Getting into straight-truck

VnnerNomadic · Sep 10, 2014

Any advice about how to get into straight truck driving without experience or cdl b? Thanks

layoutshooter · Sep 10, 2014

Get your CDLB, and drive for an owner, best way to start.

Daffyduck528 · Sep 10, 2014

I second that, get a cdl b then drive for an owner. A 26,000lb truck (non cdl truck) won't have the payload capacity to compete with a 33,000lb truck. Also, a big truck is a learning curve. Drive for an owner that can help you learn the ins and outs of both the truck and the business.

pearlpro · Sep 11, 2014

You canr rent a truck from Penske and get your CDL B, Dont drive it there have someone with a License or see if they can deliver...I drove for a couple owners and its not bad, both were nice guys, then maybe you can buy a truck, used etc if you like it, its better money....but the older trucks with the small sleepers are a pain...

coalminer · Sep 11, 2014

I drive a straight truck that is under 26k so I don't have a cdl, it's possible but much harder than if you do have a class B. My truck has a 24ft box with a liftgate and I can carry 10,000 pounds legally, which is fine for a good percentage of loads, will you lose loads because of the weight, yes but not enough in my opinion to warrant the extra hassle of needing a cdl, apportioned plates and ifta.

One thing about an under cdl truck, you will have to deal with a small sleeper mine only has a 24 inch sleeper. Moving up to a 33,600 gvw truck will get you a much bigger one.

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sewmun · Sep 11, 2014

I finally weighed my 24' straight truck it's under 26K & it's 17K even & that's w/o a sleeper,it does have a liftgate.So I suppose that's why they make the 33K trucks so you can haul more.If you go to a 33K truck you'll need a class A then you might as well get a class 8 w/a box.You get a nice riding long lasting truck.

jimby82 · Sep 11, 2014

You only need a class B in a straight truck. Also, it doesn't matter how much the truck weighs, it matters how much it's rated to carry (GVWR).

cheri1122 · Sep 12, 2014

If you take the advice offered, please bear in mind what you are getting [an education], and consider what you are offering [willingness, but no actual knowledge], before you begin planning for the "big sleeper". To paraphrase JFK: ask not what a fleet owner can do for you, etc.
It just seems the tone of replies is all about what the newbie should expect to get, without mentioning what one should be prepared to give. With someone who knows absolutely nothing about expediting, I think that's important to mention.

Daffyduck528 · Sep 12, 2014

cheri1122 said:
If you take the advice offered, please bear in mind what you are getting [an education], and consider what you are offering [willingness, but no actual knowledge], before you begin planning for the "big sleeper". To paraphrase JFK: ask not what a fleet owner can do for you, etc.
It just seems the tone of replies is all about what the newbie should expect to get, without mentioning what one should be prepared to give. With someone who knows absolutely nothing about expediting, I think that's important to mention.

Good point.

geo · Sep 13, 2014

i would also look for a good accountant to as there alot of things that come up at tax time
also i would at least get a b cdl and hazmat to

T270_Dreamin · Sep 22, 2014

geo said:
i would also look for a good accountant to as there alot of things that come up at tax time
also i would at least get a b cdl and hazmat to

I have a class b cdl and hazmat and I'll I drive is a sprinter

Prolly some class a guys out there driving sprinters also.

beachbum · Sep 23, 2014

T270_Dreamin said:
I have a class b cdl and hazmat and I'll I drive is a sprinter Prolly some class a guys out there driving sprinters also.

I have my class A with hazmat, but I've had this CDL before I got my Sprinter, That said, companies like Landstar require a Class B w hazmat, even in a Sprinter.

Some companies like Landstar require 6 months experience before they will lease you on, that is unless you came from a big truck....

beachbum · Sep 23, 2014

I might be looking for a straight truck to drive in the near future, I'll even have to leave Landstar to make the change, since they won't let me upgrade to a larger truck because of the 6 month rule...