a truck driving school could train you on your schedule.  There is no real "learn as you go" program, because it's get your CDL as fast as you can, then drive.  If that doesn't work, get your CDL through the state.

You might buy a truck and trailer and look into leasing out to a local company.  Let them keep you busy Monday thru Thursday and worry about the loads and getting paid.  You might call some local trucking companies and get some specifics before you buy the equipment.  You may find a specific market that has to be filled.

Make those calls and you'll be off in the right direction.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens