how hard would it be for an 18 yo truck driver to get a job?

[lkm370]

well, hi, im basically right now 17 and turning 18 in less than a week, my family is going thru tough financial troubles right now and ive usually had a job to support them even though im not even 18, and about 2 months ago i lost my job, ive filled out over 20 to 30 applications at various places and not one person has called back, i dont have a criminal record, dont do drugs, ive had to previous jobs and i have an education so i was thinking about going into the trucking business, i mean 400 to 1000 dollars a week sounds great to me so i just wanted to know if i get all my liscences and endorsments, would it be hard for me to find a trucking job at 18 here in florida?

thanks for the all the help and suggestions.

[CFer]

Originally Posted by lkm370

well, hi, im basically right now 17 and turning 18 in less than a week, my family is going thru tough financial troubles right now and ive usually had a job to support them even though im not even 18, and about 2 months ago i lost my job, ive filled out over 20 to 30 applications at various places and not one person has called back, i dont have a criminal record, dont do drugs, ive had to previous jobs and i have an education so i was thinking about going into the trucking business, i mean 400 to 1000 dollars a week sounds great to me so i just wanted to know if i get all my liscences and endorsments, would it be hard for me to find a trucking job at 18 here in florida?

thanks for the all the help and suggestions.

lkm370, I admire you for trying to help your family out during a difficult time. Unfortunatly, it's gonna be pretty tough for you to find a driving job. First of all,being 18 limits you to intrastate jobs. You must be 21 to drive interstate so that narrows your field down a lot.
Secondly, experience means a lot in this business and it's gonna be tough to find a company that will be willing to let you drive their very expensive trucks and handle their freight with no experience.

You've got nothing to lose by filling out applications at these companies but I'd be lying if I said it's gonna be easy.

What you may be able to do is get a job working the dock. They will hire someone 18 and it can be a good foot in the door for you. Some companies also have their own driver training programs which may help you out.

Good luck.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by CFer

First of all,being 18 limits you to intrastate jobs. You must be 21 to drive interstate so that narrows your field down a lot.

CFer is right, you will not be able to cross state lines, until you turn 21.

Originally Posted by CFer

What you may be able to do is get a job working the dock. They will hire someone 18 and it can be a good foot in the door for you. Some companies also have their own driver training programs which may help you out.

Good luck.

You have many options in Florida at UPS. Go for a sorter job and go from there.

https://ups.managehr.com/Careers.htm

UPS hires from within and goes from the bottom up.

Try that link out and good luck.

[brtecson]

have you considered delivering pizza? not trying to be a smartass, but it costs a fortune to insure an 18 year old driver

[Colts Fan]

You might want to call around and see if you can drive a dump truck or a cement truck. A small mom and pop or contractor might be able to give you a break. BOL

[SevenOfNine]

I believe some bigger farms might also take you on as a local driver.