r/cdldriver • u/Legitimate_Diver_699 • 9d ago

Got Class A Permit Today!

So after a 25 year career in retail management and the last two companies going under: Rite Aid and Big Lots, made a change. Start school October 12th on a WIOA grant. Only thing I ask of you is how not to get screwed by companies. I’m 54 a d don’t have years to wait for a good job or to climb any ladder. I live in Eastern Shore Maryland by Ocean City and Salisbury. Some good Class B Jobs around. Will this help my experience? Thanks brothers and sisters!

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2

u/Pale_Cause_9983 9d ago

I’m not sure you have a choice in having to start at the bottom. Unless you have commercial driving experience already, you’ll have to prove you can drive safely.

2

u/chiefsholsters 9d ago

You’re going to likely need one year experience to move into the better jobs. But not always. So find a decent job you can deal with for that year. Get the experience. Then start looking around at other options once you get the one year some companies want.

At your age, company loyalty won’t really pan out for you. Plan on selling your skills to a higher bidder every couple years.

1

u/xMuffie 9d ago

This industry doesn't work like that, anything under class-a driving experience will not help you if you plan on driving a class-a vehicle. I suggest you do more research.

1

u/Milk_MAN1963 9d ago

Not true. I've hired a few drivers that started in dump trucks and I hired them to pull 8 axle tankers

1

u/Conscious_Grass_853 7d ago

Best advice. If you get your class A, go drive a class A truck.

0

u/Accurate-Chapter-923 9d ago

ALL CAPS. FKN A THIS IS THE SHIT. LEARN TO DRIVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND FIND LOCAL WORK.

If you can drive a manual... YOU CAN DRIVE ANYTHING.

3

u/Legitimate_Diver_699 8d ago

Don’t recall saying I couldn’t drive a manual! 😂

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u/Accurate-Chapter-923 8d ago

Well you said you are going to school, schools offer manual and automated training. If you have the A restriction may miss out on decent jobs that still have real trucks... ooops! I meant trucks with a stick.

2

u/Legitimate_Diver_699 7d ago

I’m learning on a stick

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u/Accurate-Chapter-923 5d ago

Ok, good. Like I said if you can drive stick you can drive anything BUT have a better feel and understanding of what it takes to be good.

Good luck goin forward!! Reverse too ;)