another newbie

Well depends where you work. If it were HP or Intel, then yes, we (I) would take the position most likely. But smaller companies usually outsource most of their work to others. Making $12-$16 per hour sitting around a desk for one of these tech support companies is not easy. Cushy, maybe. But think about all of the idiots you have to deal with on the phone in tech support. It is not easy and many of times, I would have to walk outside and scream "YOU IDIOT! NOTEPAD IS NOT MICROSOFT WORD!" or something to that effect.

 

Yeah, I've done some of that myself.
Like the time someone complained their computer kept shutting off for no reason, and you tell them to strike a key on their keyboard and they ask which one, and then tell them to move their mouse and suddenly their computer magically comes to life, and they ask how you knew that and you have to explain what a screen-saver is, etc. And then two weeks later they call again with the same problem, but this time the computer isn't turned on! I feel your pain man.

And giant corporations like HP or Intel swallow your soul. The insane levels of political correctness alone will drive you insane.

 

LOL the old move the mouse. My favorite one is "my internet is not working?" Unplug the modem, router and turn off the computer. Then turn them on the in the same order. Solves 99% of their problems.

I know people that work at both HP and Intel as well as Apple. I am sure they make a decent living but I sure as hell don't want to work their in tech support departments - I hear the horror stories. I'd rather drive trucks locally, complete an eMBA through a good college part-time and go seek employment in another field.

I thought long and hard about my decision to drive and that's one thing I always enjoyed doing, driving.
So if I can make good money and put myself thru college part time, that's the plan.

Also before I embark on my college aspirations, I plan on taking a free local Regional Occupational Program mechanic courses (about 800+ hours) for two reasons:
1) So I can fix our own rides and save $
2) I can make some side money fixing other people's rides and I love flipping cars.

 

Also wanted to add, depending on your area, you may be eligible for a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grant. Check with your local county/city about the WIA program.

 

Good luck...Surfing trucker....you sound determined to say the least...

 

Thanks. You know being 'let go' by a company really motivates me to come back even stronger. Even at my age, I am by no means a quitter. I have to find the resolve to provide myself and my family a better life.

 

Trucking was very good to me and my family, I was real fortunate to have a local job in the food service industry (delivered Burger King for 19 years then McDonalds for 11) that paid well enough for my wife to be a stay at home mom. Together we raised 2 sons one who graduated from Ga. Tech this spring and is working as a civil engineer in Charlotte NC and the other will finish medical school in May of 2013. I recently retired and am thoroughly enjoying it. Just remember whatever you do you get out of it what you put in it!

 

Now this is the type of guy trucking needs. We need more like him and not the Seater Heaters being hired by companies who dont give a crap... Kudos to you Surfing Trucker

 

Thanks brother. I appreciate it!

 

Many thanks to you too Road Warrior. I have read a lot of your posts and you provide valuable information for the newbies on here. Just wish more of them researched and read as much as others.

There are several ways to get started in this business besides going through the company sponsored route. I have found two free schools locally and WIA programs that will pay for other schools. Yes, it does take work. But in the end you aren't enslaved to a company for $6-9k making of schooling while you make 22 cpm, OTR with 3 weeks out.

Best thing I have done so far was actually visiting a local truck stop http://www.sacramento49er.com/ the guys there gave me a wealth of information (and that was after spending a couple of days on here doing nothing but reading what all of you wrote).

As far as getting local runs, I live near a busy area in Sactown and I will say that I have put together a list of almost 20 company names of trucks I have seen passing down busy streets. They are all local with no sleeper cabs. I have talked to a couple of drivers pulling into 7-11's (Genesis) and local food producers and distributors. I have been told by several of them that going to a trucking school is almost as good as having some experience. I am told that if I've had prior driving experience (not even an 18 wheeler) that many will consider it as part of my total experience (which I do). So it is possible to get a local job or some short run LTL position. But the companies will NOT come knocking on your door = you have to research it and be aggressive. Don't let the schools try and push you into OTR. They get 'kickbacks' for new hires if they work out for 6 months - and this came direct from one school employee who felt compelled to open up to me when I insisted I can get a local run.

I took that an some initiative and using the good ole' interwebs to find out information about this industry, how to get educated, how to pay for it, what are my options, etc.

Here is some of the basic stuff I gathered for apprenticeship programs, free driver training and WIA grants to pay for schools. If you don't have ROP in your area(s), you can still use WIA (Workforece Investment Act) to pay for your training. The money is already allocated, so you might as well take advantage if you don't have the means to pay for school.
OE3: Training: California Training Center - APPRENTICESHIP
Twin Rivers Adult School: Heavy Duty Truck Driving - NOT FREE BUT STATE PAID or WIA
http://www.cafoodlink.org/truck-driving-program - FREE
Find Apprenticeship Programs - CareerOneStopRegistered Apprenticeship - Earn. Learn. Succeed, Employment & Training Administration (ETA) - U.S. Department of Labor - APPRENTICESHIP INFO ON PROGRAMS
SCOE | Regional Occupational Program (ROP) - DITTO - CAL STATE LEVEL

All the information is out there and you don't need to buy some stupid book with a guy wearing a green suite.


Do your research, ask the right questions and read all the posts by the experienced truckers on this board. THEY have the knowledge and wherewithal to assist you and answer your questions about the industry and what is the best course of action for what you want to do.

If anyone has questions about these and other programs I have found or my links to trucking companies that pay better than average, hit me up via PM and I will send you all I've got.