Truck Driving Jobs

fedog · #1 02-16-2007, 12:09 PM

Hello everyone, I'll be moving down to Florida from New York by mid-March and I plan to apply for a CDL license. I just started to read the handbook about a week ago. I would like to know if someone could help me with some questions? I want to know how long is the process to obtain your CDL from the time you take the writen and skills test to the time you actually receive your license? And how much does this usually cost? Is there any affordable economic way to obtain the licence? Thanks in advance to everyone who helps me out.

GMAN · #2 02-16-2007, 12:33 PM

I think most states will issue the license and give it to you when you take your test. At least mine does. At one time the license was mailed to you. The first time you receive your CDL, you will need to take a road test and they will have you go through a pre trip inspection, so I have been told. You will need to have a truck and trailer when you do your road test. It is difficult to rent a truck without a CDL. Most likely you will need to either go to work for a carrier who will train you and help you get your CDL or find a driving school.

millersod215 · #3 02-16-2007, 01:41 PM

Save your time and money and stay in New York, i've known quite a few people in the last year like you who have come from New York down here to Florida, and have totally regreted the move, i don't know what the huge draw to Florida is, you know we just got wiped out with massive Tornados don't you. And 3 years ago we had 5 or so good hurricanes leave a lot of damage on us, and what does this do for the housing industry? Nothing, look to pay outrageous home owners insurance, and good luck finding affordable housing, and if you're coming to Florida to obtain your CDL and work here, i would advise otherwise, Florida is so far behind the times on pay, but it's funny how the cost of living continues to increase year after year. From one Floridian to another "soon to be" Floridian, rethink your move to florida, unless you've done some serious research and know that Florida is a productive place for you to be.

302dad · #4 02-16-2007, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millersod215

Save your time and money and stay in New York, i've known quite a few people in the last year like you who have come from New York down here to Florida, and have totally regreted the move, i don't know what the huge draw to Florida is, you know we just got wiped out with massive Tornados don't you. And 3 years ago we had 5 or so good hurricanes leave a lot of damage on us, and what does this do for the housing industry? Nothing, look to pay outrageous home owners insurance, and good luck finding affordable housing, and if you're coming to Florida to obtain your CDL and work here, i would advise otherwise, Florida is so far behind the times on pay, but it's funny how the cost of living continues to increase year after year. From one Floridian to another "soon to be" Floridian, rethink your move to florida, unless you've done some serious research and know that Florida is a productive place for you to be.

I live a little farther up the coast (Pensacola), but it's the same up here. 75% of the jobs here pay less than $10 hr. That includes most local driving jobs.

fedog · #5 02-16-2007, 03:39 PM

Thanks guys, I cherish your input but its already set in stone. My wife and I got approved for a home down there, she's already down there working and I'm just waiting on the closing. What we pay for rent up here we could afford to pay for a mortgage down there. Plus, this move isn't about us, its about our kids. I want to provide a more social, less hostile environment for them.
Anybody else have replys for me. I appreciate all feedback. But I really want to know about what I asked in my original post. Thanks.

bonzo · #6 02-16-2007, 03:51 PM

dont bother getting a cdl . i lived in florida from 02 to 06 in the tampa area. if you want to make money get into the limo bussiness and also the hotels as a bellman /van driver. i was driving a big truck making 10.00 a hour what a joke . i was making 200.00 a day as a limo driver part time. and 100 to 150 aday as a bellman. you just need to be social and well groomed. if you need more info let me know. good luck to you.

Arizona · #7 02-16-2007, 04:06 PM

Where in Florida are you moving to?
It seems that depending on your ability to attend a tech institute could be the most cost effective way to get your CDL. The public schools on the other hand,......the city has a lot to do with a hostile environment in the schools.
I personally let my child return to a small town in NY to attend middle thru high school, because he was getting harassed by the minorities in the St Petersburg school system.

fedog · #8 02-16-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arizona

Where in Florida are you moving to?
It seems that depending on your ability to attend a tech institute could be the most cost effective way to get your CDL. The public schools on the other hand,......the city has a lot to do with a hostile environment in the schools.
I personally let my child return to a small town in NY to attend middle thru high school, because he was getting harassed by the minorities in the St Petersburg school system.

I'm moving to Fort Lauderdale. I was there last week and I loved it. Very nice. And how would attending a Tech. school be the most cost effective way? And if it is the most cost effective way, I'm pretty sure it will take longer than average.

crankyazz · #9 02-16-2007, 04:29 PM

bol in your move, I am sure you will love florida, I live in utah and im tired of all this Daymmnnnn Snow.....

millersod215 · #10 02-16-2007, 05:01 PM

If you're looking to just get your CDL on your own, i'm not real sure if that's what you're looking in to, but if you are it's really a waste of time, you going to get your CDL on your own is going to do you no good, other than having that nice new Florida license with a big letter A on it. No one is going to hire you, i shouldn't say noone, but you're going to have a heck of a time trying to find work if you decide to just go to the DMV and get a commercial drivers license. You really should look in to schools, whether it be a tech school, or a drivers school, it's really going to benefit you in the long run when it comes to finding work. Hey and since you're moving to Ft.Lauderdale, i'm sure you can start hauling citrus, it's the season, and i believe they'll pay you a whopping 8 or 9 dollars an hour, for about 90 hours worth of work, and no overtime since it's an agricultural trade. welcome to FLORIDA.