Hi, My name is Justin, im 24 yo living in Ohio. Ive been confident now for 3-4 years that i want to haul trucks on the open road for a living. Ive read its many flaws and also it's good aspects. Im really certain this is what i want to do and i cant wait.

The only worry i have is, can i really get into the buisness? Im a high school drop out. Ive searched company requirements, and training school requirements, no-where have i read "must have HS diploma". So i get hopefull for that. But then again, i have a feeling gettin into the buisness wont be so easy without a HS diploma. Could someone please 100% clear this up for me? Thanks.

P.S I'll run a poll for people who dont feel like typing a bunch.

Some do, Some might not even ask. Best thing to do is get your GED first. If you ever plan on getting a local job after OTR, YOU WILL NEED AT LEAST A GED.

Alright.. so the overwhelming answer seem to be some do and some dont. Is there any way of knowing which companies do and which dont? or am i just gonna have to go with the trial & error method untill i get hired?

Actually i was going to do the companie training >>> work for them a year or 2. Thats the way i was gonna get my foot into the biz.

I don't know how far you went in school, but you will need basic reading and math skills to properly do your job. You will need to be able to fill out your log book and read your Bill of Lading, directions, etc., I would think most carriers would want you to have a high school diploma, but each company makes their own rules. Your best bet would be to contact those carriers whom you have an interest in working and ask them.

Hi hawk eyes.

I'm in the same boat as your are in I'm 24 and never finished High school. And I regret it every day. A high school diploma or GED is a sign of completion of something good in your teen years. You know they all ways said "he'll never make it".

I proved them wrong I work full time and a law biding citizen. A high school diploma is needed but not all always recommend with every job even with a collage degree you will still need training. Most employers look at work history than high school and any training you might have at your previous job. In trucking today you will need the basics I was told years ago that there was truckers on the road that could not read or write. Now with the CDL schools and safety skills, computers, etc.... you need some education.


So my question is how do Mexicans get jobs? well we know the answer to that LOL. Anyway, I do plan on getting my diploma some day and am looking into truck for many other reasons. I will admit to going into trucking because I don't have high diploma but, that does NOT mean I'm not edjucated.

Good Luck to You

P.S. As You know there are many things in life you need to know that they DON"T teach you in school. Thats why there is CAD.com!

James D.

Welcome to CAD
Get your GED when you can for your own betterment

It's obvious to me that both those guys can read and write pretty good. They both put together some good posts.

I would be surprised if any company asks to see your high school diploma. Not like they are going to write to your high school and ask for your transcripts.

I would put down that you finished high school. Get all the materials you need to study for your GED and study on the road then take the test.

So you're saying to Falsify an Application?

Hi. Thanks for all the replies. Thanks JamesD2 for the inspriring and motivating reply. Yes i can read and write quite well, those were my best subjects in school. I made it half way through 11th. I started to develope social and self asteem problems, and was kind of being bullied in 1 class. I guess i just ran out of steem and didn't care to go anymore. I do regret it everyday of my life.

My dad was a trucker for a short time in his career, so thats what gave me the idea. Then when i found out there was a possibility of becoming one without a HS diploma, that pretty much sumed up the deal for me. I had found a good paying job i could do, and reak the benefits of being free on the open road. I really want to do this. I was contacted by a recruiter for Swift Trucking, and he said i would need a normal driver liecense first (to start the training for CDL). He never once spoke of a HS diploma. I am going to start calling around and get the ball moving, and not worry about it anymore. If i get rejected, ill just move to the next company.

Gordon require's a GED. Maybe it was because I was only 21 at the time so they wanted know why the hell I was going into trucking and not college? :lol: I'm not sure if they would ask some guy in his 50's for a copy of his diploma like they did for me...