New Career ... From the beginning.

LOL they are paid on commission and thats what it seems like (cattle call) It sounds like you have done some very good research and have a decent plan into place. I have heard nothing but good things about Sage but not the same for Prime, they get mixed reviews. Good luck on your new career!

 

Markus I think your biggest hurdle is going to be the lifestyle and being away from home. The test is the easy part. Seeing your wife a handful of times a year is going to be quite a challenge on your marriage. This is the number one reason for drivers quitting within the first three months. For some reason they just can't grasp how long you actually are out there away from home. I'm somewhat guilty of it too. When I first started out I didn't really comprehend the length of time you are away from home. I wasn't married at the time and it still hit me hard.

Is your wife dead set on a flower shop? Would be ideal if you both had your license and drove together. The money is extremely good and you would be together 24/7! If your wife really likes flowers you could drive for a company that runs floral. Actually I know Prime does some floral runs because I see their trucks out here where I am and the warehouse they are always at is a floral warehouse. If I am not mistaken I think they have made it one of their terminals recently.

Anyway, I would put some serious though into this whole deal. At 61 you aren't too old to be a truck driver but you are definitely going to be the old dog learning new tricks! Such as being gone from a relationship. Don't want to deter you or sound negative but I would like to put a little bit of reality into what you are about to get into.

I have been driving 16 years and 8 of those were with my wife. At this point in my life there is absolutely no way I could be an over the road driver and leave my wife at home. Hell I'm such a ##### I couldn't leave my dogs that long! I was just offered a pretty easy run going to Canada and back home(FL) five day trip and I have the weekends off. Pay is salary - $1200.00 The guy owns three or four trucks so its not a big company. Hell there isn't even a dispatcher! I had to turn it down cause I know what its like out there and I know being away from home and your family sucks and that's only five days! Six weeks or a couple months is long time!

Just give it some deep thought man that's all.

 

After a bit, the shifting and driving part will become natural.

Good luck on your new endeavor, keep us posted!

 

If I could do it, so can you. Similar story, computer consultant/project manager for thirty years. Turned 60 and jobs dried up. Went to school, got my CDL started driving. I like the freedom, hate the time away from home, after 60 years don't have a problem putting up with the crap that accompanies the industry. Had some interesting situations the first year but came through unscathed. Been driving for two years now and will quit in another two.

 

Markus it sounds like you are well on your way but just remember the trucking life is what you make it, you're gonna have alot of bad days where it seems that nothing is or will go right. When this happens you need to just step away and get a grip on things and then try to get after it again, it's not the easiest life style but it's not the worst yet. Alot has changed since I started driving and every time I start to get use to one change then they come up with another change but because I enjoy trucking I deal with it and move on. Once you get on the road by yourself this thing called trucking is gonna really hit home when you're trying to find a shipper or a reciever and have wrong directions or you sit somewhere for X amount of hours waiting for a load but that's just part of the beast. Just take your time and ask question's because just like you none of us were born with all the knowledge and someone had to show us a few things along the way too. It's better to ask question's and get the right answer then to not ask and cause yourself alot of trouble, just take it easy and try to absorb all the info you can but the most important thing is keep your eyes open and keep it between the lines. Hope you enjoy your new career and stay safe

 

Markus,

Welcome! Prime is a good company, and yes they should be able to keep you rolling.....just keep one thing in mind, unlike some segments of this industry, reefer work is tough on your body, from a stand point of sleep. You will be making drops at all hours of the day and night.......and grocery warehouses are known for jerking you around and dealing with lumpers. I would go to a truck stop and speak with a Prime company driver, get a feel of how they will run you.....make sure it fits your lifestyle, as you are up for some big changes, regardless of the segment you choose. Good Luck!