Relocation to Louisville, KY

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by spindrift, Mar 3, 2015.

  1. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

    3,223
    12,879
    Dec 2, 2014
    Texas
    0
    Let me start out by saying that it isn't my intent to offend the veteran operators. So no, this isn't the best way to start off a thread. My wife just landed a smokin' opportunity in Louisville so we're packing up our bags and moving out there this Summer. In the past, I drove farm trucks, wrenched for a major engine manufacturer and now I'm in the emergency power generation area of that same manufacturer but I'm not sure that's where I want to be. Like so many others on this Forum, I have a real liking for big trucks. I'm in my 50s and I actually enjoy spending time with my wife so I'm not at all interested in going OTR, or even Regional. My plan is to get my CDL at one of two schools that are in the Louisville area. I have a buddy in Louisville who tells me that dump operators are a real scarcity in the Louisville area right now because of all the major road and bridge construction that is going on there. So my first question is, how likely is it that a middle-aged guy, fresh out of CDL school, will be able to find a job driving a dump if in fact, there's a very strong market for that kind of a driver? Secondly, since I kinda' know my way around a truck, what's the possibility of being financially successful as an owner operator if I go out and purchase a tri axle in the $50 - $75K range. Obviously in both scenarios, I'm jumping in with both feet, with no experience so I don't want to assume that it's an easy undertaking. I know many of you have worked your arse off to get where you are today and I'm not going to jump off the turnip truck into a bed of roses...so to speak.


    Would really appreciate some honest feedback as it seems that this would be a pretty darn good way for me to go. Thanks.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Lucar

    Lucar Road Train Member

    1,396
    889
    Aug 22, 2012
    Texas
    0
    Imho Baby steps dear sir, 1st get the cdl, then get experience "driving with it" 1 or 2 years later you can adventure onto whatever else.
    good luck on the relocation.
     
  4. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

    3,223
    12,879
    Dec 2, 2014
    Texas
    0
    Understood. Any advice on this, "...how likely is it that a middle-aged guy, fresh out of CDL school, will be able to find a job driving a dump if in fact, there's a very strong market for that kind of a driver?"
     
  5. Lucar

    Lucar Road Train Member

    1,396
    889
    Aug 22, 2012
    Texas
    0
    About almost everybody will hire you out of school.
     
  6. born&raisedintheusa

    born&raisedintheusa Road Train Member

    4,138
    3,915
    Sep 20, 2012
    0
    When you get to Louisville KY, perhaps you can research some of the trucking companies and give them a call. Who knows, one of those companies may have an in house training program.

    Good luck to you!

    God bless you and your family! God bless the U.S.A.!
     
  7. tsavory

    tsavory Road Train Member

    1,910
    1,860
    Jun 4, 2013
    Paoli, IN
    0
    In Louisville area when you get there make a few phone calls to them locals there are a lot of dumps needing to be filled right now so should be no problem getting on pretty much anywhere within 50 miles. Yes alot has to do with the construction up by the 64 65 split but they also do a bunch for the construction south and even some on the 69 expansion though most of that comes from Indy.
     
  8. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

    3,223
    12,879
    Dec 2, 2014
    Texas
    0
    I know Walsh Construction is one of the major infrastructure contractors out there now. I wonder if they would provide the names of the haulers who are currently under contract with them.
     
  9. glenjr1964

    glenjr1964 Bobtail Member

    15
    4
    Nov 14, 2011
    Fort Knox, KY US Army
    0
  10. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

    3,223
    12,879
    Dec 2, 2014
    Texas
    0
    Do you know this guy? Remember, I don't have my CDL just yet.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.