Best Way to get a CDL?

[CabezaBlanca]

Thats a problem these days, getting a cdl fast and dont have any experience when they start driving. Kinda like throwing u to the wolfs. Half the drivers i see, should not be behind the wheel, and i have 20 yrs driving experience.

I understand your frustrations. But how are you going to get experience without a CDL? And you have to have a CDL to drive.

[Pedernal]

Any one have info on CDL Class A exempt?

[sotol]

If I am not an American citizen do I need a cdl to drive my uncle's dump truck?


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[justintyme8303]

If I am not an American citizen do I need a cdl to drive my uncle's dump truck?


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Yes or you cant be on his insurance.

[Mtltx]

If I am not an American citizen do I need a cdl to drive my uncle's dump truck?


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Depends on how much it weighs. Over 26,001 lbs then yes

[justintyme8303]

I understand your frustrations. But how are you going to get experience without a CDL? And you have to have a CDL to drive.

Most get OJT since all mega carriers have a training program. Same for beer distributors.

So what is your expectations income wise? With 0 CDL A hours under you belt only a mega carrier will be likely to hire you. Because they self fund insurance but they pay peanuts.

[Rebs55]

Which part of trucking industry are you looking into? As others have said learn standard and test on it. Im 40 and have been driving and had CDL since 18. Started out delivering beer. I have delivered for a major food service company for 16 years. If you are starting off green and go into OTR, dont expect much more than $35,000. Lots of $ to be made if not scared to unload and work nights w/ food service, easy to make 6 figures after working there for a few years. Work and time away is demanding though

[Mayhem]

Which part of trucking industry are you looking into? As others have said learn standard and test on it. Im 40 and have been driving and had CDL since 18. Started out delivering beer. I have delivered for a major food service company for 16 years. If you are starting off green and go into OTR, dont expect much more than $35,000. Lots of $ to be made if not scared to unload and work nights w/ food service, easy to make 6 figures after working there for a few years. Work and time away is demanding though

Who do you work for if you don’t mind me asking??

I’ve been with Ben E.Keith foods for 13 years. I hire all our RSA’s for the gulf coast branch. 100k a year is obtainable, but not easy work.


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[CabezaBlanca]

Any one have info on CDL Class A exempt?

Skills Test Exemptions
A driver is exempt from the skills test if he/she can certify to
meeting all of the following requirements:
1. He/she is currently licensed.
2. During the two-year period immediately prior to
applying for a Commercial Driver License, the driver
a. has not had more than one license;
b. has not had any license suspended, revoked, or
cancelled;
c. has not had any convictions for a disqualifying offense
for any type of motor vehicle, such as:
 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
 Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID)
 Blood/Breath Test Refusal (BBTR)
 Failed to Stop and Render Aid (FSRA)
 Felony involving use of a commercial motor
vehicle
 The use of a commercial motor vehicle in the
commission of a felony involving manufacturing,
distributing, or dispensing a controlled
substance
 Any violation of state or local law relating to
motor vehicle traffic control arising in
connection with
any traffic accident in which the aforementioned
driver was at fault
d. has not had more than one serious traffic violation:
 Speeding 15 mph over the limit
 Reckless driving
 Following too close
 Unsafe lane change
 A violation of the law relating to traffic control
arising in connection with a fatal accident
excluding parking, weight, and vehicle defect
violations
 Driving a CMV without a CDL
 Driving a CMV without a CDL in possession
3. The applicant is regularly employed in a job
requiring the operation of a commercial motor
vehicle anda. has previously taken and passed a skills test
given by a state with a classified licensing system
and the test was behind-the-wheel in a
representative vehicle for that driver license
classification; or
b. has operated, for at least two years immediately
pre- ceding application for a Commercial Driver
License, a vehicle representative of the
commercial motor vehicle he operates or expects
to operate.
This exemption only applies to drivers whose two-year
driving experience has been legal (properly licensed) and
who have been driving vehicles that are exempt (firefighters,
farmers, etc.).

[CabezaBlanca]

Most get OJT since all mega carriers have a training program. Same for beer distributors.

So what is your expectations income wise? With 0 CDL A hours under you belt only a mega carrier will be likely to hire you. Because they self fund insurance but they pay peanuts.

I'm not looking to break the bank right off the bat. I'm assuming it's like any other job, that you have to work your way to the top.

[Hollywood]

UPS is on my radar!

While you are at it, go ahead & study for & try to get your tanker & hazmat endorsements. Texas is really in need of more qualified Hazmat drivers. I boost the pay scales for our truck drivers according to qualifications & experience.

[CabezaBlanca]

While you are at it, go ahead & study for & try to get your tanker & hazmat endorsements. Texas is really in need of more qualified Hazmat drivers. I boost the pay scales for our truck drivers according to qualifications & experience.

I am definitely doing this. Funny thing...you can get the tanker endorsement on your permit. I did. But to keep it you have to road test with a tanker trailer, that's EMPTY. I didn't so I lost the endorsement. No big deal as I'll just retake the test when I go for my hazmat and double/triples endorsements.

[Buckshot-73]

If I may offer some friendly advice.

DO NOT, ever try to swerve and try to miss a deer... cow or horse, maybe. But not a deer.

Ain’t worth going wheels up in the ditch.


Had one swerve into my lane last night, and hit me head on... I never touched the brakes. Part of my plastic bumper went appropriately 19 inches up her anus.







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[Rebs55]

Who do you work for if you don’t mind me asking??

I’ve been with Ben E.Keith foods for 13 years. I hire all our RSA’s for the gulf coast branch. 100k a year is obtainable, but not easy work.


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Sygma Ft Worth, definitely not easy work though

[CabezaBlanca]

While you are at it, go ahead & study for & try to get your tanker & hazmat endorsements. Texas is really in need of more qualified Hazmat drivers. I boost the pay scales for our truck drivers according to qualifications & experience.

Have an appointment tomorrow for tanker, hazmat and doubles/triples endorsements.


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