i need some help because i have no idea what i am going to do. i am 19, almost 20 and i am going to college for nursing. i hardly ever get to drive locally because school gets in the way. i should be graduated in a year or two, and i really want to drive otr. if i make this choice to drive, where should i start and what would you do if you were me and you could start over. obviously i should start out as a company driver, and go from there. it is my dream to own a new truck and own my own company, and live good in north dakota. give me every detail you would do because you all are more experienced than me.......... every detail from new truck or used, what company if i am new. and how many years should i drive for a company befor switching to o/o. any comments appriciated. thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well first you shpuld get your class a if you havent alredy. Then try out large companies like swift jb hunt etc... or if you have he money get a truck and lease on with landstar, if not that look on load boards or brokers and start rite away with your new company. The new Truck Part might take a while

C-T....sorry, man...but get a grip. At 19, there aren't many companies (none) that I can think of that would even touch you for OTR.... I believe the minimum age for hiring is 21.....sure, you can start driving school while 20.....Get the degree. It is something you can always fall back on.....if needed. Then, if you can't shake the feeling that you just have to drive....give it a spin! But stay away from Swift, JB, etc.

Steve & Lo your advice is always good. yeah i am trying to stay motivated to get that degree in case i need something to fall back on. I figure once i get all done with school i should be 21 or 22. I know to stay away from swift and jb hunt, but what companys do you reccomend? I notice also that you usually have to be around 23 to get a job.... i deffienetly don't want to get taken advantage of and be out on the road for a month at a time.but i feel like i can't get nothin that the company will treat me with respect as a new, young driver. whats your thoughts? thanks

yer gonna get bent over for a few years, no matter where you work

local you will drive junk and be heavy

otr you will drive newer junk and be run ragged

boy aint truckin fun LOL

If you're wanting to drive truck, why on earth are you going to school for nursing? Nobody can legally hire you for OTR driving. Federal law says you have to be 21 to drive commercially interstate.

going to school for nursing because i am almost done and it makes excellent $$$$$ incase trucking dosen't work out and why would i sit around and wait years to drive, when i can be doing something positive, and i have never even driven long hauls so how would i know if i even like it. If i start trucking with no degree, and i hate it then i am screwed up the bung because i'll be twenty four and have to go to school for 4 years to get a decent job then i'll be 28 and even more screwed up the bung, thats why i am going to school, because i have the chance and the oppertunity.

Good answer! Take hold of the opportunity. I have been driving since 1976 and bought my first truck then.

I have never driven for a company, but I know that there is something to be said for insurance as in no repair expenses and a steady check. On my way home from buying my 1st truck, I tore the power divider out of it. I didn't know how to shift the gears. I hooked up with an experienced driver and hired him to show me the ropes for a while. That was the best investment I made. That's why I am so supportive of hands-on training. There is no better way to learn.

I love the freedom of being an owner operator and wouldn't want to do anything else. I will be retiring in about six more years and am looking forward to it. I will still be connected to the industry in a different way, so I don't completely lose touch.

You can get a million pieces of advise on this subject, and no two will be exactly the same. I would never tell you to go with this company or do this or that. That's the beauty of trucking, you have the freedom to find your own customized fit and do as you please.

Shop around, ask questions on top of questions, don't be too quick to obligate yourself and make sure you reach your educational goals before you begin your trucking adventure.


Always remember: The only person who doesn't fail is the one who never tries!

__________________
God's speed...

Tony

TRUCKING IS NOT A JOB - IT'S A DISEASE!

thanks for the advice Big T!! that really helped out a lot. are there any better ways that i can see if i like otr. like do companys let people do ride alongs or anything? congrats on retiring soon!!!

You have already answered your most pressing question yourself......in your response to cmoore.... You know what you NEED to do.... Stick with the plan..... you need to ride with Broncrider......let him show you how good flatbedding is.....aw....never mind.. ..he goes home too much!!! lol You know I'm just funnin' Bronc!

And, riding doesn't feel the same....it's more like a vacation then.....you would have to go for 4-6 weeks and really get put through the tests that we all face daily..... That's why so many people try this and don't make it..... It's not the hardest job in the world....but not everybody can handle the #### we put up with on a DAILY basis.