Hello,

These are my driving violations: not stopping at Stop sign (not a full stop that is)
of speeding, and accidentally bumping into someone's car in the past few years.

I'm 20 right now and is thinking of getting Trucking job when 21. Do I have a chance to get into trucking with my record?

Also I have some questions regarding the job:

If not working on Sunday is important to you, can you arrange it so that you overdrive on weekdays and not at all on Sunday? or is this almost impossible?

On average how often do accidents occur? what is the average amount of pay that a trucker has to make by his mistake in his career?

How much percentage of truckers die in accident?

Is there health insurance with trucking?

I would say that by the questions you have you may not have the right mindset to drive a semi. Too many questions about accidents. And you already have one on your record. If you drive safely and defensively you should have no accidents...EVER!

And Sundays off? This isn't McDonald's. Truck driving isn't a job. It's a lifestyle. Especially when you first start out. You haven't earned anything. Don't expect someone to work around your concessions.

Hard answers, but this isn't an easy life.

__________________
They call me Biscuit

The best thing about being a pessimist is very rarely do you let yourself down.

SRT (a true bottom feeder) will allow you sundays off for religous reasons as an OTR driver. Don't expect any good runs though, if you empty out on Friday.

That was their policy several years ago. It may have changed.

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

"what is the average amount of pay that a trucker has to make [this should be "pay] by his mistake [of accidents] in his career?"

Of those who become a truck driver, how many percent ends up dying by an accident, how many percent ends up having to pay undesirable amount of money for compensation because of an accident of his fault?

What is SRT, OTR, and "empty out"?

Southern Refridgerated out of Texarkana, AR

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

OTR = Over the road
Empty out = same as unloading at your destination.

The only way possible of getting Sundays off would be either local driving or something regional where you are out mon - fri and even then there may be times when you have to pull out on Sunday afternoon.

As far as the accident questions go. Seem to me that if you’re worried or concerned about that now you will be a complete wreck the minute you plant your butt in that drivers seat. Of course safety for you and the public should always be in your head but your next potential accident or death should not be.

Is there Health Insurance for you and you dependants provided by your employer?

Most trucking companies offer Health Insurance Benefits; individual as well as family plans.

The premiums (the amount you pay), vary with each Insurance company/ employer.

Might I ask, since you are doing your homework( wonderful!!!), are you comparing truck driving to any other field (job) ?

My son in law(20) went to work for Rea Construction,Gastonia, NC. They build roads, extend lanes...


They trained him to operate their heavy equipment, without having his CDL. They certified him as an operator.

Although, not required, you could utilize a CDL in this field.
The starting wages are higher w/ a CDL.

Keep in mind with whatever you decide; what are the benefits Vs the risk involved?

There are several threads and post in this Forum that may help you. Click the search option, on the tool bar, which is located at the top of every page.

CDL schools etc. There is funding available, if you qualify, to help with training.

Most Community Colleges, Technical Colleges offer CDL training, they will help you to get the funding, that you may need, to obtain your goal.

In addition, they offer other training in fields that offer more home time and financial security.

My son in law, did not get his CDL. He is still employed with Rea Const.
He is using his available training funds to become an EMT,attending night classes. (Emergency Medical Technician) which is an Ambulance driver.
The EMT program, here in SC, is a 9 month course.

There are many fields for you to choose. Please go and talk to an Advisor at your local Community College, they will help you with some of the homework that you are doing.


Best of luck!

__________________
KC

"For every trucker with a headache,there is another with an aspirin in their pocket."

Tough Times Don't Last...Tough People Do

Actually not true there are some things that you just cant control. Like someone running a stop light/sign and tboneing you. Or they lose control cross the median and hit you head on. And then there's the weather last year I was almost pushed over a guard rail by a freak gust of wind. Sometimes its just a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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Save a target... Shoot a Tweeker
Why is common sense so damned uncommon?

Rule #1 about using a G.P.S
You must first be SMARTER then the G.P.S

Rule #2 Sadly a lot of drivers are not.