Make sure wannabe truckers this is what you really want.

With my previous company I would run 2 lanes whenever i could shave off even 1 mile over the interstate just for the fun of it. Company told me they were going to fire me if i kept it up. I quit lol.

 

Last time I was a "tourist" in a new city, it wasn't just driving through downtown or stopping at the truck stop. I'm probably in the minority here, but I can actually count on two hands (and maybe even a foot) the times I've been able to sight see while on a 34, or even waiting for another load.

Most drivers either: don't have the money, can't leave the truck, or are never stopped in a decent location for long, so "touring" a new city is out of the question. I was able to get to NYC from a NJ train last month, first time, had a lot of fun. For the new drivers, I'd worry about logs and trip planning before you try any extracurriculars...

 

It works for me...I guess because it is what I am used to from being in the Army my first career...PCC's/PCI's, SP times, hurry up and wait, always going somewhere, change number 5264,000.... the comradere of my fellow truckers, some who act like a pissed off SGM, but nevertheless I find comfort in these things that are so familiar to me... stepped away from it, but since being back on the road, I have really enjoyed it and found it a challenge...cant think of another job I would rather do....I agree with the other posts, you really dont know how you will like it until you get out here....

 

I enjoy the sights you can see from the road. I love being out west. I love the mountains. Even just seeing them out in the distance is enough. And I mean real mountains, not the hills in the east.

 

Kind of like joining the Navy to sea the world.

 

I dont give a #### what anyone says. This is a beautiful country and I get to see different parts of it every day.

I make a hell of a lot more than I used to as well.

 

Drive OTR at least 2 years. If you don't like it, you're at least then qualified to teach U.S. Geography.

 

Maybe I'm weird or maybe just different than most but I love this job. I get out and get home every weekend so I'm not like some others that spend weeks or months on the road but I love it. I think a lot of this depends on your life perspective. I don't take 34 hour restarts on the road and my company keeps us moving so I don't really stop and go see the tourist sites but I still feel like a vacationer. I love the scenery this country has to offer even from the interstate but you have to look beyond the white lines and the guard rails. Whether it's the hills of West Virginia or the plains of Nebraska if you take a moment to truly process what you're seeing as you travel it's incredible. Every day I work I get 11-14 hours to completely lose myself in thought about what it's like to be the people we pass by, the huge ranches in Texas and Oklahoma, the farmer in Nebraska, the coal miner in West Virginia, just thinking about what I'm seeing will pass these long days in no time.

I'm very easy going by nature and can adapt and overcome better than most. I don't get stressed or upset with a delay in traffic or at a shipper, these things happen and they're out of your control so leave it there. If you enjoy the small things in life, can let things slide off your back and find a solution rather than dwelling on a problem this is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.

That at said a few disclaimers, I have never worked for a mega, I have never been west of the Rockies, and I don't run the northeast anymore. I'm not saying I couldn't enjoy those things (except driving for a mega, that would suck) I just don't do it in my current job. Good luck to all the newbies and don't let the multitude of threads like this scare you off, it's all what you make of it and I love it.

 

It also takes a Talent for the BS.. You must turn any story into how you saved the world from a zombie apocalypses. Thick skin and don't believe 90% of what other drivers tell you they do =P

 

I have been in it for nine months solo (16 months overall) and I love it too. I have had my share of failures as I am on my third company (fired from my previous two companies for "rookieness"). Only time in my life I had been canned before. But through it all, its been worth it!! My perserverance is paying off. I am turning the corner so to speak. Its the best career I have had in my whole life. (Been a pizza delivery guy, wedding photographer, dispatcher, amateur musician). I enjoy the travel, meeting people at the truckstops, shippers and receivers. Not had a problem with a single one. Been treated great. It IS what you make it. I am 53, and it is the first time in my life that I truly look forward to everyday. It has been a Godsend, a Salvation, and a Deliverance. I am a blessed man. C'mon in, the water's fine! May God Bless you all!! I post to "Trans Am Still" under "the inside scoop". Nothing is perfect, but for me, it's as good as it gets!