Where to start to become a trucker?

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by ZHillyard, Oct 30, 2008.

  1. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    I say go for it. There are those of us out here that know this is the best option we have to put food on the table with out worrying about losing our job in the months to come.
     
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  3. ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

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    I have a College degree. I paid for my 4 years of College driving a truck.
    Now I am driving a truck again. I love being on the road. Sure one of these days I may go and try to follow my other dream of being a park ranger, but that will be my next lifetime lol.
    Driving pays the bills, plus some. I have never lived above my means, and thus have very little debt. I am also working hard to pay off my wifes debt, she did not live as I did. If I cannot pay cash for it, I do not need it. My house is my only loan, and I make double payments most months.
     
  4. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

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    Nothing in my past holding me back...I just haven't found anyone hiring at this time....I just did a short stint hauling cars for a friend who had a hurt driver,...busted tail,...never shut it down for more than six hours a day to "sleep"...thought I was going to at least make some dough,.but no...worked six days a week,.up to 18 to 20 hours a day,.and never grossed over $700.00,...The guy isn't a friend of mine anymore...
    I never thought I would end up working for a bad company,but now that I have I am looking for something good,....If not,....good bye trucking...

    Would yous like fries with that???,....I think there might be more money asking people that question than in trucking......lol....
     
  5. zedanny

    zedanny Light Load Member

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    Yes it's a good way to make a living . Just a cr*ppy way to make a living . Unless you are Husband and Wife you will love it. Danny
     
  6. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    I make good money with it and I am home most weekends (4 days home this weekend) so I am content with it.
     
  7. zedanny

    zedanny Light Load Member

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    Ask your family haw they like your job.If there honest they will tell you the money's good but the lonely days and nights suck.
    You can alwys call your wife and kids and say Happy Birthday.
    I had a lot of them loney nights until my kids got old enough that my wife could go with me.
    Is the money worth it long haul trucker?
    While your driving down the road look at them back yards and parks at the family's having fun.
    Don't get me wrong you new drivers you can make a good living and never have to draw unemployment. Your family can live in that new home with no worries except praying that your ok.I'm not putting trucking down just telling what 40 plus years was to me.So new drivers thank on it hard.

    Cell phone's has made living in a cracker box a little better. But it still lonely on all of you.Have a Goodnight drivers Danny
     
  8. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    I was a trucker when I met my wife. We were married 17 years ago today. It is what I am. My wife knew that when we were married. I came off the road, but went back. I want my family to live a good life. I want them well provided for. Trucking allows that. When I am not trucking I am working two jobs to make ends meet. This has been the best option for my family. There are jobs worse on the family. I have deployed twice. Try going a year without seeing them. Makes trucking seem like a breeze. I head out on sundays. By thursday I am looking for the load back home. Not very many jobs can pay what trucking pays me. Plus I don't have to worry about working somewhere and then getting laid off 19 years later. I am a man. I make sacrifices to see that my family is provided for.
     
  9. ZHillyard

    ZHillyard Bobtail Member

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    I hear that. I have job bounced several times in the last year and a half. I don't plan on ever going to college for a degree. Bottom line is I need a good job to start saving money. Trucking has more opportunities than me working at a gas station, hotel, or some other dumb college student job.
     
  10. walleye

    walleye Road Train Member

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    There is this funny thing called the big picture.........And I didn't see it at your age either,..I wasn't gonna spend all that time working a "dumb college student job" just to get a piece of paper,..BOY do I regret that decision....
    I can't tell yous what to do, your an adult, and like me at that age your gonna do what yous want....
    I only put my opinion out there to try to give yous something to think about.
    I would hate to see anybody your age get to the point in life I am at and look back with regret..........
     
  11. zedanny

    zedanny Light Load Member

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    Go for it man I'm just telling you how it is. I made an very good living for 40+ years.But i missed a lot of holidays ,birthday's with my family.Now that my family are grown I'm not as close to them if I would have stayed home with them. You can make good bucks Just remember it's not easy on your family.
    When you call your wife remember to tell her you LOVE her and miss her.I've seen drivers that havn't seen there family for a week or two call home and bit*h about there work and never say what she wants to hear I LOVE YOU.
    Remember Its pretty easy to fall in love with that pretty little waitress when your lonely.
    I hope you have many year's of happy trucking neighbor. Danny:biggrin_25525:
     
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