Originally Posted by nascarchuck

Hey Guys/Gals...

First of all, this is a great thread with a lot of great information. Thanks for sharing your experiences and ideas!

I have a couple of questions concerning the Barnett Shale "boom".

I have just taken a buyout from my employer and am considering getting into trucking. I have worked an industrial maintenance type job for the past 20 years (next month) and almost all of that has been nights, so that wouldn't be any adjustment.

I was thinking of going OTR for a year or two then coming back home and run local/regional. After reading this thread, I may just try to start out local with one of the companies involved in the Barnett Shale.

Does anyone have any experience with C-1 driving school in Ft. Worth? The driving range is about 3 minutes from my home in Benbrook and would be really convenient. Any other recommendations?

Is it realistic that someone fresh out of driving school with no experience can get a job driving in the Barnett Shale? Would these companies do a pre-hire?

How well are the trucks maintained that run the Barnett Shale? I just don't want to get a junk truck.

Do these companies tend to slip seat?

If a driver gets a ticket for a truck/trailer safety violation (or even a moving violation), who takes care of the fine?

Sorry for so many questions but I just want to make sure that I make the right decision on a new career.

Thanks for any help and/or advice!