Starting out for rookies

Which company your with???

 

Being a newbie driver is rough! You will be away from your family weeks at a time, miss the things you life to do and also be dis attached from a social life! It isn't east being a OTR driver and it isn't for everyone, remember that before you get into a 6k debt for a 1yr contract.

 

These are choices we decide to do or get into. You know when you go to college you are going to be in debt and you know when you go into the trucking industry your going into debt! When you get a credit card, a car payment, etc you know your going into debt!

We Americans are/will always be a slave to the grind, unless we find that sweet gig which is very rare to find one. It the choices we make and if you rather NOT to do something and would rather sit home put your hand out for the Government [tax payers] to had you a check every week. The choice is yours

 

I downloaded the Florida CDL handbook. Studied for 2 weeks. Went to the local DMV office passed the written tests got my permit. Called a local school they offered quickest way to cdl license was 20 hrs and $700 and trucks had auto transmissions. For $1200 they offered 40 hrs class with 10 speed transmissions trucks, coupling and uncoupling and one on one training. I took the 40 hr for $1200 passed no problems. I'm starting next week to look for work.

I don't now what everyone is talking about spending $4-6,000 for training. I have my CDL Licenses and if a company tells me I have to pay money for training I getting the heck pout of there really quick. I will go with a trainer but pay for...I don't think so. Especially with my background. No felonies, don't drink so no DUI's, can't remember last time I had an accident or a ticket.

 

Where did you got to school? I'm in the sand pile too and found most companies hiring newbies have certain schools from which they work with and take drivers. They usually want a minimum of 240 instructional hours. The company I'm planning on going with wants 320 hours MINIMUM OR a PTDI-approved school AND the National Safety Council course. Good luck with your search.

 

Hey Blue, Lots of "good" companies are hiring. Decide your parameters, ie: home time, flatbed, dry van etc and most importantly how much money you need to survive. If you have a wife and kids, no experience and want to make a livable wage so that your family is not on the dole then I would suggest that you not even consider driving. That said, understand the different ways that you can get paid so that you can make an informed decision. Read the reviews here and on similar sites however take all reviews with a grain of salt. Fortunately you have happened to find this forum. There is a wealth of information here from some very knowledgeable, conscientious professional drivers that have taken the time to help us out. Make a spreadsheet of the companies that you have spoken with as you speak to and research them. I could write more but your time would be better spent reading the posts from actual drivers. I am in the final phase of my selection process and will post my experience from the beginning. Good luck to you!

 

Thanks for the advice bt...Good Luck with whoever you chose....I'll be looking forward to your thread.

 

When I first stared driving-the first night I missed my children and being home that night to eat and watch TV with them. However, my wife and I agreed that we needed more money than what I was making and OTR was my only option. After a few weeks, I adjusted to it and made the most of my hometime with family. There hare thousands of families who have been and are now supported by a parent driving OTR, and also have put their childern through college doing so. When you are out on the road, you are not alone. There are always drivers to talk to at the terminal and truckstops who are in the same position as you. Now, I just met a black lady up in Roanoake Va about 45 who is driving for Barr Nunn solo. She is supporting 4 kids back in Arkansas who stay with her sister while she is gone. However, she can now afford to buy them the things they need for school and has medical insurance for them. The point is, she is doing what she needs to do and although not the perfect sitution, her children appreciate her more and they can live a normal life without welfare. Going OTR is not the end of the world. You can earn more money, and you are not doing the same thing everyday on the same route. We all have to do things in life that we don't like-thats life. If you go OTR you will never be without a job. If you have difficulties out on the road, all you have to do is ask for help from other drivers-thats how I learned as I never went to a school. Keep a positive outlook. Driving a truck is the closest thing to flying a jet airplane-not everyone can do it- so consider yourself special.

 

'unless we find that sweet gig which is very rare to find '

Sweet gigs never last forever and every job has its downside. I know as I have been around a while. I spent about $48,000 on college (years ago) and am driving a truck OTR making more that most college lecturers (which I was). Trucking is a good profession and only a special person can do it. The key is to be adaptable and flexible, diplomatic and punctual. The rest will fall in place for you.

 

Hi World. I hope that I did not offend you or anyone else with a family. I have nothing keeping me here and will struggle to make ends meet for a year or more til I know more. I could not imagine doing this with a wife and kids at home. I have the deepest respect for you and the drivers with families at home. Thank you for responding World and God bless you and your family.