I am in the process of being hired for a NON-CDL OTR position. How is "life on the road?" I love to drive and travel. While I know there isn't time to take in a lot of sights, it will be nice, being out on the road and not couped up in a cubical, or staring at the same 4 walls every day. Any information on what it is like OTR would be great. Again, I am new to this, and have yet to start. Do the smaller Straight Trucks have sleepers? or do you stay in cheap motels?
some straight trucks DO HAVE a sleeper, some , well, do not, so a motel room, a cheap one is paid for. Life on the road can be harsh on a first timer.. I do not care, "you love to drive and travel. It's a job that requires concentration, and at times, many sacrifices. Like maybe eating when you should be sleeping, eating foods that are not HOT out of the oven or off the grill. Showering may or may not be a daily thing. Oral hygiene may not be a daily thing. You have to find ways to take care of yourself. If not, you will stay dirty, have bad breath, ad get fat on cold foods. Trucking is NOT a joy ride, never was, never will be, UNLESS the passenger is just that, a sight-see'er, nothing else. ALL you presently take for granted now, you will sorely miss when you are on the road.
I would suggest that you start your own records on where to stay,eat,and rest. Just take along your laptop and create your own files on what you have experienced. I wish I would have done that when I started back in 78. Nowadays with a computer you can make folders and record any and/or all information on items that help you along the way. I once had a great fish and chips dinner at a truck stop once and forgot the truck stop and spent many hours trying to find that place again. It also will be there for tax purposes.
Now lets not scare the lad away ! Just remember, job first, fun second. Don't try to be superman, play by the rules, watch your surroundings and your wallet. Lots of low lifes out prowling for an easy buck.
I would check the company out carefully. One air express outfit is absolutely BRUTAL on it's schedules and drivers.
Non CDL also means no rules governing how they expect you to drive/live out there. Check into it before committing to something you may regret. Most sights are seen out the window at Highway speed. Take it for what it is, there are worse jobs.
I cant imagine what a non-cdl job would be like, for a straight truck.What on earth are you transporting that would be over the road, unless its an intra-state job where you are home every night., It must be a toyota pickup. heh heh heh heh Peace
