I've visited a school here in the Twin Cities (Interstate) and considering this change in profession. I was reading another thread here from Marcus and our backgrounds are similar. I worked in radio broadcasting for 30 yrs including network level. Retired a dozen years ago from that, divorced, remarried, moved to MN (don't ask!), worked in banking, then got a real estate brokers license but ready for adventure. After retiring in 2000 I sold all I had in CA and bought a 40 ft. diesel pusher motorhome (Country Coach) and a Grand Cherokee and spent the next 2.5 yrs traveling the country as a full-timer. I love being on the road so figure this is a way to make some money and see the country (again). I'm 63 years old but not at all ready to just stop. I recently got a class B license and have been driving a school bus about 5 hrs a day hauling middle school and elementary students (how would you like that load everyday?). I have a wife and two teenage step-daughters 14 and 18 whom I love. There's also a toy poodle that loves my lap.
I think my next step is to talk to recruiters at the driving school before making any decisions. I want to make some real money (I've not made over $37k since coming to MN in 2003).
I hear the first year is tough, the turnover is very large but I'm still seriously considering. Should I be afraid? Any experience with Interstate Driving School? I see good things posted abuot Schnieder? Any other recommendations?
I thought I'd use this forum to record, step by step, this process. It might in fact end up with me chucking the whole idea.
I'm an information junkie and appreciate your ideas, opinions, comments.
Seriously Considering (Wannabe?)
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by grusco, Feb 25, 2012.
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Great op to "see the country", but remember, IT'S A JOB! Trucking is nothing like tooling around in a motorhome,stopping whenever, and wherever you want, maybe spending a few days at a place to check out the attractions. You have to be at certain places at certain times, which means long days, maybe long nites, in all kinds of weather, traffic, etc.
If it were me in your shoes, I would buy a 1ton truck, and deliver RV's. The schedule is better, not as hectic, still a chance to see the country, and make some coin, and more at your own pace, VS having a dispatcher riding you're arse because that toilet paper in the box behind you was supposed to be there 8 hrs ago.
My advice is given free, value accordingly! -
I can only say "I hope you reconsider and drop it". Maybe it's a good fit for you, but I'd say odds are you and/or your family are going to have issues with the change at some point, and probably sooner rather than later. I'm inclined to "ditto" what Lonesome said.
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My personal experience is that trucking has been great for me. Yes there are ups and downs, like any profession, but all in all its been a positive thing.
You have to go in knowing what you in for, just like Lonesome said, you'll have long days and crappy weather, pain in the ### dispatchers, and then of course traffic... As important as it is for you to know what youre getting it, is more important for your wife to know also. Many marriages have broken because of the days on the road, poor or complete lack of communication, and exhaustion when you do get home. It can be a struggle in many ways.
That said its a good paying career. I was in debt several thousand dollars when I started driving, and was able to get my finances straightened out within a year or so. It is a jo, not a sightseeing trip, and youll probably get asked often, like I did, was it it like in...(insert anytown USA)?? Well... they all look similar @ 70 mph. Sleeping in your truck, showering at some nasty truckstop, hookers knocking on your door at night, fast food, little exercise, and the reality is that it may take a few different companies before you find the right fit for you.
Most of know that these truck driving schools will teach you to hold the steering wheel, it takes time, years of experience to become a truck driver. Get lots of info, ask lots of questions, and I pray youll make the best decision for yourself and your family. Take care! -
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Just finished reading Marc Mayfield's In the Drivers Seat and found it a very easy and good read. Exposes many of the difficulties and pleasures of long distance trucking. Another piece of information to consider as part of the decision making process whether or not to pursue the career.
Anyone know which outfit he worked for and referred to as "LineHaul" in his book? -
grusco Thanks this.
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here's my advice;
If you dont need to make money (or more then you make now or can locally with your class B) i wouldnt waste your time. If your close with your step daughters you and them are going to miss out of what little time you'll have left together before they move out. Your Newish wife is going to want you home. And while trucking is/can be fun (if your cut out for it/your home life suports it/and IF you can find a Good company to work for). Also i dont know many if any good companies that hire from NM (not to say there arent any, just that i dont know of any) possibley millis transfer or WEL companies but not sure if they hire there.
And unless you get in with a GOOD starter company you wont make a dime over $35,000. And you wont even see that with SNI.
If i where you, assumeing you dont need to make allot more money i would enjoy my life, your 63? you've spent most of your life working, kick back enjoy the wife and kids.
just my .02cents
American Truckergrusco Thanks this. -
I've come to think that a major takeaway from "Driver's Seat" is OTR's effects on family and all I can do is repeat that OTR means "away from home." In that sense the book is a cautionary tale for those who want to drive. Still, I wouldn't have missed my OTR years for the world. I will say that I feel pretty good when old hands (and a few writers) tell me, "You nailed it."
Like you, I've followed Markus' thread with great interest (more than 25,000 views!) and I look forward to following yours too. Got questions?
Just ask -- TTR is a great place for answers (and you can always send me a PM).
Thanks again / Cheers / Marcgrusco Thanks this. -
I would honestly reconsider on choosing Interstate, there are better schools in the metro area that offer a way better course for the same money. That being said there are A LOT of good jobs around the cities right now that will probably start out in the $40,000 range with lots of room to make more than that. I am guessing you want to stay local.
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