Typically, truck driving jobs require drivers to be 21 years of age or older. However, there are some truck driving jobs available to people who are at least 18. If you’ve been eager to break into the trucking industry, the following are some driving jobs you may enjoy before turning 21 and being able to drive OTR.
Before you can be hired, you’ll need to get your CDL. Don’t have one? Get connected with a CDL school near you today!
Local Driver and Intrastate Driver
There are some states that allow individuals under 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles within the borders of their state. Driving local means you can transport various goods within the state, but you cannot cross state lines. Many trucking jobs fall under the umbrella of local driving, let’s take a look at some.
A few of these positions will be discussed more in depth, but local driving jobs can include becoming a delivery driver, jobs in waste management, shuttle driving services (bus drivers), and LTL (Less Than Load) driving. Local drivers may have routes where they deliver goods to a specific company location on a set schedule. Often, this can involve dedicated routes, as well.
There may also be some companies with intrastate driving jobs. Intrastate truck drivers may travel further throughout the state than local drivers do, but they stay within state lines. Driving either local or intrastate allows you to get experience on the highway while still enjoying ample home time.
LTL (Less Than Load) Driver
As with finding local driving routes, there may be opportunities for individuals under 21 to get an LTL driving job, depending on state requirements. LTL trucking jobs, or Less than Load, involve transporting smaller loads of freight to different destinations with multiple stops.
LTL trucking is common among small businesses needing smaller quantities of goods delivered. These companies may be based in retail, manufacturing, food service, distribution, etc. LTL trucking occupies a crucial role for these businesses by transporting these smaller shipments to their destinations.
LTL offers a great way for young drivers to break into the industry. It also allows drivers to experience the navigation of various roads, and in many cases, narrow streets.
Bus Driver
In many states, bus drivers are required to be at least 18 years of age, making it a great driving job for someone under 21 who is interested in trucking. Bus drivers may work in the school systems or cities.
To drive a bus, you’ll need a CDL-B, and a P endorsement. A P endorsement, known as the Passenger endorsement, allows drivers to operate a vehicle with 15 passengers or more. If you decide to become a school bus driver, you will need a P endorsement, along with an S endorsement specific to school buses.
Becoming a bus driver can be a great starting point for young drivers. It gives you experience with operating a commercial vehicle within typically crowded street or city areas. If you are someone who loves to interact with people as well, the social aspect of the job could be a great bonus for you.
Hot Shot Truck Driver
Hot shot driving jobs are fun and dynamic, leaving no work day looking the same. Plus, hot shot jobs do not require drivers to possess a CDL. If you are someone who is curious about the trucking industry, but not ready to commit to getting your CDL yet, driving hot shot could be perfect for you.
Hot shot drivers operate heavy-duty pickup trucks and haul smaller loads for various clients. Hot shot trucking gets its name from its nature — hot shot trucking involves hauling time-sensitive loads to different companies. The loads that hot shot drivers haul are small enough to be transported by pickup trucks. Many of these loads might be agricultural equipment, construction equipment, and different machinery.
Becoming a hot shot trucker gives you a taste for delivery under a deadline with the thrill of the open road.
Delivery Driver
Also not requiring a CDL, there are many delivery driver positions that can still give you a good sense of what a driving job entails. With the various delivery services available today, there is a variety of delivery driver jobs to choose from. Some companies hiring delivery drivers include Amazon, Instacart, Uber Eats, Walmart, and various grocery chains.
While many delivery driver jobs involve using your own car, there are some delivery jobs that may require you to operate company vans or box trucks. Delivery driver jobs may have other requirements such as the ability to lift packages that are up to 50 pounds. Of course, specific requirements will vary depending on your company.
Delivery driver jobs are also excellent driving jobs to have before getting a CDL. Plus, working a delivery driver job can help you get used to navigating unfamiliar routes.
Need Training First?
We’ve listed just some of the great driving jobs that are available to people between the ages of 18 and 21 (depending on state requirements). These driving jobs are excellent ways to break into the industry. Some of the jobs listed will require a CDL, whereas others do not.
If you are someone who needs to get their CDL first, you’re in luck. CDL Training Today works with excellent CDL schools across the country, so no matter your location or age, you can find the right CDL training for you.
