New CDL And Contract Work

Hi everyone, I am considering getting my CDL to do contract work and wanted to get your thoughts on if what I am aiming for is feasible.

So, I am a 46 year old man and I drive the "gig economy" Uber, Lyft, Amazon, but I want something more challenging and a bit more money. I picked up a guy from our local airport the other day and he said that he does contract work picking up trucks and drives them to the people that purchase them. He said that he makes his own schedule (within reason), and that he makes decent money doing it.

Does anyone have any sort of experience doing this sort of thing and know what hoops I would have to jump through to get a job like this? I am in the very fortunate position that I don't have to be the main income earner in my family, so I am just looking to supplement my families income and have a job that I enjoy and dictate my own schedule (within reason). I would like to be able to go out for 3 to 5 days at a shot, and then home, and be able to take off when needed. I don't need or want benefits, I just want to work when I can and have off when I need to have off.

I am a vet and know how to endure hardship and am willing to do so to get a position that works for me and my family and would greatly appreciate anyone that can shine some light on what it takes to get this sort of job. I am happy to work as a 1099 contractor.

Thanks in advance for any insight. What exactly am I looking at to be able to do this?

It's doable. Our very own Errol did it for a bit and you can read about his experience Here

The issue you may encounter is that these jobs usually require at least a year experience.

I would do some more research. You're basing your plan based on a short conversation you had with a guy you picked up at the airport. Experiences will vary and another person's experience may not be yours.

Hi, Mark, welcome to Trucking Truth. Our focus here is on supporting people interested in getting a CDL , then stepping into a company truck to drive OTR.

Since you don't have a CDL just yet, there may be some issues with experience. I know little about it but there is a small "industry" of drive away drivers delivering anything from school buses to RVs to completed special trucks (garbage trucks and such), as well as your truck delivery.

One place you so look into after you get a CDL is called www.truckmovers.com/drive. They deliver new units from the factory to dealers. I did that for a while two years ago. Read about it on this forum topic: Truck Delivery Drive-away

Hi, Mark, welcome to Trucking Truth. Our focus here is on supporting people interested in getting a CDL , then stepping into a company truck to drive OTR.

Since you don't have a CDL just yet, there may be some issues with experience. I know little about it but there is a small "industry" of drive away drivers delivering anything from school buses to RVs to completed special trucks (garbage trucks and such), as well as your truck delivery.

One place you so look into after you get a CDL is called www.truckmovers.com/drive. They deliver new units from the factory to dealers. I did that for a while two years ago. Read about it on this forum topic: Truck Delivery Drive-away

Going to read up on your post, thanks so much! Any other info is very welcome!

Thanks Banks as well, I realize that it is what it is, which is why I came here for more info. I'm not unrealistic, but what he described seems like it would work well for my situation, and I think that my situation is a little unusual. I'm a middle aged guy but I am looking for a retired guys job, basically.

Errol, I read your post and thank you for that. If I may ask a few questions I would greatly appreciate your answers.

Will the company you worked for hire on new drivers, or will I need a year or 2 of OTR experience? If not, what do you think the minimum requirement is? I can do a year or two of OTR at a regular trucking job, but it is not my goal.

The pay settlement you linked, how long did that take and how many hours do you think that you worked? Were you able to make your own schedule or was this a required run? What was your home time like and could you have made it better? Any idea of what you could have pulled down a year with experience and time?

I am comfortable working on heavy machinery (I am an A&P aircraft mechanic), do you get indications on what sort of tool set you need?

Thanks so much, your insight is exactly what I am looking for.

The pay settlement you linked, how long did that take and how many hours do you think that you worked? Were you able to make your own schedule or was this a required run? What was your home time like and could you have made it better? Any idea of what you could have pulled down a year with experience and time?

How long did it take? I drove what is called a "deck" - 2-3 units stacked piggy back. You need double-triple endorsement and driving experience for that. Then at the destination it's my job to restore the trucks to driving condition. The air brake lines have been modified so the front truck also runs another set of brakes at the rear. Undecking a full set took me all day. You buy your own tools - about $400.

They do have people who drive singles out for delivery. I think they tow their car & drive back.

Own schedule or required? I was an independent contractor. (That's what your want to do.) I was often offered two or three destinations and I could choose. I could also take time off when I wanted. I rented a car to get home for that. That's how independent contractors work. So also, home time was when & how long I wanted.

The only idea I have about a year's income is my trainer told me about a week and a half into December that his settlements by then covered all his regular bills. Take that to mean whatever you want it to mean.

It was an interesting job. I got to see Fargo ND, Boise ID, and Wausau, WI in January. (You do your work outside, too.) I just didn't have the hustle you need.