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Getting Started In The Trucking Business

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by guitarpicker73, Jun 21, 2008.

  1. Jun 21, 2008 #1
    guitarpicker73

    guitarpicker73 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jun 21, 2008
    New Port Richey, FL
    0
    I am doing my research now about getting started in the Trucking Business. I have been doing a lot of reading here and this site has been a great resource. I just have a couple of questions.

    1. I am thinking of going to school at Road Masters in Tampa Florida. The cost is almost $7000 for a 3 week course. Is that about the norm? I have heard of some company's paying you for your training with little to no money out of pocket but from what I hear you get less money driving.
    2. As a new driver it seems you must earn your experience by driving OTR for a year. How often do you get to to come home and for how long?
    3. What is the most common mistakes a new driver makes when choosing this career?
    Thank you in advance for your help,

    Les
     
    guitarpicker73, Jun 21, 2008
    guitarpicker73, Jun 21, 2008
    #1
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  3. Jun 21, 2008 #2
    im6under

    im6under Heavy Load Member

    782
    406
    Feb 13, 2007
    iowa
    0

    try community college for a third and get four weeks training.


    I was otr 3 months then landed a petroleum job, paid more than the otr and I was home every night and weekends off. you just gotta look constantly for an opportunity while you are out doing the otr thing, unless otr is what you want to stay with.
    In my opinion to many guys are doing what ALL the guys are doing. To make the best money you have to do something different, either hazmat, tanker, or oversize over dimensional work. doing the niche pays the best... and I'm here for the moula...
     
    im6under, Jun 21, 2008
    im6under, Jun 21, 2008
    #2
  4. Jun 23, 2008 #3
    latanea

    latanea Road Train Member

    1,337
    235
    Sep 21, 2007
    cincinnati (sharonville)
    0
    the biggest mistake guys make is thinking an increse in earnings will solve their problems - when in fact they are the problem...

    ones personal spendning habits will not change - and for many if you make 5 bucks an hour or 50 you will be broke.


    evaluate your habits and set GOALS...

    going OTR as a road dog (being gone for weeks on end) is only one option - there are many other jobs that would allow you to be home more.


    7k for school is about average - and you will easily realize that 7 k your first year (depending on what career or lack there of you came from).

    chin up - and look deeply at your situation and motivation.
     
    latanea, Jun 23, 2008
    latanea, Jun 23, 2008
    #3
  5. Jun 23, 2008 #4
    thestoryteller

    thestoryteller Medium Load Member

    597
    27
    Mar 18, 2008
    Kern County, California
    0
    Trucker students/wannabe's need to take a vacation in California.......... school's here run $3,000 - $5,000 max!

    And of course........ everything is better in California :biggrin_2559: :biggrin_25522: :yes2557:

    If you are considering the carrier/training way........ I would look into Schneider....... if you QUALIFY for them...... they might be a great place to start........

    Yep, Yep, Yep............ ALWAYS live below your means!!!
     
    thestoryteller, Jun 23, 2008
    thestoryteller, Jun 23, 2008
    #4
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