Should I do this?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by wallasan10, Aug 27, 2010.

  1. wallasan10

    wallasan10 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 18, 2010
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    I have worked for the same manufacturing company for the past twenty years but a recent change in management now makes my life miserable. I’m about to turn 59 and still have a few good years left in me. My health is not too bad. I do have type 2 diabetes but it’s under control. My blood pressure is a little high but that too is under control. I have always been interested in trucks and trucking so I thought now might be a good time to finally do something about it. It seems that the quickest and most surefire way to get started in the business is to pay my own way through a school such as Roadmaster and then do a year or so at one of the big training companies such as Werner and then maybe move on to something better. I could even see myself staying with the company I start out with. I don’t like to change jobs much, I have a tendency to just make the best of things wherever I find myself.
    My problem is that so much of what I have read here on this forum is just plain negative. All the driving schools suck. All the so-called "training companies" are out to screw you. And worst of all you will lose money the first year or two.
    My question is: Could I make this work?
    I’m pretty sure that I can handle the long periods of time on the road for the first few years and I don’t need to make ton of money right off the bat so long as the payoff comes later.
    Thanks, Randy
     
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  3. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    Well, you certainly aren't the first person ask this question.

    Being that you and I are close in age, you need to perform a basic reality check which is what I did. As I'm sure you realize, there's more to truck driving than moving these big iron horses down the road. Depending on who you end up working for, loading and unloading will be part of the routine. So my first question to you would be, are you up to the task?

    Second, until you've been at it a while, you may find yourself questioning whether or not you made the right choice. It will take time before you get into a rhythm. It won't start out like a bed of roses. You have to get through CDL training, and then the company orientation and training. The company training and orientation is the toughest part. You'll be on the road sharing a small living space with someone you don't know. Once you successfully complete your company training, you'll be given the keys to your own truck.

    And last and most important is that your lifestyle will not be what you may be accustomed to. You'll be away from home for 3-4 weeks at a time, and it can be hard on family life, so it takes some getting use to. Your first year on the road will continue to be a learning process.

    Once you have that 12 months of OTR experience, if you want, you can look into a regional or dedicated route that gets you home on a more regular basis.

    I would recommend that you get your CDL license on your own and not through a company that provides CDL training so that you are not bound by contract to any one company for a period of time (this way you can be a little picky). You can look into different companies and chat with drivers here on the forum about who they would recommend.

    Oh, you have to try and read your way through the negative posts. Diving for any company is going to be what you make of it. What is distasteful to one may be acceptable to someone else.

    I'm my opinion, as long as you're healthy enough to pass a DOT physical, and not afraid of the work, you should do fine.

    Good luck to you! I hope this helps.
     
  4. thelastamericanhippy

    thelastamericanhippy Road Train Member

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    You won't like my answer, but I think it's a huge mistake............

    Anyway, good luck...............

    Check back in 365 days, and let us know what you are doing !!!!
     
  5. CivilWerks

    CivilWerks Light Load Member

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    If you take insulin injections to control your diabetes, then I believe you are not allowed to drive per the FMCSA medical rules. Maybe some other drivers can confirm this?
     
  6. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    If you require insulin injections to control diabetes, you will not be allowed to drive.

    Only Wallasan can tell us his status. Maybe he takes oral medication which is allowed.
     
  7. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    There are literally thousands of drivers that are CDL holders.
     
  8. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    I'm sure there are. I'm just providing some basic info, and it's best he knows where he stands out of the gate.
     
  9. wallasan10

    wallasan10 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 18, 2010
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    No insulin and my blood sugar in never over 178. Most of the time is below 115. Controlled with diet and daily Metformin tablets.
     
  10. wallasan10

    wallasan10 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 18, 2010
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    As far as loading and unloading goes, I can do it but if I wanted a job loading and unloading trucks that’s the kind of job I’d be looking for. Loading and unloading at either end of a long haul would be no problem for me. I know my way around forklifts and pallet jacks. I’ve read about jobs such as delivering to Dollar General stores and that does not appeal to me. I want OTR.
     
  11. Wedge

    Wedge Road Train Member

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    There's plenty of that. DG doesn't thrill me either. The trade off is good home time.

    I'm not sure what part of the country you live in. So you'll need to do a little research. Refer outfits are worth looking into (Central, Prime, FFE, WSE, etc). The drivers at Millis Transfer (dry van) don't finger print too much freight. Millis hauls a lot for Anheuser-Busch.

    The best thing is to look at the companies that hire in your area and talk with them. Then, you can talk with company drivers here on TTR and get their opinion.

    I forgot to mention before that talking with drivers at a local truck stop will give you a real perspective about life on the road. It's a great source for information.
     
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