So.....I've always thought about becoming a trucker. Now, after a LONG time in another industry, I'm fed up with corporate B.S. and ready to climb into the cab. My wife is kinda wishy-washy in her thoughts about it. I love travel and there are lots of places in the country I would like to see. Best case scenario, 1) Get my training/CDL. This could be with one of the big companies(sni, jb, cr, werner). 2) Get some 'verifiable miles'. 3) Get my wife and our dogs in the truck w/me and live on the road.

I'm looking for some honest feedback. I know it's not an easy job. Am I right...The pay can be good and some of the companies offer good benefits?

I'm sick of paying $300/month for our insurances! I work with a couple of guys who were OTR and they bragged it up, saying it's a great way to go.

So, I'm stuck here. Do I go with my gut and get into the business? Or, do I, unhappily, keep doing what I'm doing?

I know no one else can know what I feel. As I said, I'm just looking for some good, honest opinions about the biz.

Thanks
Eric

Only you know what is right for you. I only suggest you really do your homework AND, more importantly, make sure your wife is agreeable to whatever it is you decide to do. Good luck and let us know.

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Everybody loves a moose. Some just don't know it.

Just be sure that this is really what you want to do. Some guys buy that recruiter crap about the travel, the money, the freedom, etc. etc. What they don't tell you about is the reality of living your life in a truck. They don't tell you about the dispatcher who has an IQ barely above single digits, but he is in control of your life while you are on the road. They don't tell you about the loads that have to go 700 miles overnight when there is 6 inches of snow on the ground. They don't tell you about the shippers and receivers who could care less about your appointment time. The list goes on and on. Murphy's law works overtime sometimes when your trucking. Some guys get into this and they don't have a clue about the trucking lifestyle for an OTR driver. They think I'm gonna drive a big truck, make a lot of money, and part in every town. Those those are the ones who switch jobs 5 times a year for 2 yrs then decide this ain't for them. You can make a lot of money, you can have a lot of fun, but its a lot of hard work also. I did this for 30 yrs and I liked it most of the time. And there were days when I felt like I can't do this no more. Would I do it all over again? Definitely yes.

I would do it all over again as well. Unless I hit the lotto, yes!

Drive safe

Well said. I did it for about half the time that Johnny99 did and, given the chance, would do it all over again, while changing some of the decisions I made early on.

its' been said and said

the primary thing to do FIRST is research. You are here on this board- that's a great start. Dig up other boards and read them. Go out ot the local truck stop(s) and talk to drivers there. Take WEEKS doing this.

Do you have what it takes to live in a 10X10X10 box for days at a time?

Me, I've been driving only 3 months - but I spent 2 months researching before I went to CDL school. I looked around at the various companies and made choices based on what *I* want.

As a result, I'm (mostly) happy where I am. I'm paid pretty well for a rookie. They're tolerant of my mistakes (I think it helps that I work hard to not repeat). They don't just give lip service to safety or legal driving - they're serious about it.

The list goes on.

Sure, there are things I don't like. Most notably, I dislike their pets and weapons policies. But - that's less important than other things. A few bugs at the picnic are to be expected. It doesn't prevent me from enjoying the watermelon.

It's true - you do see the country. Mostly as a "Blur through the windshield" But you CAN work it so you can see stuff in more detail - just have to manage your 70 right. Yah, you may not be able to stop and see The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota this trip - but odds are good you'll be back that way in the not too distant future...

Be aware that there are tax issues involved with living in the truck. Nothing horrible - but issues are there.

Research, research, research. Ask yourself questions, and be prepared to answer them honestly.

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Keep the big doors at the back!

From what I have seen all the big outfits you are going to pay more than 300 a month for insurance

Just remember one thing it is a job you are not a tourist,and you will be treated like a second class citizen. There is no money to be made in this business anymore if you do make any you will spend it living on the road.

Not necessarily. My husband pays under $300 a month for both of us to have full medical, dental, and vision. And the coverage is good too. And people have complained that his company is one of higher priced insurances around.

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thanks for your comments about what its like "really". i am seriously considering becoming a truck driver and will be otr for probably a good couple years, but i am also getting married in june 09. this decision has been discussed many a long night with the misses and we have come to the conclusion that missing me and keeping our home is better than sleeping next to me in the car with two dogs and two cats. the company im looking at says to expect about 40k your first year,. is there truth to that or is that bs? and any other advice that can be given please do, i need all the help i can get! thanks for reading and look forwrd t talking in the future.