Old CDL / Double Clutch / Load Limits

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Hello! I received my CDL with all endorsements back in 1999, but did not go into trucking. The question that I have is, is it too late for me? If not, where do I go from here to get into the business? Thank you.

Most companies require new CDL holders to have gone through training within a six-month time frame. You are most probably going to have to take either a CDL refresher course or maybe even a whole CDL course over again. You should start calling companies that you'd like to work for and see what they can offer. Some companies may even take you on as is, but there are very strict training requirements for their new hires due to the ever-growing insurance costs. You could call some local companies and see if they would hire someone with a CDL and no experience. There are a few that will, but the chances are that you will have to get some training if you want to go into OTR-type jobs.

When taking your driving test for your CDL, do you have to use your clutch through all the gears when shifting?

Most states will require double clutching when taking the CDL Skills test. You will not have to go through all the gears, but you must be able to select the proper gear for the road condition. Ironically, most companies will also expect their prospective drivers to demonstrate that they know how to double clutch during their company road tests. This is usually reserved for the new CDL holders. There is a huge difference on what they will allow the experienced drivers "get away with and what they will expect from the newer drivers. If these companies actually graded the "old hands as hard as the "newbies" practically none of them could pass the tests.

I'm starting out as a driver making local deliveries in a straight job truck with a GWR of 33,000 pounds. I have seen signs on some local roads saying no trucks over 10 tons, 15 tons, and 20 tons. What am I supposed to do if my delivery is on one of these roads? Could I get a ticket if I continue on the road?

If you have a bill of lading that has the address of a business or even a home, you may deliver there. This does not mean, however, that there is absolutely no way that you will never be ticketed for being off the required truck route! You have to sometimes call the customer for some advice on how to legally get into their business. I have delivered to places where there was no real legal way to be on the street that the business address was on. The loading docks for some places are actually on the street behind the business or even in another building nearby! Normally there is no problem and everything will come off without a hitch, but sometimes there are long and on-going feuds between businesses and other businesses and even the businesses and homeowners in the area that will sometimes get the police and the (more or less) innocent drivers involved in their skirmishes.

You have to plan these deliveries out! Load limits on roads are sometimes because of the age or the construction of the local roads or even the problem of unseen weak culverts or low clearances.

Written By: Fozzy

Old CDL / Double Clutch / Load Limits

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