wow this sucks

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by beezle, Sep 8, 2007.

  1. beezle

    beezle Light Load Member

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    Mar 26, 2007
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    well ive been out otr for 8 weeks now and i already hate it dont like being away from family/friends sleeping in my own bed showering in my own home not to mention dock load/unload times and dispatchers that cant get it through their head im outta hours (11/14 usually) and slow freight anyone think i have a chance in hell of getting a local job with 2mo of exp or should i stick with it for a few more months
     
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  3. FunnyFarm04

    FunnyFarm04 Light Load Member

    114
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    Mar 16, 2007
    Oak Hills, California
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    I think it depends on job availability where you live. There are many local jobs around here. I never did run OTR and have not had problems finding local work, even before we had our own truck.

    It might be best to look for work while on home time to find out what your options are.

    Good luck:biggrin_25519:
     
  4. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

    10,311
    5,253
    Jan 1, 2007
    NASA HQ
    0

    With just 2 months of OTR you have not had a chance to learn the ropes yet. It will take time to learn how to make this work for you. It takes about a year to get the feel of things and know what you are doing. I would say stick it out a year if you can and things will fall in place. Not to mention that a year will give you better options on that local job at home. Who are you with? Good luck, take care.
     
  5. beezle

    beezle Light Load Member

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    Mar 26, 2007
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    currently with KLLM transport (knew i shouldn't have went reefer) but im going to look for local work while im at home hauling dirt or cement not necessarily saia old dominion yellow roadway type stuff but if it doesn't work ill go out for two more weeks
     
  6. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

    10,311
    5,253
    Jan 1, 2007
    NASA HQ
    0

    I have done that as well. Keep in mind that is seasonal depending on where you live.
     
  7. MagicFingers

    MagicFingers Bobtail Member

    43
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    Sep 1, 2007
    House Springs, MO
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    I really think you're making a mistake giving up so easily and quickly. This KLLM company could very well burn you if you decide to leave this early. Are you under a contract? Even if you aren't, they can and most likely WILL put someting on your DAC, in turn deterring other companies from hiring you. One of the guys on here said that 65-70percent of new drivers quit within the first couple months (perfect example here with you), and all I gotta say is, no offense, but you should've done your research. I mean you had to have known you'd be away from your family by taking this job. Maybe it wasn't cut out for you. My instructor told us at my school that if we can make it past 6 months, then we'll most likely be good to go. It's a very stressful job, particularly when you're a new driver. You're basically a slave to your company. They have to feel you out and make sure you're not going to, ohhh, I don't, quit on them in the first couple months?? :biggrin_25523: From what I've gathered, once you prove yourself to your company, life gradually gets better and better.

    In a nutshell, if at all possible, stick it out for at least 6 months, unless all you think about is blowing your brains out while you're out on the road. If that's the case, you shouldn't be driving in the first place.

    I'm not yet out there on my own, but I have done plenty of research BEFORE I attended classes. I know what I'm getting myself into and that's a KEY factor in this career field. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. :biggrin_25519:
     
  8. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

    9,922
    3,713
    May 6, 2007
    Mississippi
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    Man you haven't even scratched the surface.

    What I would give to be your age, single, with my knowledge.

    I would never come home, except for Christmas.

    Stick with it, learn what there is outside the truck while your on the road. And try to enjoy yourself as much as possible, if you're single.
     
    fancypants Thanks this.
  9. sal

    sal Medium Load Member

    517
    138
    Aug 18, 2007
    sacramento Ca
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    AMEN:yes2557::yes2557::yes2557::yes2557::yes2557::yes2557::yes2557::yes2557::yes2557:
     
  10. Truck Vet

    Truck Vet <strong>NRA AMA Libertarian</strong>

    201
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    Aug 30, 2006
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    If your really miserable I would suggest searching for a good local job.
    Only you know if you can stick it out. Some people are not cut out
    for OTR and can't get quality sleep. They end up going under
    low bridges or making other mistakes that ruin their future.
    Only you know how long you can handle the job. If
    you can handle it I would suggest you stick it out and
    learn all you can from the experiance. Get as much exercise as you
    can in your spare time to relieve stress and prepare yourself
    for a possible future local job that may be harder on your back.
     
  11. luvntruckin

    luvntruckin Bobtail Member

    1
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    Nov 14, 2009
    Greenwood,Indiana
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    I don't know what you're willing to do - but when I first got my CDL, I went to work for a beer distributor. Hard physical work, but really good driving experience in a variety of situations. And home every night. Did it for 13 months and now I'm working for a dedicated carrier averaging $950/wk. and home almost every night.
     
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