Question:
Hi, I'm Josh G., and I live in San Bernardino, California. I've been into trucking since I was a little person, and now that I just turned 20 (Dec.30th), it's time to start learning. I will probably do little more than read posts for now, but I will post some things. I look forward to learning stuff here.

Answer:
Welcome, Josh! I'm a newbie also. I am 38, but I am changing careers. I got tired of jockeying a computer in my insurance company cage (also called a cubicle.) I start driving school on Monday here in Lubbock TX. I have found that most of the people on this site, both newbies and vets, are pretty cool and willing to share what they have learned. I hope you'll enjoy it here.
Mark (aka Bigfella99)

Answer:
Hi Josh and welcome.
At your age you need to pay attention to age requirments.
I'm 49 and an ex auto mechanic ,lol, starting a new career too.
Good Luck and best of wishes.
P.S. ask bigfella 99 to send you some trucking tips,rof.
Hi Big,lol.
Answer:
Hey Josh welcome whats up buddy, I live in Central Cali, I am 22 and your pretty much SOL when it comes to the age requirement I know that you can drive intrastate (in state) at 18 but most companies insurance requirements have a minimum of 21+, plus you have to be 21 to drive interstate (OTR/Out of state). I lucked out because I started driving at 20 (for the only company within a 100 mile area that would hire me, and I think they did illegally too).
Let me tell you even at 22 I have trouble finding companies hiring me even with almost 2 yrs exp, most basic age requirements are 23 and up with a few exceptions. Just because of the insurance policies. I say research the hell out of trucking because it is not what you think it is, trust me. Or if your willing to sink 5g's into truck driving school maybe you could go do something a lil better with your time and money like get a good edumacation, I myself plan on getting out of trucking and going into the aviation field as an ATC or pilot.
Seriously think about it spend some time with a driver (and not family), go to truck stops and talk to drivers don't listen to the schools or recruiters they will only tell you what you want to hear and BS you all the way home. If trucking is something you still want to do in a year from now I might recommend getting trained with some of those local companies in your area doing bottom dumps, every time I go down there I see the ads on the back of the trucks all the time saying "Will train, be home every night!, call 1-800-555-5555". Well do your homework think about it and good luck. If you lived closer I would have you run with me for a while. BOL.
Answer:

I know I can't get into trucking now and am not trying to, but when I turn 21 I'll be dropping some applications in the mail. Meanwhile I am working on an Associate's Degree in Automotive Technology. Home time is not important to me because I have no tie-downs- in fact I was planning on pretty much living in the truck. I've got the whole "trucking isn't what you think" attitude from all sides, and trust me, I have done a lot of research and will continue researching- that is what I meant by saying I will mainly just be reading, not doing so much posting. I have posted a lot at classadrivers.com, read every page of newbiedriver.com and own a copy of Bumper to Bumper: The Complete Guide to Tractor Trailer Operations. I have also read several journals/diaries/blogs of truckers. And I still have a year of research left. I'd say I am researching quite well. Not to mention I work for U-Haul and am engaged in the maneuvering of large trucks everyday. I'm not just some random guy enticed by the whole "See America" thing. I am here for the drive.