Has been for a long time. Just looked up the college to see if still active, College of the Redwoods (Humboldt County, California)
The timber industry is still prominent in Humboldt County but current timber harvest is maybe 20% at most of the level of harvest and processing that occurred prior to 1990 so was not sure if the program was still in existence (and it is). Logging truck driving can be pretty exciting with 25 tons of log on an 18 wheeler with narrow and steep roads, locally not paved. Guys with families in the timber industry often follow their fathers in career. There used to be many "gypo" truck drivers that worked as independent contractors and owned or leased their truck. Now a higher proportion of local timber industry trucking is corporate trucks and their are far less opportunities for the gypo truckers.
One must be 18 to enroll. One gets 90 hours in a semi, 45 hours driving and 45 observing. IMO that should be more. California issues a learners permit for truck driving.
https://www.redwoods.edu/communityed/Detail/ArtMID/17724/ArticleID/3720/Truck-Driving-Training-Program
Here are the requirements:
Eligibility:
Eligibility will be discussed further in the mandatory informational meeting. It is important to speak with the instructor at the informational meeting before completing any of the tasks below. To attend the College of the Redwoods' Truck Driving Program, a student must be at least 18 years of age and complete or provide the following:
Pass a Basic Skills Test (Reading, Writing and Math)
Copy of current license
Current DMV License Record Print-out
CDOT Medical Exam
DOT Drug Screen
California Class A Learner's Permit
Funding confirmed - If you are being sponsored, a sponsorship letter from the sponsoring agency is required by entrance requirements deadline (note this is important because the class fee is $4295).
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