Single Mom Looking To Get CDL
Topic 34141 | Page 1
Hi Vanessa. Is there a dock-to-driver program available to you? What you are looking to do is fraught with obstacles, especially with the involvement of children in your life. Please don’t pay for a CDL school because actual employment to fit your needs might be impossible to find.
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.
I’m a 43 year old woman interested in obtaining a CDL. I’m just not sure which avenue is best. I’m a single mom so I need to be able to take kids to school but have childcare in the evenings. Also, are there paid training schools that would hire me in Southern California where I could be home daily? Thank you so much for any insight. I have 6 years experience driving a stepvan/amazon box truck by the way if that means anything lol
Hi Vanessa.
Your options appear to be limited to a local delivery type of job. Could be something like local freight, food/beverage, etc... My advice would be to look at sites like Indeed.com where these types of jobs are advertised and just try to get a feel for what openings are available in your area and then contact the employer(s) who have openings. Just call them and tell them your situation. See if you can find a fit. In my experience I have found that making that personal connection gives people the sense that you are both sincere and determined. Make enough calls and you will more than likely find someone who wants to help you.
Best of luck!
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.
Hi. The dock to driver is probably a good idea. Problem is that local jobs involve a few things...
1. You will more often than not, have to unload your own freight. Very physical.
2. Will be working 14+ hour days. Can you do that with your kids?
3. Local jobs dont necesssrily mean day shift. Many are union so the better shifts go to people with seniority.
4. Tight backing and heavy traffic. Depending on where in Calif.. it can be a nightmare even for an experienced driver.
5. Local may be less likely to hire you due to insirance reasons.
6. Most of the company sponsored CDL programs will be over the road. So as stated, check out any opportunity you can find.
7. As Bruce said.. do not pay for CDL school. You may not find a job like you want. What about bus driver? Trash truck, dump truck etc? Cement mixer? State/local govt positions. Find out their criteria and go from there.
Good luck.
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.
Over The Road:
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.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I’m a 43 year old woman interested in obtaining a CDL. I’m just not sure which avenue is best. I’m a single mom so I need to be able to take kids to school but have childcare in the evenings. Also, are there paid training schools that would hire me in Southern California where I could be home daily? Thank you so much for any insight. I have 6 years experience driving a stepvan/amazon box truck by the way if that means anything lol
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: