Question for the first generation trucker

This is a question directed at the first generation trucker. The guy that used to work a 9-5 and decided to make the career change to driving truck and becoming an O/O. There are plenty of multi-generational drivers out there that don't necessarily have the experience with office politics in a 9-5. I want to know how you feel about your decision to take on this career change after working a 9-5. Are you happy you did? Would you go back to 9-5? For me I've been in retail for 17 years, I ####ing hate it. I am tired of the he said she said bs. I'm tired of being a pawn. Before this job I drove wrecker. I'm a natural driver and I enjoyed every minute of being behind the wheel. It was the windshield time and radio and time to myself that made me happiest. I have an opportunity to buy a tractor that comes with a client. A job already set up and ready to go. I feel it's an opportunity not with passing up. And yes I'm aware I'll be throwing myself to the wolves and there is a lot to learn as a "noob". I'm aware there is a lot of paperwork and responsibility. All things I'm willing to take on and learn if it means I can enjoy my windshield time. So did you make the right choice? Would you go back to 9-5? Or is trucking now in your blood?

 

What sector are you going into? OTR?
Are you married or single ?
Do you enjoy interacting with people in general ?
Do you have lots of friends ?
Do you ever get lonely ? Have you ever spent several weeks alone?

 

1st gen here, not a o/o.

Ive Been out here 5 yrs. Out side of losing my cdls. My wife getting sicker. No way I would ever go back to the factory. Or roofing or sales. Or the the chemical plants. They all have one thing this job don't. That s a boss looking over my shoulder.
I've been a driver to some compacity all my life. I new I was gona do this. So I am bias. Now there's no going back. !!!! Good luck what ever you decide.

 

The client I would be taking on runs nursery up the east coast. Mostly Maryland, NY and NJ to Massachusetts. It would only be 2 overnight trips per week.
I have a very supportive girlfriend.
No kids
Not a lot of friends. Not enough to keep me from working.
I am a total people person.
Everyone gets lonely sometimes ‍

 

Whose authority will you be running under?
Do you still have your CDL? is it a class A?
Have you priced insurance? Brand new CDLs are brutal for insurance costs.
Call Progressive as they are one of the few that would be willing to insure you.
If you are also buying an MC number , they might let you keep the insurance the guy already has but I would check before you buy the truck

 

I will probably apply for my own MC and DOT but work under his MC and DOT for a couple years in order to let my own stew.

 

Someone here will correct me if I am wrong, but you need to maintain insurance on a truck to keep that MC number active.
Also just to get an mc I think you need to pay for the insurance up front , I dont think you can run a truck on two MCs at once

 

Thank you this is very helpful.
Is that is the case I wild have no problem with using my own DOT and MC. My understanding is that having an established DOT and MC is beneficial for finding clients, loads etc... (IF) the tractor I'm buying comes with a secure client I shouldn't be too concerned about running new numbers. I can deal with expensive insurance out of the gate.

 

Truck underwriter here........NO, you can't run a VIN# under more than one authority....if you do SOMEONE'S insurance will get cancelled

 

What is a first generation trucker?

if you know anything about business, if the offer is serous, then talk to all parties involved, see exactly what the revenue may be, discuss a exclusive contracted position with the customer and if they say no, walk away.

the truck needs to be checked, it isn’t like buying a car. Enough has been said about it so look up due diligence.


As for 9to5, I would love to go back to an office job, this work is dangerous because of others, never had to fear for my life in an office.