[General Crespin]

I'm 18, been driving small (pickup chassis-small :P) straight trucks for my parents' business since 15 and by myself since 16 (warehouse drops, break down our own loads, 300mi radius).

Next year if all goes well, I'll be going down to Texas twice a week in a 20' straight truck.

I like driving, would like to go OTR, but that won't happen for a couple years. Is there anything I can look for before then? I may just work for my parents the next couple years, I don't really know, but I'm trying to find out what's out there.

Thanks.

EDIT: Just FWIW, this is all reefer trucks; fresh produce.

[Gorrillasnot]

I believe you can only drive intrastate in a CDL size truck until you turn 21.
My advice would be to continue driving for your parents or find a farmer to drive for until you turn 21.

good luck

[General Crespin]

That's what I mean, sorry... something CSL-sized but intrastate. I figure the more experience I have with what I want to drive, the better my chances are at getting something decent.

[Gorrillasnot]

Do you plan to go OTR when you turn 21? If yes then the local driving you do in the meantime wont count with most of the major companies.
Most likely you'll end up doing the CDL school or company sponsored training thing when you turn 21.
I see you are from Michigan. You should be able to find a farmer to hire on with and pull grain in a tractor/trailer. That would get you somewhat familiar with the big rigs, however most grain trailers are shorter then a typical dry van or flat.
Or you may be able to make local deliveries in food service or something.
Still when you get old enough to go OTR you'll likely have to start from the ground floor with CDL school and OTR training.

good luck

[brian]

you can drive a tractor trailer in your own state when your 18, but be forewarned even if you drive a TT every from your 18th birthday till your 21st you won`t have OTR experience and thus will still make newbie money if you go OTR then.

[jjh1001]

I can tell you from experience that in michigan its pretty hard to find anything class a local for someone under 21... i got my class a at 18 thinking that i would be able to work local and quickly found out it wasnt gonna happen, no real companies can insure you that young with no class a experience... my advice is work where you can till your 21 and then go for the class a.

[Mackman]

I got my class a at 18 in PA and i got a job driving tri axle dumps with tag trailers. My dad is a O/O and knows alot of people thats how i got the job. If i didnt know anyone or should i say if my dad didnt know anyone i would have never gotten a job.

[GMAN]

I would suggest you stay with your parents in the family business, at least for now. Most insurance companies require at least 2 years of experience unless you go to work for a large carrier.