Thinking about becoming a driver (Canada)

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Tai, Jul 20, 2014.

  1. Tai

    Tai Medium Load Member

    I had this posted in the New truckers forum but I'd like to get thoughts from Canadian drivers rather then Americans guessing about Canada.

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr.../256870-thinking-about-becoming-a-driver.html



    I'm a Canadian living in northern Ontario thinking about becoming a long haul otr driver.

    I think I have a good personalty that would fit well into the lifestyle of being a truck driver.

    1. I don't have a wife/girlfriend/kids nor am I interested in starting one any time soon.
    2. I like being alone and I'm very much an introvert.
    3. I love driving to the point its been a detriment on my finances. (Why didn't I buy a more fuel efficient car!)
    4. I enjoy the act of driving more then seeing unique places so I don't think I'd have the issues running to the same places often.
    5. I very much enjoy small places so I could make a sleeper truck a nice place for myself to live via a little bit of portable technology.
    6. I live and sleep in a rather noisy area so I don't think the sound of APU and engines idling would keep me from sleeping.
    7. I don't care about making large sums of money as long as I have enough to live on.


    Is there anything else I should be asking myself?

    There are two driving schools around me. One being Transport Training center of Canada and the other being Northern Academy Transport Training. The second is more expensive and means a 20 minute further drive but I've heard good things about them and they offer Job placement assistance.

    What I'm worried most about is getting all the money together for the actual training and the lack of income during that time. Before someone suggests it. Second careers or the like are not options for me as I have a job that I don't like which annoys me due to the 3 years of schooling I spent on it.
     
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  3. Tam_Tam

    Tam_Tam Light Load Member

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    Mar 19, 2012
    Edmonton, Alberta
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    If you think it's a good life, go for it. It's been good to my husband and I..
    However, you need to really fix #7.

    We all care about making large sums of money.
     
    AJTrucker, Speedloader and Sarabeara Thank this.
  4. Tai

    Tai Medium Load Member

    I'm not saying I wouldn't mind making large sums of money. But if I had to pick between a good company or a job I like compared to making more money? I'd pick the first option.

    I also know while some can make very good money in trucking that rarely happens right out of training.
     
  5. Tam_Tam

    Tam_Tam Light Load Member

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    Mar 19, 2012
    Edmonton, Alberta
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    You sound like you've done your research and have a nice attitude.
    Tai, make sure you read everything and are willing to fight for yourself. There are some bad people in this industry... most often the place that is looked at first to make more profit and save money is the driver pay.

    Don't ever feel like it's okay to work for free. It's against the law.
     
    bark77 and Runawayscreaming Thank this.
  6. Tai

    Tai Medium Load Member

    Thank you Tam Tam. I'm trying to read everything I can specifically blogs from new drivers to try and see where they went right or more importantly were they went wrong so I can avoid following the same path.

    The one thing I have to avoid is getting lot thinking too far ahead too.

    Like I have training and finding a job and then that companies training to go though first yet I keep thinking about what I'd want to put into "my company truck". Way too far ahead of myself on that one.


    Also since the earliest I could start training would be November due to prior engagements is it good or bad to get truck driving lessons with the risk of snow on the ground?
     
  7. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Mar 5, 2012
    Ontario Canada
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    One thing that will help you with your job search is to ask the schools if they are accredited by the insurance companies. Some are, others are not. If they are, ask which insurance companies, and what type of certificate you will get when you are done. A 1 or 2 year safe driving certificate will open more doors for a new driver than no certificate. Insurance companies are really who hire and fire drivers ... No experience = bigger risk = higher premium for the company you work for = less likely to get hired. That cert helped me when I started.
     
    Tai Thanks this.
  8. Tai

    Tai Medium Load Member

    NATT has this on their website. Graduates receive a TTSAO endorsed diploma with a two-year safe driving rating upon graduation"

    Does TTSAO actually mean something? If I had to guess based on their associate members it would. 3 insurance companies and multiple transport companies that are known for hiring new drivers.

    http://www.ttsao.com/Associate-Corporate-Members.htm

    I do know some times having an endorsed diploma is pointless as no one cares about it.
     
  9. Tam_Tam

    Tam_Tam Light Load Member

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    Edmonton, Alberta
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    I've never heard of ttsao or have seen it requested in any employer advertisements.
    I think gokiddogo put it correctly when pointing out it's about the insurance. If you're over 25 it's better for risk factors. If this ttsao gives you a better score with insurance companies, it's worth it. If you know who you might want to work for, call and ask them about it. It seems that human resources is playing a bigger and bigger role in every industry and it's their job to keep informed on these matters.

    ps. I had a very hard time getting my first job... it took six months.
     
  10. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    Jun 11, 2011
    st malo mb canada
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    I took my training in jan
    i think learning in winter is the best time to learn .. I feel it's better to tackle snow/ice with a trainer than 2 or 3 months later running solo . You learn more as long as trainer knows his stuff
     
  11. Tai

    Tai Medium Load Member

    So went down to NATT's office today to have a look at it and talk to someone instead of doing everything via email.

    They were part of Manitoulin and was it bought from them about 14 years ago but in all reality they are still part of Manitoulin. They share a yard, Manitoulin does their maintenance. Their training docks are Manitoulin's. Which would make me worried about getting in the way of someone actually using it for real work.

    Their trucks are 13 and 15 speeds. While they have an automatic they don't use it for their AZ course. Its used for training the municipalities. Wonder if its a good or bad sign that the local government trusts them.

    Also anyone who passes the course is automatically approved and hired for
    Manitoulin should they want to. To the point that I'm currently in possession of letter of intent to hire upon passing my course and having nothing on my abstract and criminal record. (Both of which are clean.)

    Also got my question about shifting answered by one of the instructors.

    The course also includes hazmat, whims and forklift training.

    They are currently trying to set up for me to go and shadow driving lesson but I have to wait until someone is doing evenings as I work days.

    So over all I still feel good about them. Though I don't know how I feel about their tight connection with
    Manitoulin.
     
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