Thinking of taking the plunge into OTR driving....and trying to drag my wife with me

Well do you love your dogs or money because I'm pretty sure no company will let 3 dogs in a truck lol I could be wrong

 

100's of husband/wife teams out there running the interstates & making money.
There's a couple dozen companies that will hire you as a team right out of CDL school.

Here's some:

Old Dominion
US Express
Covenant
Pride Transport
Abilene Motor Express

Plenty more, but these seem to be the most popular.

 

Not supposed to smoke in the work place either & the interior of a truck is a work place.

 

You will either love it or hate it. It is a lot harder work than most people think it is. Don't just think about the good times while making your decision. Give some thought to weeks at a time in a truck. Hygiene and potty breaks can be especially tough on ladies. The weather is not always good and the freight must still move. Maybe ease into it a bit. Try some regional and stay in country you are familiar with. There is some brutal terrain and weather out there. Get a little experience first. Or not! Just a little friendly advice.

 

Easily 120K plus with experience. Probably not so much to start.

 

Hi Hazardous, I believe your handle says it all. I'm not saying it can't work, many people do that, but it's not all sunshine and smiles, and I've known more than 1 couple that called it quits. Like 25 sez, showers and potty breaks are bad enough for 1, let alone 2. I'm not a big pet person, but the dogs, it seems, would only compound the problem. I think you'd be better off with a local job, and enjoy many years of wedded bliss.

 

Think carefully, but I'd say go for it. You can always change arrangements later if the desire to strangle a loved one becomes really strong. LOL. I love OTR. I stay out 3 months at a time. If I knew a person I could stand to be around and could stand being around me 24/7 that long I might consider teaming. Might actually like it. As it stands - my wife and her menagerie with me for a week "sightseeing" are pushing my limit of reverting to criminal behavior and they don't drive (but you'd think she has a CDL and has had one for as many years as I, from what she says when I'm driving).

"Can't we go any faster? I hate construction. This road is so bumpy."

"No. This is the safe speed. Note the concrete barriers 8" from either side of our fender, workers and machinery sticking out, traffic and that big orange speed limit 45 sign."

"When do we get to see Mount Rushmore?"

"It's right there (points out her window). That grey bulge on the horizon across the plains. That's Mount Rushmore."

That's it? Can we stop and take the tour?"

"Nope. I gotta schedule to keep and this load is tight on time. Mind getting your dog's head out my rear view mirror before I turn it into an antennae or bumper flag? Real tired of not being able to see out my mirror there."

"Here Boo-boo. Get down so Daddy can see his mirrors."

"WTF!! Get OFF me mutt!! Hoooneeeyyy!!"

(Her laughing) "Come here Boo-boo. Leave Daddy alone when he's driving. (Laughing still)."

"You'll think it's funny when we're on our side with 80,000 pounds of truck and trailer on top of us."

"We really can't stop and take the tour?"

"Um. No. Might be stopping at a bus station soon, though."

"Why. you got a pick up there?"

"No. Never mind. Just enjoy the sights and try and keep the dogs off me and outta my mirror please."

"OK Grumpy Pants. I still love you though and thanks for taking us for a ride."

(Chuckles and shakes head) "I love y'all too. This is MY space, though and it's REAL important we maintain it just how I need it when I'm driving so we don't wreck. OK?"

"OK Dear. (rolls down window for dog to stick head out of) There you go Boo-boo. Now you're not in Grumpy's way."

Really? Which part of "stay out of my mirrors" did we miss?

Then there's the trying to sleep thing, but I already posted about that.

Maybe it's different with a team thing but me? I travel ALONE! That way I don't go to prison and have loved ones to come home to. LOL.