Hello all,
I have a ton of questions to help me make a career decision. I'm leaving the military later this year after 20+ years and I'm considering a career in trucking. I currently live in Alaska but I'll be relocating to Virginia. My dad was an OTR trucker for about 15 years back in the early 70s - mid 80s. I have an uncle who is an instructor at a truck driver school in Tennessee. I'm confused by all the different info I've read lately. Some experts say there's a nationwide driver shortage right now of approximately 20,000 drivers and this number is expected to climb to over 100,000 by 2012. Then I read these horror stories about some carriers and how they treat their new hires...and other posts about newbies with brand new CDLs who can't find a job. One question is...if there really is a shortage of drivers, it stands to reason that there are loads with no drivers to move them...how could that be? It just doesn't add up.

Some other questions: (I apologize in advance for jumping around. I'm asking these questions as they come to me)
1. If you attend a school and get your CDL in...say...Florida...but you live in Virginia, do you have to transfer your CDL to Virginia as soon as you get back there?

2. If you're sitting at home between loads waiting to be dispatched and they don't call after a few days, are you getting paid a daily rate as you would if you were on a layover somewhere in the middle of Indiana?

3. Anyone know of a good carrier to work for near Richmond, Virginia? I'll probably end up living about 45 minutes east of Richmond. I've already spoken to TMC and they won't hire me if I live east of I-95. (outside their "hire area")

4. What does it mean to be paid based on "percentage" as opposed to mileage? Percentage of what?

5. How are crime rates at truck stops/rest areas? I've seen mixed reviews on what's allowed as for carrying a concealed weapon (varying laws from state to state). Do many truckers carry side arms?

I'll add more later. I'm still picking up a lot of answers by reading other blogs.

Question 1.....your CDL is to be from the state you claim as your home state how soon do you have to transfer...don't know, I let mine expire and if I've moved then I get a new one...but then I'm not the one to follow on that either.

Question 2.....can't answer not a company driver but this should be spelled out with each and every company.

Question 3.....sorry don't have clue there either, it would be helpful to us if you could tell us what you want to haul....flat, reefer, dry van, specialized....give us a hint. All I remember about VA are the scales are a ##### and always open.

Question 4......percentage pay....you're paid a percentage on what the load makes used alot by O/O who have hired someone and best make sure if you get paid this way they are taking out taxes...more than likely they are not...it will be your responsibility.

Question 5......Guess I'm lucky but I've never been broken into nor threaten. Firearms in your best interest I would suggest you find something else for protection. If you ever go to Canada and you have a firearm and the border boys find it....you go directly to jail no questions! But if you're that scared about being out here with us maybe you should find another profession.

The only ones with a shortage of drivers are companies that have drivers constantly quitting because they don't get the miles to make decent pay . Every fleet has downsized . There are tens of thousands of experienced drivers out of work . Carriers that are hiring out of schools are doing so because experienced drivers refuse to accept their working conditions .
Who ever told you you get paid a daily rate for sitting waiting for a load anywhere ? That won't happen
Drivers paid per mile get paid one flat rate for all loads . Rates vary and drivers paid percentage get a percentage of the gross revenue . You can bet the drivers paid per mile are making less than the average rate .

With regard to question #2....Don't hold your breathe. You're home...be happy.

__________________
Insuring polititions fear that
which goes bump in the night.
Seek out their personal homes
and family members. -- SU 83
__________________

well there was a shortage of drivers willing to work for peanuts, that has changed drastically as the economy has slowed.

Those stories with a little common sense sifting are true.

yes

no

look up your local unemployment job listings for your area or state.

already answered.

virtually none. crime rate and yahoo's carrying.

truckers used to hit the road with gobs of cash, didn't used to have com checks com cards... pick your poison... not uncommon for any driver to have several thousand in "trip money" to get cross country. Guys were easy marks if they weren't careful.

not so much anymore... few carry even a hundred cash...mostly credit cards and if they want cash its just a comck or atm away.

good luck

__________________
Though your argument is very clever, I don't think it will lead to the results you desire. gandhi

It should get better in a few years??..... 6th ID ??, Ft, Rich..?

I think most of your questions have answered,But you should know, DOT regulations state clearly that NO FIRE ARMS are permitted in a commercial vehicle,They past that one years ago.It can get you in big trouble and not just at the border.Some folks will tell you that there are exceptions,ie..certain permits and/or licenses,Special circumstances,etc....But, the bottom line is according to the Federal DOT,NO FIRE ARMS IN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.Regardless as to who you are,what you haul,where to go,what you've done in the past,Or even who you know.Some drivers still carry, But,don't get caught.It's a felony.

It's only a felony for those who fail to contest it properly.

The articles are around, if you want to look them up.

Now... I'm not implying it will be a cake walk. But there are precident settings cases, even in California.

Anyone who carries a firearm on a truck, should do so with their eyes wide open. Because it's going to cost them some real $$$$. In either fines, or legal fees.

My personal opinion, a dead man can't pay fines or legal fees.

__________________
Insuring polititions fear that
which goes bump in the night.
Seek out their personal homes
and family members. -- SU 83
__________________

I'm a recent Truck school grad with 2 college degrees and 20+yrs as a health care professional. Cant find a job cause of a DWAI 16 yrs ago and a rearend low nspeed collision with no injuries 2 yrs ago. Too many experienced drivers out ther looking for work at the moment. Us newbies dont stand a chance!!!

While your chances at obtaining a job as a driver are not good for the moment. Your future is much brighter than many. You have something to fall back on.

__________________
Insuring polititions fear that
which goes bump in the night.
Seek out their personal homes
and family members. -- SU 83
__________________