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Originally Posted by Sredwos  I have been considering a career in trucking for many months and now after much research and due diligence I finally decided to apply with Millis Transfer through their MTI training school. When I told my parents about my decision they had many negative comments about the trucking industry.
A few of my uncles made a living in the trucking industry but the last time they were in a truck was back in 1979. My parents told me stories about harsh winter storms that my uncles were broke down in and almost froze to death in. Then they went on to tell me about the companies that they worked for having them keep 2 log books. One for the company (that showed the actual driving time even if it was illegal) and one to show to DOT (this one was made out so their runs were legal). I listened for nearly 2 hours before I finally asked them this question. Do you think the trucking industry hasn't changed any in the last 30 years? Changes that were for the better? They didn't have an answer for those questions. They simply told me I was making a mistake and that I wouldn't like being a trucker.
So my question to you, the experienced hard working American truckers of TODAY, is this. How much has the trucking industry changed in the last 30 years? Has it been for the better? Do most companies make you run illegal but then ask you to falsify your log book to make it appear as though you run legal? What about being caught in harsh snow storms? Is there no relief if you're broke down?
From all the research that I have done I feel that I am making the right career decision. I don't think I can stand 6 more years of working for a grocery store as a cashier. I know the road will be long and hard. The hard work isn't what my parents believe I won't like. The job I have now is hard work. Probably no where near as hard as being a trucker but still hard. I think the 1979 mindset of growing up hearing about how my uncles were treated and what they went through have caused them to always view trucking in this manner.
I would just like to hear some of your thoughts and opinions on this subject. If not only to ease my mind but also ease my parents minds.
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies. I greatly appreciate your advice! |
I've only been driving ten years, but my grandfather drove, well still drives, for going on 30 years now, so I have some perspective of what it's like. It's gotten easier, the equipment is nicer. As for running illegal, I won't do it, period. Unlike 30 years ago, they are putting guys away for murder after they kill someone in an accident and their logs are messed up. It's not worth it. The college kid dispatching me isn't going to go down if this happens to me, it's all on me, so I don't let anyone brow-beat me into doing something I can't legally do. Don't do it, if they fire you, so be it. If that's their policy to run illegal, trust me, I know from personal experience that that trucking company won't last that long anyway. As for snow storms, every company I've ever worked for has had a policy that if you are in a bad weather situation, you call them and tell them you are shutting it down, no questions asked. You have to protect your career, that's the bottom line. That truck is your ship and you are the captain.
It has it's downsides. If you are an 8 hour a day guy and go home, you can forget it. There is no other industry in the country where they would allow a company to demand that it's employees show up for work at 6am, then sit in their cars out in the parking lot off the clock until 4-5pm then tell them to come in and work until 2am, but we get that all the time. If you have kids at home and it's important that you be home for every birthday, every holiday, then trucking isn't for you. If your wife or girlfriend is needy, then it's not for you.
All in all, though, I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
One more thing. A lot of companies out there are trying to steer the new guys into leasing the truck....don't fall for it!
01.13.2009
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