New to OTR and I sort of hate it

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by prosidius, Feb 12, 2017.

  1. joesmoothdog

    joesmoothdog Heavy Load Member

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    No. It does get worse. Think HARD. See the movie The Martian and the see Passengers. I can't get thru Passengers. After 3 Superbowls in the truck and giving up a 10 year relationship and having my Harley in a storage unit praying the weather'll be good the 3 days I'm off the truck...I LOVE THE CORPSe.
     
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  3. Misesian

    Misesian Road Train Member

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    I had a student when I was with Knight and still talk to him a lot. I taught him the obvious things but I focused more on how to live as a driver. Teaching someone to drive and back isn't hard but teaching a lifestyle is. It sounds like this trainer isn't teaching the important stuff.

    You don't have to be gone from home long periods. In the beginning do 3 weeks out and home for 3 or 4 days. Learn the industry and lanes and work your way to independence to get the most out of trucking or dedicated local work; depends on your needs.

    I rarely eat at truck stops. I have a few diners that I stop at when I pass through but otherwise I cook with my electric skillet. Inverter and fridge will save you money and your health.
     
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  4. SidewaysBentHalo

    SidewaysBentHalo Medium Load Member

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    Regional isnt much different. Weekends basically just consist of a 34 reset. I have yet to be off a two solid days. One time i got close to 48 hrs before i hopped back in the truck.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    A little late now, but Veriha Trucking in WI has their own cdl school and the drivers are home weekends.
     
  6. DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    When I go home next month, I will have been out 4 months. This truck is home.
     
  7. DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    That is basically why I stay out almost all the time. It would be harder on me in the brain compartment area to just pop in and out.
     
  8. Coover

    Coover Road Train Member

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    Wow, I don't know how you all do it. Did OTR for 1 year when I first got my CDL 10 years ago stayed out 3 weeks at a time hated every minute of. Took a regional flatbed job after year was up ran paper logs home every weekend and whenever I felt like being home during week. I did that for 8 years till I couldn't make decent coin anymore. Switched jobs now Im out approximately 4.5 days and can't wait to get out of truck on last day. I atleast get a solid 58 hours+ at home, but seems like it fly's by.
     
  9. SidewaysBentHalo

    SidewaysBentHalo Medium Load Member

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    Id be ok with staying out. But would need a little nicer truck and mattress. Unwinding at the house even if for a short time has its perks. just wish i had more energy, this freight shaker beats the wiz out of me.
     
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  10. DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    I am guaranteed $1200 per week, but is requires all 7 days is part of it. Also, I'm single with no childrens. I could go home every other weekend, but I don't like the psychological highs and lows of that. I could take a regional home every weekend at $1000 per week. I may do that in 2 years or so.
     
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  11. DoubleO7

    DoubleO7 Road Train Member

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    I was off the road over 11 years, but came back out because I found myself unemployed again and out of options. The first time I hated it, but I'm doing great this time. The culture in the modern workplace has become too #### hostile in my experience. This is my way of dropping out of society.
     
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