Question:
OK, so, I want to give truck driving a chance. I have been lurking in the rafters (so to speak) of the site for a few days, and have been reading about it, and the more I read the more I want to do it.
SO, here is my situation.
I'm 19 years old, live in Arizona, clean driving record, havent driven anything bigger than a 20ft Uhaul van. I am starting a job at circle K tomarrow morning, not by choice, but it is a quick way to make some money. I'm currently living with my parents, and don't have anything tying me down here (Mesa, AZ). I don't really have any bills to pay, beyond helping my parents make ends meet.
I don't have any real skills, nothing that any moron couldn't learn to do, but what I do I do well. I am a responsible person, and I think that is important for aany job, especialy one where your actions could result in the life or death of yourself or those around you.
I dont have any money saved up, but I am starting this new job where I should have some decent money coming in.
The idea of living on the road really thrills the hell out of me.
This would be my ideal situation-
Finding a trucking company that would pay for a trucking school, or train me.
I am under the understanding that I couldn't do any cross country driving untill I'm 21, but that I could do in state stuff.
Anyone have anything to throw in my directions as far as advice of where to start, or something of the sort. Would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Zogg

Answer:
At this time in your life, being only 19 your options would be local hauling only. Possibly working for some type of farm service, construction companies, garbage hauling. Things of this nature, though I wouldnt hold out much hope due to your age. Insurance would be extremely high on you to employ as a driver.
You best bet is to work as many hours as you can for the next 2 or 3 years. Save your money, maybe even go to college and get an associates degree in something. Then after you turn 21 find and talk to the few companies that do hire drivers of that age. Just be sure to keep your driving and crimminal records totally clean.
BTW. Do not job hop. Work 2 or 3 part time jobs, but try to stay with the same company or 2 during that time. When you do turn 21 you will need to show a prospective trucking company employer that you have more stability than the average 21 year old.
Answer:
Join the navy (or air force or coast guard) and see the world. If you still want to drive truck after 4 years in the military, every company in the U.S. will welcome you with open arms.

Answer:
Is money a problem?
Because the thing about the company-sponsored training is you have to work for them for 1 year (sometimes 2) or then you owe them plus interest.
You may want to investigate the community college thing---because you can get government loans rather easily. Lots of community colleges's offer CDL training programs.
You can get obtaining the licence out of the way and when you turn 21 or 23 you can have your pick of OTR companies. In the meantime be running local. I.e., dumptrucks etc.
When i dispatched there was a 21 yr old kid on his way to making 50K+ but he quit and got his own truck.
I don't have time to investigate the above right now.
What is circle K? a grocery chain?
STOP BUSH NOW

Answer:

Answer....Conv. Store.(similar to 7/11 or AM/PM or QuickTrip or EZ-Mart, etc)


Answer:
John C hit it right on the nose go serve your country, then think about driving a truck. I did and came home after 24 years in the Navy, now I drive a truck for Arrow trucking, its what you make it .

Answer:
Don't go serve your country because these guys want you to. I would rather you stay doing what you are doing here instead of joining the military as a way to occupy your time until you can become an OTR driver.
Joining the military is alot more than the money. You subject yourself to alot more rules and it is a lifestyle for 4 years or more. It is not a job that you can say fu(k this and quit. Well, you can but then you limit yourself when you get out. I say do what you think is best for you. If it is the military I say good luck, but don't join to pass time. You will not enjoy it and makes the time pass alot slower.
That is my $0.02This is USAF 2T2 and I approve this message.

Answer:
join the marine corps 4 years will go fast and you can see the world for behine a M16a2Pearl River, LA
Big Ben
http://draughnfamily.net


Answer:
Good advice. And if you get a degree, you won't have to drive a truck!

Answer:
Circle K is a chain of convenience stores like 7/11,Stop&Go,etc.
Answer:
If you value your life, quit that convenience store job today. Join the army, and go in for truck driving. The army will let you drive T/T's at age 18, and even in Iraq, you're less likely to get shot than you are at the Circle K working the night shift!!