OTR with a child

That's irrelevant. Post still shows up and ppl can and still do talk about this subject. Didn't stop you from replying.

 

You asked OP specifically to answer or PM you. Another trucker told you they haven't posted in five years, so you don't hold your breath waiting for an answer. Others may chime in with info, but the point is, good luck getting an answer from the person you asked.

Don't get defensive too fast here. You'll see that nine times out of ten, folks on this site are super helpful.

 

Not getting defensive, was only stating the obvious. I appreciate any and all replies. Still looking for some more info and anyone who can give it will be very much appreciated!

 

Absolute truth.

OP, I would strongly encourage you to find a local job because being a provider means more than just earning a paycheck and paying the bills.

 

9 year old boys have stars in their eyes, not to mention the rose colored glasses.
You are not a 9 year old.

Does your son interact with other kids his own age, at the moment?
Or is he totally isolated?
In a truck he would be totally isolated from any kind of physical/mental/emotional interaction with people his own age.
Do you think that would be a good thing for a young person?

I have had all 3 of my daughters on the truck with me over the years. (One at a time.)
2 of them liked it, while one would only last a couple weeks each time.
But all of them were glad to be out of the truck to get back to friends that they missed, when the summer ended.
It was a great vacation for them, but it is not a lifestyle for a child.

 

@Moosetek13 as a father of five, no truer words could be spoken.

 

My son is verbally delayed and doesn't have any friends. He wants to interact with others but has a very hard time with it. Our biggest things we do is go for drives every day and most nights & we go to truck stops, rest stops, etc.. & of course go to parks & arcade/restaurants here & there, but his main focus is on wanting to go for a drive. It is his passion; just as it has always been mine-i see myself in him so much. I put trucking aside for most of his life because I never saw a way to make it work, but the way he LOVES going for drives and LOVES trucks, I feel like it is calling me to this way of life. He is my life, and I see him being happy, in this lifestyle, so that will make me happy. I've thought about doing short haul or around town, until I know, for sure, but either way, I need to do this. So any advice or help is greatly appreciated!

 

Here is my experience as a daughter of a truck driver & now a driver myself.

I have been around trucks my entire life. I couldn't wait for my Dad to come home & grab me & my brothers to go on the truck. I loved it, one brother was indifferent, & the other hated it. Every child is different. I got to see every state in CONUS and Canada. I have very good memories of bonding w/ my dad.

Now ask yourself this? Are you still going to have time to home school? Trucking isn't a 9 -5 job. We work all different hours & we usually only gets 10 hrs off to sleep, shower, & eat.

What if you have a night load & your son is awake when you need to sleep? Will he let you sleep? Will he be okay awake on his own?

What if he gets sick? I caught food poisoning one time when I was with my dad on the truck. I was up all night sick w/ it coming out of both ends & my Dad had a load to deliver @ 4am. It wasn't a great day for him or me.

What is your company's rider policy? Do they have terminals located throughout the states for you can park the truck to see sights? Does your truck have a fridge & inverter? Eating out will cost a fortune & not healthy.

Now for the good. My husband and I team. During the summer we grab our oldest two granddaughters. They love it.

My husband drives days and I drive nights. When the grandbabies are with us we use the bottom bunk seatbelt. While I am asleep they will either watch tv, play on their tablet, read a book, or sit up front with grandpa. They have access to the fridge & their snacks.

On our 34's & home time we will rent a car and see different sites with them. They have seen the Pacific, Atlantic, & Gulf Oceans, waterfalls, mountains, & Desert. The Grand Canyon & Yellowstone. They have also visited amusement parks, water parks, museums, broadway shows.

When the summer is over we are exhausted. Wouldn't change it for the world though.

Only you can make the decision to do it or not. Can it be done? Yes. Is it easy? Most likely no.

P.S. We have a single mom at our company that is OTR & has her daughter w/ her and she is home schooled.

 

Thanks so much, for taking the time to respond. I want to do this & can see making this our lifestyle. After all, you never know unless you try, right?
I'm not afraid of hard work, I know the business is hard. Our days consist of long driving hours, always has and having taken many long trips, I drive 10-12 hours at a time, just me & with only 1 stop.. so yes, it'll be even longer driving hours & consistent, instead of a couple here and there and a trip here and there, but I kniw this is the lifestyle I want and that my son will be happy with as well.
On another note....
Was wondering if you could refer the lady whos a single Mom, that you know, to this thread, so she can share her experiences, from the start? I know there's not much time for anyone out there, let alone a single mother, as a trucker.. but maybe she'd enjoy sharing her experiences? It's a rare thing and I know that I could benefit from another's insight & experiences and I know I'm not the only one! Also anyone else with info on companies that allow riders 9-10 and up, & any companies with limited experience?
Thanks everyone! Looking forward to what's ahead...⛈⛅

 

I don't have children. Moreover, I'm not in any serious relationship. All I do is my job. I am rarely at home since I am on the road. A joyful event has happened recently. My brother and his wife are planning to adopt a child. It remains only to wait for Oregon foster care requirements. I am really looking forward to this. I hope I will take him on one of my trips with me. It will be something like an adventure for a child. I always dreamed of traveling with my family around our country when I was young.