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1:45 pm April 27, 2009
| MrToure
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| Member | posts 74 | |
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So i started training this week to get my CDL. WOW!!! The testing part is harder than being in the truck i think. I can't wait to get my permit next so i can do the road testing. Here's my thing i been thinking, after i get my CDL then what?? Anyone know of any good anvenues to go. I'm obviously going to get started by calling the companies i've worked with but i wonder is there like a starter process.
Also whats anyone's personal exsperince been as a new driver? after this i'm going to learn spanish it just seems like the route to go.
GQ
8-)
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Field Manager/Tour Manager with CDL A
"if you don't like what you see be the change"
GQ
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11:56 am April 28, 2009
| Horiib
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| Member | posts 131 | |
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GQ -
most companies will not hire you as a cdl driver unless you have had your licenses for 2 years. for some companies its an insurance thing. there are a few companies out there that will hire you with your brand new cdl, but most won't.
everyone always thinks that if they go out and get their cdl that it will open up so many doors for them…. it doesn't work like that right away…
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"Life passes most people by while they're making grand plans for it."
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1:29 pm April 28, 2009
| MrToure
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| Member | posts 74 | |
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i can dig it so its probably best to just work locally just to get some road time?
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Field Manager/Tour Manager with CDL A
"if you don't like what you see be the change"
GQ
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7:47 pm April 28, 2009
| Horiib
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| Member | posts 131 | |
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I would still apply for stuff.. there is a huge advantage to having two cdl drivers on any tour especially since you would be able to be a back-up driver.. you might find companies that don't care if you are right out of school and they are going to give you a million dollar tour vehicle to drive.
I just don't want you to expect people to be pounding down your door trying to hire you for tours… they might, but most will require that 2 years. but all of the non-cdl commercial tours will love you!
b
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"Life passes most people by while they're making grand plans for it."
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8:43 pm April 28, 2009
| nomad76
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I take it you are getting your class A? A good place to start is to take a good Class B cdl job and list "Tour Driver" on your resume and Class A License under your qualifications. Employers will see you have a Class A and that you have been the Tour Driver on 1, 2 or 3 tours before. Of course they won't pay you what they pay the guy driving the 18 wheeler with 4 slide outs… But it's a stepping stone! B-sizzle is right… Some companies do like to save a nickel or two on their insurance policies by agreeing to hire only drivers with 2 years experience.
Good luck be safe!,
B
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11:41 pm May 18, 2009
| sprtyplaw883
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Hey guys,
I have a question that is kind of along the same topic….
I am actually currently a college student who has had the opportunity to work on a lot of tours within my area over the past year… I would probably say that Ive done maybe 30-40 events all together, because ive fallen in love with the industry!
Anyways, this summer I am seriously considering going for my CDL license because I would love to be a part of a tour someday (perhaps when I graduate with my marketing degree next spring!). Most of the tour openings that I have seen, all require some type of CDL license, and I was thinking that it might be a good idea that since I have the time this summer, to get this? The only thing I am worried about is the fact that I might not get a job and therefore getting my CDL will not pay off. The previous posts are kind of scaring me now, and I don't know what to do! Any help or advice here would be greatly appreciated!!
Patricia
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7:12 am May 19, 2009
| nomad76
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| Member | posts 269 | |
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Patricia, You definitely don't need a CDL to get on a tour, if that is the only reason you want one don't waste your time or money.
It used to be there were very few class A drivers that were presentable and well spoken to take these jobs We could pick jobs, demand higher salaries and such because we were in demand.
A lot of companies operating RV's, large box trucks and the like that don't require a CDL are saying they prefer CDL drivers simple because they know they can trust us with a large vehicle. I would say get your CDL, You can always have a fall back career as a truck driver should your marketing plans not work out.
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10:08 am May 19, 2009
| Horiib
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| Member | posts 131 | |
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ben is right. most tours that list cdl prefer that you have it but you will always be able to find a tour that doesn't require you to have a cdl. there are still a lot of people out there that spend a lot of time on the road and don't have a cdl. and like i mentioned in an earlier post just because you have it doesn't mean you are going to be able to use it right away.
not to mention you also have to have some interest in driving with a cdl and be comfortable with the vehicle your driving.
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"Life passes most people by while they're making grand plans for it."
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12:25 pm May 19, 2009
| sprtyplaw883
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ok great, this information definitely helps… I will have to re-evaluate things, because I do not plan on truck-driving for a living. The only problem now, is finding tours that do not require a CDL license! Thanks a lot though.
And this topic is pretty much in the other posts, but if anyone has any suggestions about how to get on a tour, I am always willing to listen to advice!! Feel free to send me a message, or reply to this :)
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3:34 pm May 20, 2009
| MrToure
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| Member | posts 74 | |
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Hey i figure if anything it can't hurt you to have one. i see brents point in that there are already a bazillion cats that have a cdl but the are just as many that don't. I personally am getting my cdl through a state grant ( no C.R.E.A.M from me) so i would look into local job training.
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Field Manager/Tour Manager with CDL A
"if you don't like what you see be the change"
GQ
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10:58 pm December 15, 2011
| dj1919
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On the topic of CDL licences have any of you had your CDL paid for by a promotional company? And if so who was it? I really want to get my CDL for promotional tours but right now do not feel like putting 4-5 thousand dollars into it.
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3:19 am December 30, 2011
| BlueSkies
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If you're planning on being on the road for a while, I would highly recommend you in getting a CDL-A. Yes, it's true that most tours does not require you to drive a semi, but they still want you to have a CDL-A, more for their peace of mind. Additionally, why not have it just in case. Better to get it now than to rush through a class when there's a job opening.
"most companies will not hire you as a cdl driver unless you have had your licenses for 2 years. for some companies its an insurance thing. there are a few companies out there that will hire you with your brand new cdl, but most won't.
everyone always thinks that if they go out and get their cdl that it will open up so many doors for them…. it doesn't work like that right away…"
I know personally that companies hire new CDL-A drivers right out of CDL school. Heck, there's several on our tour that came right out of CDL school. However, they were amazing local staff prior to join us. It's all about your work ethic, personality and a little bit of who you know.
Honestly, if you want to be on a tour, be a stellar local staff. Come early, stay late, be interested and more importantly have common sense. We have hired several local staff to join us on the road this year. If you're good, we'll know and recommend you.
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Blue Skies,
RJ http://blueskiestouring.wordpress.com
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