Military Experience - Does It Matter?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by WyattB, Mar 23, 2014.

  1. WyattB

    WyattB Bobtail Member

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    Hi all! This will be my first post on this forum and I thank everyone in advance for helping me out with this decision I am about to make.

    I will be retiring from the military after 20 years, next year at age 37. I have been a truck driver in the military for 16 of those years and 11 of those driving out of the US (Germany, Italy, Spain, Iraq, Korea etc etc.) Within that 16 years I have been completely accident free (except for knocking cars out of the way on purpose in Iraq).

    My question is, if I decided to pursue a civilian truck driving career, will employers take any of my military experience into account and start me out at a high enough rate to still feed my family? Or, will I start out at the bottom and have to work my way up for another 20 years? Or, is there even any working "up" or is it just rough all around?

    I look forward to your responses. and thanks!
     
    Chinatown and Aminal Thank this.
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Military truck driving overseas doesn't count as experience; but you won't have to start on the bottom of the barrel if you plan wisely. Get all the endorsements, TWIC, passport so you can start at at least $50K per year. Post you stateside location where you will live after retirement so we know the hiring area you will be in. At least post the state and nearest city.

    Here's some good companies to research for top pay annually; $50K - $65K depending on the company you choose:

    Melton Truck Lines
    SVTN
    Superior Carriers
    CTL Transportation
    Trimac
    Schneider Bulk
    System Transport
    TMC

    There's a few more.
     
    WyattB Thanks this.
  4. WyattB

    WyattB Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the response! I will be retiring in the San Diego CA area.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I love San Diego; was stationed there and Long Beach.

    Try to attend a 160 hr. minimum CDL school. There are much shorter schools, but the 160 hr. + schools give you more options for employment.
     
  6. WyattB

    WyattB Bobtail Member

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    Mar 23, 2014
    DMZ / South Korea
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    Ok great I was already looking into one in that area that I will attend as soon as I get back to the States in Aug (still in Korea). So its good to hear that the type of school actually is taken into account with companies. I just want to do everything by the book and get all these endorsements knocked out as quick as possible. Its tough because I am currently training for my commercial pilots license at the same time, so so much stuff trying to be crammed into the old noggin..haha

    Thanks
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Here's a Trimac ad for San Diego. The website says 2 yrs. experience, but Trimac now hires new CDL grads.

    [h=3]DRIVE FOR OUR ELITE FLEET[/h]
    • Average Annual Earnings of $80,000
    • Loaded Pay: $.55 per Mile
    • Empty Pay: $.40 per Mile
    • $16.25 Per Hour Detention Pay
    • Single Driver Operation
    • 4 Product Lines: Chemical, Dry Bulk, Industrial Gas, Oilfield
    • Top of the Line Equipment
    • No Forced Dispatch
    • Paid Product Training
    • Quarterly Safety Bonus
    • Full Benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision)
    • 401K Plan - Strong Company Match
    • Paid Vacation
    • Health & Wellness Programs Available
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Wife & I went to Seoul a few months ago, just goofing off. There another poster on here, dennisroc, that is a pilot and mechanic contractor in Korea for the Army.

    As soon as you start CDL school, you can apply for jobs; they just need a graduation date.
     
  9. WyattB

    WyattB Bobtail Member

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    I would love to get back into aviation... before I joined the military I flew light aircraft in Alaska where I grew up.. Always loved it, but I love driving trucks too, so I think I will pursue the trucks first and see where it goes. Seoul is an awesome city, wouldn't mind spending more time here but being out of the states for so long, I'm ready to come back home.

    My ideal truck driving job would be something extreme. I have no idea whats available for those but anything thats really challenging that keeps it interesting.
     
  10. ironpony

    ironpony Road Train Member

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    You probably want to be in flatbedding, and looking to go into heavy haul for a "challenge." Despite what Chinatown has to say, I'd be prepared that you will see a lower first-year income, and be prepared to "pay your dues" as they say. It's quite a transition from military to being out... most folks tend to experience some angst in the process. Think about contacting a counsellor through the DAV perhaps if you have difficulty in the change.
     
  11. WyattB

    WyattB Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the advice. I am trying to make the transition as painless as possible, although I am not expecting anything to be a cakewalk. To be honest, I really just want to work for a company that is good to work for, regardless of the pay really. The driving job will just be supplemental income and with that I just want to enjoy driving with the least amount of strife. I will be retired after all and want to enjoy myself, HAHA. Right? right?
     
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