Looking at getting in to it.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by cdgoza, Jan 25, 2015.

  1. cdgoza

    cdgoza Light Load Member

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    I am looking in to getting in to trucking. Being around them isn't new and I have been "practicing" per say the last 6 months or so with my father who drove for 20 years. But its getting harder and harder to find the time to go bounce around and learn. I wouldn't mind getting on with a company that sponsors training aside from the fact that I can't afford that much time off of work. 2 kids and a house make money pretty tight every month. Are there any companies that actually pay a decent training wage? My job right now I make 680 a week before taxes, and thats cutting it close. I've always wanted to drive after being around my dad as a kid when he drove, just trying to find the right way in to the business. There is a local trucking company that I could get on with after I get my year in, just want to get in without breaking the bank and digging a hole I can't necessarily dig my way out of. Any suggestions are appreciated.

    Another note, already have my permit, and could pass the skills test if I had to right now, I just know that no company will really look at a guy without accredited training.
     
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  3. Dumdriver

    Dumdriver Road Train Member

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    Soda or beer companies will often take guys with their permits.. You'll make at least what you're making now and it won't cost you a penny to get your CDL.. Downside is that it won't count as OTR experience- if that's what you want to do.. Plus side is that, (at least in my area) local trucking companies LOVE to hire soda and beer guys because they know they're not afraid to bust a sweat.. Drive for a soda or beer company for a year and you'd be surprised what kind of local trucking jobs will be available to you..
     
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  4. cdgoza

    cdgoza Light Load Member

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    OTR isn't my first option, just always figured I'd have to cut my teeth in it. Honestly I would be happy driving anywhere. I'm mostly in shape and my current job is quite physical so that wouldn't bother me.
     
  5. Dumdriver

    Dumdriver Road Train Member

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    That seems to be the popular opinion, but the truth is if you don't want to go OTR, you never have to.. I've never spent a day OTR and while I'll never say never, I can tell you I don't plan on it anytime soon.. I can make just as much (probably more actually) and be home every afternoon..

    OTR isn't for me, but that doesn't mean its not perfect for plenty of others.. To each his own- there's plenty of jobs for all of us to be happy
     
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  6. TNMT

    TNMT Light Load Member

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    If you're struggling to get by now. OTR will most likely break you. Student pay is low, if you get a loan to train pay back will cut into it, and road expense for living is high. You just not going to send anything near 680 home a week.
     
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  7. cdgoza

    cdgoza Light Load Member

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    Let me ask another question, if I were to go take my skills and road test and get my CDL on my own, what are my odds of getting on anywhere without being told I have to go to school anyways?
     
  8. Dumdriver

    Dumdriver Road Train Member

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    Not to be vague, but the answer is- it depends.. OTR? no shot.. Local? with no experience it's tough for a company to get you insured.. you could get lucky with a company that's desperate and self insured..Stranger things have happened..

    The real question is do you have access to a truck to practice and take your test with? Honestly, it sounds like a beverage company will be your best bet
     
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  9. misterG

    misterG Road Train Member

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    To answer your last question more information would be needed.
    Such as general location.
    Like NE, SE, Midwest, SW, California. Or a city, or nearby population center.

    We might be able to recommend local beverage haulers. Office\residential furniture delivery. Trash haulers. Maybe even local newspapers they need delivery people too (and usually pay a decent wage). There are lots of ways to make money and not ever have to go OTR.
     
  10. TNMT

    TNMT Light Load Member

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    With a mega carrier probably very low. Local job or for a friend better odds. CDL with no verifiable interstate reference will usually prevent you from being hired at most OTR companies. On the rare chance some manage it but its usually smaller company or known personal contacts. You would also have to luck in with somebody paying you at the top of experienced cpm or other pay in order to make enough money to make sense to do it. Just trying to tell you that first year or more the money you make is piss poor.
     
  11. cdgoza

    cdgoza Light Load Member

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    Yes I do. I'm related to a local company that is leased on to a milk distribution company. Thats where I got my current practice. They just don't have an opening at the moment, although I have been offered a random Saturday pulling their empties to their supplier and hauling a loaded trailer back. Its been great experience and I would love to work for them just to repay it.
     
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