Trucking & potential Hometime, If you know about trucking, please check this out. - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

MoonChaser · **^ Top** #1 05.08.2007

This should at least be worth a good laugh, but will also give me some insight into the industry.

My name is Rick and I am a pre-noob. My job(s) in the wonderful world of video games have been outsourced to India and I would rather not do another ten years chasing alarms for a security company.

Trucking is looking pretty good, but I don't know if it'll fit my situation or not.

I have 50% custody of my daughter and I have seen some companies advertising "up to 26 weeks off", and "7 Days on/ 7Days off".

It seems like it might be possible to work long hard hours during the time my kid is with her mom, then have all the time to be with her when she's with me.

Anybody laughing?
Is this realistic? Or not?

I'm still looking into where I'm going to get my training done, so if it won't work I'll just have to put trucking off for another 6 years till my kid is an adult. But I'd rather get on the road right now.

Also, my wife and I have talked about her riding along with me for a few months then getting her own CDL and doing the team thing. Are companies very accepting of riders, or do they make it a hassle?

Anyway, I'd really appreciate some words of wisdom from some of you guys that know the industry. Thanks for any advice you can give.

pro1driver · **^ Top** #2 05.09.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonChaser

This should at least be worth a good laugh, but will also give me some insight into the industry.

we will try (to help you)

Quote:

My name is Rick and I am a pre-noob. My job(s) in the wonderful world of video games have been outsourced to India and I would rather not do another ten years chasing alarms for a security company.

if there could be a way, trucking could be outsourced as well. nothing is safe these days...........

Quote:

Trucking is looking pretty good, but I don't know if it'll fit my situation or not.

most people THINK SO

Quote:

I have 50% custody of my daughter and I have seen some companies advertising "up to 26 weeks off", and "7 Days on/ 7Days off".

"up to 26 weeks off"........?? that's like saying, work one week, take next week off, work the following wek, then off the next...........hmmm.......

i find that hard to believe. maybe they can afford to park dozens of trucks every other week.................

Quote:

It seems like it might be possible to work long hard hours during the time my kid is with her mom, then have all the time to be with her when she's with me.

don't make too many plans to be with her..........you WILL be away more than you think.

Quote:

Anybody laughing?

i'm closing in on that now...........

Quote:

Is this realistic? Or not?

not really.............you might be getting sold a "sack full of you know what"

Quote:

I'm still looking into where I'm going to get my training done, so if it won't work I'll just have to put trucking off for another 6 years till my kid is an adult. But I'd rather get on the road right now.

the longer you wait, the worse off you'll be. prices will skyrocket for schools. best to get going now, if you really want to.

Quote:

Also, my wife and I have talked about her riding along with me for a few months then getting her own CDL and doing the team thing. Are companies very accepting of riders, or do they make it a hassle?

in most instances, you pay for the extra insurance, usually under $50.00 for (i think) 6 months. some companies simply DO NOT allow riders. you could get fired on the spot if you go against this rule.............

Quote:

Anyway, I'd really appreciate some words of wisdom from some of you guys that know the industry. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Quote:

i tried my best, more will follow.

Snake_Ize · **^ Top** #3 05.09.2007

double posted

Snake_Ize · **^ Top** #4 05.09.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonChaser

I have 50% custody of my daughter and I have seen some companies advertising "up to 26 weeks off", and "7 Days on/ 7Days off".

It seems like it might be possible to work long hard hours during the time my kid is with her mom, then have all the time to be with her when she's with me.

Anybody laughing?
Is this realistic? Or not?

Roehl trucking offers what you are looking for if you live in the right area. Check out
[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

HOMEtime PLUSTM fleets7/4 - 7/3 - high miles, 120 day/yr. off and predictable home time.
7-On/7-Off - The ultimate home time - 26 wks/yr. off.

MoonChaser · **^ Top** #5 05.11.2007

I appreciate you guys taking the time. I'll put the info to use.

Roehl is where I got the idea, but unfortunately I don't live in their hiring area. If anyone else sees anything similar, please let me know.

Thanks again.

littlebit · **^ Top** #6 05.11.2007

At one time Schnieder was doing something like what you are looking for. They had a program where you worked two weeks then had a week off. I don't know if they are still doing it but it doesn't hurt to check it out. Also, keep in mind that you will be gone away from home for atleast 6 weeks while you are in training if you decide to become a trucker. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

buck and a half · **^ Top** #7 05.11.2007

You make about 25 to 30 grand a year,work every other week,but,they don't park any trucks for this,you share a truck with another guy,your off he is on,kepp in mind that some companies are running three driver teams,when one guy is off for a week the other two are running,you get every third week off that may pay you more. Just wanted to let you know,you don't get to keep that truck at home,the other driver is running it.

MoonChaser · **^ Top** #8 05.12.2007

Yea, I knew it would involve sharing the truck, and I can deal with the initial training time.

I just need a way to work and still not lose the last 6 years of my daughter's childhood. The time sure flew with my son. I want to be there for her, at least during the 50% of the time I have custody.

Has anyone heard of any "part-time" OTR jobs?

What about Independent Contractors (that don't own a truck)? Are there any opportunities out there for people who'd like to freelance and retain a little control over the schedule?

Thanks everyone for your help.

Cynical Driver · **^ Top** #9 05.14.2007

This should at least be worth a good laugh, but will also give me some insight into the industry.

My name is Rick and I am a pre-noob. My job(s) in the wonderful world of video games have been outsourced to India and I would rather not do another ten years chasing alarms for a security company.

I don't really blame ya

Trucking is looking pretty good, but I don't know if it'll fit my situation or not.

I have 50% custody of my daughter and I have seen some companies advertising "up to 26 weeks off", and "7 Days on/ 7Days off".

This can happen if you find the right company. It all depends on how they run it. Schneider's "Home Run" program is similar, but 3 week cycle. 2 trucks three drivers. You would run 2 weeks in a truck, be home one week, run two in the other truck, be home one week, repeat. Others may have a 2 week cycle with one truck for 2 drivers. The downside to this is that if the person(s) sharing your truck is a retard you'll have a pile of junk to drive.

It seems like it might be possible to work long hard hours during the time my kid is with her mom, then have all the time to be with her when she's with me.

Anybody laughing?
Is this realistic? Or not?

Realistic, no. Possible, yes... After you get some experience. The likelyhood of finding that kind of working schedule right out the gate is very very slim. However, you could work out something with her mother to arrange a split year with trade weekends rather than bi-weekly swaps. God that sounds so impersonal.. Best way to put it though. You could have her during summer so she could ride with, or not work the winter and just be at home.

I'm still looking into where I'm going to get my training done, so if it won't work I'll just have to put trucking off for another 6 years till my kid is an adult. But I'd rather get on the road right now.

The quick way to achieve this is to join a company sponsored program, or even a company ran program. However, this can lead to some issues if you can't stand the working conditions where you go. Keep in mind there are many companies that preach about reducing turnover while actually causing it on purpose because it keeps wages down. Schneider has an excellent training program, for which I am thankful I got, but you will have to sign a contract to get it.

Also, my wife and I have talked about her riding along with me for a few months then getting her own CDL and doing the team thing. Are companies very accepting of riders, or do they make it a hassle?

As Pro1 said, this depends on the company. I do believe all the major companies for starting drivers have a "delayed" rider program. For example: you must have 6 months safe driving before SNI will allow a passenger.

Anyway, I'd really appreciate some words of wisdom from some of you guys that know the industry. Thanks for any advice you can give.

You're welcome, hope I could help a little, though I think I basically just agreed with Pro1, lol.

fullthrotle · **^ Top** #10 05.14.2007

one guy suggested reuhl pronounced rail,anyway that is a good suggestion becuase they do offer a wide variety of possitions depending on where you live,but they may9probably do )require at least 6 mos to a year experiance.if i may offer some of my advice,if hometime is the bigest issue,i would strongly recomend trying a ltl carrier such as conway,they offer training,hometime daily an excellent pay package with benefits you wont beat anywhere,but expect lots and i do mean lots of long hours,probably some nights,some days,some weekends and around 14hours eveyday,they will work you untill you are just a robot.the good side of this is that if you can stick it out for a year or so,you will be making around 50 grand a year,home daily and you will have some valueable experiance that you can take somewhere else.

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