OK Question

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ao2005, Dec 10, 2009.

  1. ao2005

    ao2005 Light Load Member

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    I have been reading on here for a month start. Now i read all this posts from seasoned drivers pretty much saying stay away from trucking. All im trying to do is get somewhere were after a yr or 2 i can make a good living. I have been researching on here alot as said above and i know that its more than just driving a truck and im not scared to work away from family. I am also looking at moving once i get in with a carrier. I worked out of state in my last job and was gone for 6 weeks and home for just a weekend (home fri and head back to work on monday morning) then back out for another 6 weeks so the questions i would like a answer for are:

    Is it really worth going to school and getting my time in or is it just a waste of time?

    Is the company i work for really going to screw me just cause im a rookie?

    Some companies i am looking at only run teams so should i find a friend and run team or just stay solo?

    What is better running vans or flatbeding?

    Thanks for any and all advice,
    Alan
     
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  3. crabby125s girl

    crabby125s girl Heavy Load Member

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    My bf started this road 5 mos ago and everyone on this site was telling us that it's a failing field and he should look elsewhere.
    But he was unemployed for a long time and couldn't find work in his original field so with no other option he pursued this because in the back of his mind he had always thought he would like this kind of work.
    Right out of CDL school he got a job with Werner. Everyone bashes Werner left and right but we haven't had a prob.
    He got the unfortunate position of 6 weeks out 1 week home. My bf really does miss his family but you say you've done that schedule before so maybe it wouldn't be such a hard time for you.
    Werner recently got him home for thanksgiving and we have hope he'll be home for xmas too. My bf hasn't had any probs with dispatch or fleet managers. He does his job and they leave him alone.
    He is with a teammate - you almost can't get out of that (at Werner anyway) but he got to pick someone he met up with that he likes so that is working out o.k. as well.
    I don't know about running vans vs flatbeds!
    I say, if you're out of options and you believe that you'd be good at this, then yes, pursue it.
    In anycase, having a CDL is a good skill to have and fall back on in different situations.
    Good luck.
     
  4. ao2005

    ao2005 Light Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2009
    Beaverton, MI
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    thanks you very good info. Yes i an used to being away from home from anywere from 4-6 weeks at a time. Ive been laid offfo the past 8 months and it seems like this would be a good move. I did see that most posts say dont get into truck are from last yr also.
     
  5. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    It's not all gloom and doom. YOUR attitude will be the biggest factor. You won't get rich but I have provided a good living for my family doing this and I wouldn't want any other job.


    Again YOUR attitude will be a big factor here too. Does it happen yes. Does that mean it will happen to you, No. Just CYA ( cover your arse )

    Most companies won't let 2 rookies run team for quite some time. It is hard sometimes to live in such a small space ( your truck ) by yourself for several weeks at a time. You really have to be comfortable with whoever you team with to make it work.

    Depends on who you ask. Each has their own pros/cons. Do you want to tarp and chain loads for 1-2 hours in the wind/rain/snow/ice etc...... I don't but some do and that works for them. I run reefer, we have very strict appointment times and deal with some real pain in the *$$ shippers/receivers. Figure out what "suits you" the best and go with it. You can always change down the road after you get some experience. Good Luck
     
  6. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    And here I thought you were a brother flatbedder! You are so out of the club!
     
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  7. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    ###### man! :biggrin_25521:
     
  8. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    I thought he was too. You know he's got to be a good dude if flatbedders were wanting to claim him.
     
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  9. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    Ha Ha Ha that's too funny! I did run flatbed at one point a few years ago.
     
  10. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    OK... You have a point! He can stay in the club as long as he continues to pay his dues & laughs at all the reefer jokes!
     
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  11. ao2005

    ao2005 Light Load Member

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    thanks for the info


    Do flatbeders make more than vans because of the move work envolved?
     
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