Wanting to go OTR with husband

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by needingachange, Mar 14, 2011.

  1. needingachange

    needingachange Bobtail Member

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    Mar 14, 2011
    Canada
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    My hubby has been truck driving OTR for the last few years. It has been hard on both of us being apart. I'm interested in going with him. However I don't think I want to do any driving, I would be awful at it. My concern is that if I dont help with the driving that I would not be contributing anything while on the job, since I would not be earning a salary or helping my hubby on the road.

    I guess I would really like to know if this is common for wives to go on the road with their husbands but not actually do any driving. Can these couples support themselves on one truck driving salary, since the wife would not be driving? Or is it more common to have husband and wife both drive as a team? As well as are there other ways I could help him while on the road to make his life easier without actually driving?

    Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
     
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  3. truckin4fun

    truckin4fun Light Load Member

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    Dec 16, 2009
    Shelbyville Tn
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    have drove team with my wife and yes it does help with the money but she use to just ride along before starting to drive as long as your hubby makes good enough money driving on his own it shouldnt matter its nice to have someone with you
     
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  4. Dieselgoddess

    Dieselgoddess Light Load Member

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    Jul 27, 2010
    Wouldn't you like to know?
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    Have been OTR with the hubby for the past couple of months. You can always keep his paperwork straight. :) We're in the process of going team currently just because I've been going batty being the seat warmer and the added income will be a bonus. If he makes decent, you guys should be fine with him running solo. Hubby says daily that its much nicer to have someone with him and he doesn't think he can survive alone in the truck now. Its an experience, enjoy it while you can. :)
     
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  5. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Feb 5, 2009
    Tacoma, WA
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    I can think of a lot of (clean) things that my wife could do to help as a seat warmer. A second set of eyes looking for a turnoff, mapping, running the electronic logbook (laptop), getting the food/coffee started, help with chaining, backing spotter, keeping the paperwork straight. Do I need help with these items? Nope, but it sure would be nice. Not to meantion having that special someone to chat with and even argue with. Been married 20+ years and I'd love to have my best friend with me.

    Now, since I'm the standard male, I can think of a lot of dirty things she could do as well. But this is a family forum...:biggrin_2559:
     
  6. Texas-Nana

    Texas-Nana Princess Drives-a-Lot

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    Nana's empty nest
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    Ask your husband if y'all can live on the one salary. As for wives riding with husbands, there's a great many who do and they love it.

    We team, but that's what we decided to do. Do what works for y'all. I hope you get to at least try it. Good luck!


    P.S. If you can cook on the truck you'll save a lot of money. Besides.....I'll bet he'd love to have you with him.
     
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  7. ann2009

    ann2009 Medium Load Member

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    Jun 30, 2009
    USA
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    I agree with all who have posted.f you both can survive on one salary on the road then by all means go.I myself dont drive but I do the paperwork and scanning loads.I also go inside and get meals,coffee,etc while he is fueling up,cleaning windows,etc.I also do the laundry while he is sleeping,there are many things you can do,also im sure he would enjoy the company and bonding time.Travel the world together as tomorrow isnt promised to us.
     
  8. musicgal

    musicgal Road Train Member

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    Mar 8, 2010
    Carthage, Missouri
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    I have a friend that rides with me every once in awhile, and he is a GREAT help to me. He cooks, cleans, and navigates....LOL Even when he is home I will call him up and he will get on goggle maps to help me out. Having the company really helps and I miss him when he can't come with me.
     
  9. ColoradoKidd

    ColoradoKidd Bobtail Member

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    Mar 16, 2011
    Riverside, Ca.
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    Going with your husband can be a good thing. But I reccomend thinking strongly about it. That is a very tight space to be stuck in 24 hours a day. And as others have said, If he makes enuff, then yeah. He wont be taking home time as often, so thats more miles and money. Cooking on the truck is a great idea. Many Super Wal-marts have truck parking in them. And the fact that you could learn the paperwork and such, that would definatley help him. Just as I said, it is a very tight space. Think about that
     
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  10. needingachange

    needingachange Bobtail Member

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    Mar 14, 2011
    Canada
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    I want to thank you all for your honest feedback, it has been very helpful. I still haven't decided what I am going to do but every day I'm leaning more and more on going with him. :biggrin_2559:
     
  11. NTMD8OR

    NTMD8OR Light Load Member

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    Mar 7, 2011
    Smyrna, Tn.
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    My wife and I ran team for 10 years and we both feel it actually hirt our marriage. It was at a time when we were running constantly and never saw each other except passing between the drivers seat and the sleeper. Before that when she just rode it was a big help to meand we really enjoyed the traveling(but we still had together time).

    As most trucks now have satellite communications in them, having a rider to answer the messages is a great help, keeping the truck clean, helping with the paperwork(we all hate that), checking settlements to be sure he is paid for everything(nothing like a mad wife calling about money issues to set a company straight LOL) makes it much easier for him and much more affordable. And cooking the meals in the truck (a great way to cut expenses) two of you can eat cheaper than he can alone in truck stops if you do this. And it does not take a big investment. There are some good tips on the forums about eating healthy in the truck you can read for great advise.

    These are just a few that come to mind. I hope it helps. Good luck in you decision.
     
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