getting a CDL

[T2urtle]

I like driving, not exactly "see the road" type of guy who is driving from coast to coast for 8 months out of the year.

Been thinking of getting my CDL and getting into transporting with companies. Craigslist is FULL of jobs that require CDL. I figure i can get it and see if i can get my foot in the door.

To take the test at the DMV is only a couple $100 bucks, course and books on this shouldn't be much more then a total of $2000 investment.

Anyone here in the garage as working as CDL ? Word of advice or tips of the trade?

I'm not trying to be a owner/operator. Obviously that gives me more room and stuff but much rather have a contract with a company. Maybe make low $40-50k. I dont mind overnight jobs (currently working one) but as long as i can come home on some of the weekends.

 

[herm0016]

just find a local cdl school and go for it!

i just have a class C with hazmat, radioactives and explosives.

 

[uli2000]

many community colleges have CDL/trucking courses. A few hundred bucks.

 

[deadken]

I have a class B with P endorsement for work (even though I am in maintenance and not transportation).

In NY, the legal alcohol limits are cut in half if you have a CDL. IOW: .08 is the legal limit in NY, if you have a CDL, the limit is .04.

Now, it makes sense that if you are driving a commercial vehicle, the limit should be lower since you are supposed to be professional while driving. But, I've never gotten a clear answer as to whether the lower limit is in place even when driving your own personal vehicle. Also, this might just be a NY thing. Here is what I am talking about:
http://dui.drivinglaws.org/newyork.php

My brother works for Yellow Freight and does mostly terminal to terminal work (based upon a 'pick' system (I don't know how often they pick)). Since he does terminal work, he doesn't do the over-the-road stuff much. He's racked up over 3 million miles without an at fault accident (he's been rear-ended by a car and he's hit at least one deer from what I can remember). Physically, it takes a toll on you. IIRC, diabetes is common to truck drivers. Of course, keeping in shape will be difficult also. Meals on the road and a confined work area (can't even stand up) mean you'll need to be diligent.

You might want to take a job as a school bus driver. Most places around here will pay for your training (they offer sign-on bonuses for people who already have a CDL). That would guarantee that you get weekends off.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

If you want to drive for a company you'll have to go to a truck driving school and get at least 1 year experience over the road. I have my class A CDL but without the experience its a very long shot someone is going to hire you to drive. I rented a truck for like $200 or $300 and he showed me the ropes and let me use the truck for my test at the dmv. There are many places that do this. I found out though that no one will hire you to actually drive without experience though. I will say my CDL did get my foot in the door with my current job and there has been talk of them letting me train and drive with them so it might work out. I really don't like big rigs but it pays pretty well and you don't have to worry about job security as there are so many jobs for drivers out there.

 

[arrfep]

I have a class B with P endorsement for work (even though I am in maintenance and not transportation).

In NY, the legal alcohol limits are cut in half if you have a CDL. IOW: .08 is the legal limit in NY, if you have a CDL, the limit is .04.

Now, it makes sense that if you are driving a commercial vehicle, the limit should be lower since you are supposed to be professional while driving. But, I've never gotten a clear answer as to whether the lower limit is in place even when driving your own personal vehicle. Also, this might just be a NY thing. Here is what I am talking about:
http://dui.drivinglaws.org/newyork.php

99% sure that's the case here in IL. And that's even with C class licenses, not a full-on CDL.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Those rules apply to your personal vehicle as well. Also forget getting tickets dismissed with defensive driving classes. Their logic behind it is that since you have a cdl you are a professional driver and you should know better.