Ready Mix Driver! Wanting To Move Into OTR Or Local
Topic 33635 | Page 1
Hi Joe.
You need to get hired by a company that has a training program for new OTR drivers who already have a CDL A. They would require the training because you don’t have experience with a combination vehicle. You do have several advantages because of your concrete truck experience and that you already have your license. Apply to companies through this link:
Apply For Paid CDL TrainingTruck Driver's Career Guide
- Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
- Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
- Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Combination Vehicle:
A vehicle with two separate parts - the power unit (tractor) and the trailer. Tractor-trailers are considered combination vehicles.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
BK, Thank you for your response. I will look into those links.
Hi Joe.
You need to get hired by a company that has a training program for new OTR drivers who already have a CDL A. They would require the training because you don’t have experience with a combination vehicle. You do have several advantages because of your concrete truck experience and that you already have your license. Apply to companies through this link:
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Combination Vehicle:
A vehicle with two separate parts - the power unit (tractor) and the trailer. Tractor-trailers are considered combination vehicles.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Location is a plus for starters. Any Class A CDL driving is a plus no matter what or where. When it comes to CDL driving, what you're applying for also depends on your experience... to a point & the employer needs.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Location is a plus for starters. Any Class A CDL driving is a plus no matter what or where. When it comes to CDL driving, what you're applying for also depends on your experience... to a point & the employer needs.
The issue Joe is going to run into is that he's been driving a class B truck, im guessing. The extent of his class A experience is 2 years ago in school.
Joe, just apply everywhere you can think of and be honest with them about your experience and that you'd like to have someone train you a couple weeks. Some companies won't hire you but somebody will. Worst case apply to another construction type job that uses side dumps or hoppers or even moving the equipment. Have you inquired about that with your current employer?
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Rob, I have talked to my current employer about some opportunities with driving powder trucks or bottom dumps. Only issue is when the rain hits we don’t work. So I’m trying to get away from that.. but thank you for the advice I will start applying everywhere and see what sticks.
Location is a plus for starters. Any Class A CDL driving is a plus no matter what or where. When it comes to CDL driving, what you're applying for also depends on your experience... to a point & the employer needs.
The issue Joe is going to run into is that he's been driving a class B truck, im guessing. The extent of his class A experience is 2 years ago in school.
Joe, just apply everywhere you can think of and be honest with them about your experience and that you'd like to have someone train you a couple weeks. Some companies won't hire you but somebody will. Worst case apply to another construction type job that uses side dumps or hoppers or even moving the equipment. Have you inquired about that with your current employer?
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
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Hello, This is my first post Here, but I have been using the knowledge from this page and its members since I got my CDL in 2021.
I have my CDL A and went to driving a ready mix truck right out of school. While it has been a very good experience, and has taught me many things with driving a commercial vehicle. The rainy season is approaching and work will slow down, and I can’t afford to only work a few days a week if any. With that being said I am trying to get into either OTR or a Local route to get some experience driving a tractor Trailer, do most companies not take into consideration a mixer truck as commercial driving experience? Any advice or tips on how to move forward with securing a position utilizing my Class A would be appreciated. Thank you in advance
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.