[BanditsCousin]

I got my CDL in Southern IL at an atlas van lines. There are plenty of moving companies in your area that can keep you busy until you turn 21 8)

[Double L]

I was looking into them but they all want you to be 21.

[Double L]

But in all honesty I would love to get a job hauling grain or pulling a flatbed/stepdeck. I'd love to stay out Friday night and come home the next day or Sunday morning. But on the days I know I'll have off school I'll stay out overnight and make some extra money but as of right now I'm open for anything.

[Double L]

I do got a question though. Would the larger truckload carriers hire me at 18 if they offer local/instate work? I'm sure there is alot of instate work since I live outside of East St. Louis and 4-5 hours from Chicago.

[Orangetxguy]

Originally Posted by Double L

Good new good news!!!!!!!!!!!

1. I got approved for a scholarship

Good for you. Go to school, get yourself a degree that works. Truck driving will always be here, but even in trucking, advancement opportunities are far and away more plentiful, if you possess a college degree. Whether you attain a degree in AG sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Proctology, you will have a good start in life.

and

2. My local lumber company will hire me, they told me I need my Class B with air brakes but didn't say how old you got to be so I'm gonna assume 18.

Another plus for you. There is nothing wrong with working for a lumber yard at your age. You will have the ability to support yourself while attending school!!

[Double L]

I just emailed Gully Transportation of Quincy, Illinois and E.L Henderson Trucking of Salem, Illinois. I must thank Ironeagle for E.L Henderson because I forgot all about them!

[Orange Andy]

You may also try local equipment rental yards. Start out moving, loading, unloading, fueling, cleaning and prepping the equipment for rent, and in a few months maybe helping deliver to jobsites. At least you would be around flats and step-decks learning how to distribute weight, chain & tarp loads etc.

Good luck. And agree with GMan, get your education, so you will have options when you get older.

[Double L]

I agree with Gman too. Education is important in this day and age with computers and everything else. Everything is so high tech and well advanced so you NEED an education. A high school diploma and a CDL isn't gonna cut it with me. I always wanted to drive a truck but wanted something to fall back on. For the longest time I couldn't decide what I wanted to fall back on until a year or two ago when I decided I wanted to take diesel mechanics and a small business management class along with accounting. Having an education sure pays off in the long run, I see it everyday people who regret dropping out of high school. To be honest it's worth staying in school because getting your GED is hard to get, well the test is hard. I only got one more year Thank God, but I want to enjoy that last year taking Co-Op going to school from 8am-10am and then driving the rest of the day. At this point in my life I always wanted to run over the road but as I've gotten older and matured I'd love to run the road but at the same time I want to be near home. So I think I'll settle for a regional/shorthaul type of deal like running midwest and southeast.

[Double L]

This is from Shipman Elevator Company in Shipman, Illinois:

Larry,

We do hire operations team members that are over 18 and under 21. Having a CDL, or having the ability to obtain one is mandatory for employment at Shipman Elevator Company. Feel free to stop by next spring as you get closer to graduation.

Thanks, Bart

Driving trucks with over 26000 GVW, and pulling NH3 nurse tanks (hazardous materials).

I'm assuming I'll be pulling fertilizer and they told me to get my CDL with all endorsements but they also told me I can't get hazmat until I'm 21 so the only endorsement I can get is the tank endorsement.

[Double L]

Change of plans, on Monday I meet with a recruiter. Army recruiter that, I'm thinking about joining the Army Reserve and for a job be a 88M which is a Heavy Transport Operator (truck driver) and/or Heavy-Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (diesel mechanic). I'm 17 so I qualify for the Delayed Entry Program.