QuestionI have been thinking about leaving my present job, and getting into the truck driving business. While I dont really want to go OTR, I will be willing to do regional, but would prefer to be home most nights. I am looking for information as to what would be needed, I was thinking about a 3/4 car hauling job, will I need a CDL for this kind of job? Where can I find places to gain experience in this line of work? I'm not looking to make a fortune, but to do something I enjoy, and make a comfortable living. I understand that starting out I wont be making a ton of money, and wont until I gain the experience and get the account that pay decent to haul. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Bear
AnswerHi T-Bear.
First, the class of CDL that you'll need is as follows...
Class A CDL – Required to operate a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) if the GVWR of the trailer is 10,001 pounds or more, and when added to the GVWR of the power unit (truck), the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is over 26,001 pounds.
Class B CDL – Required to operate any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pound or more. A trailer may be towed if the GVWR of the trailer is 10,000 pounds or less.
Class C CDL – Required to operate any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less, if the vehicle is required to be placarded to transport Hazardous Materials or transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
A lot of smaller car haulers are independents. It may be hard to find someone that needs just a 3/4 car hauler driven locally. Not that it's impossible, but challenging. The first thing I would do is look up all the local auto haulers in your area. Then you simply contact them to see if they need drivers. Look in the yellow pages or hit up the local auto auctions.
I think more doors will open up for you if you attend a truck driving school. It will cost you a few grand, but it's something that you'll always have to show potential employers. Depending on what area of the country you live in, you can get a local or regional position out of school. Trucking schools won't really talk about those jobs because they're getting paid by the big OTR companies to get you to go over-the-road. There are a ton of companies that need local and regional drivers. You just have to do some hunting. Many companies will ask for one year OTR, but you can find a company that won't out of school.
I use to work for Alterman Transport (now out of business) out of Opa Locka, Florida. They hired new school graduates for hourly local positions. They never advertised openings, just went through applications that were received. That's my big advice, stop in and fill out applications. If they have a truck, stop in.
Good luck and welcome to trucking!
Bob Stephens
