Thinking about trucking for a living

Not just you man, 3 years ago, I was in line for a job fair with 22 000 other people. University Degree, 13 years exp, Field Exp, Certifications, you name it; laid off 4 times. Found out I was standing next to MBA's and Ph.D's, fighting for $16 hour jobs, at that point; I knew it was over. Dad Drove 20 years before he moved into Oil and Gas for the rest of his working life. So I had some idea what I was getting into, had a meeting with some family, and made the decision to get my class 1. I have literally solved all my problems in life, and given myself the opportunity to get ahead, and be setup when I don't want to work anymore. The first year was hard, but NOTHING compared to being out of work. After the first year, the rest just opens right up. After 2 years, the sky is the limit. Being in Toronto you have your pick of companies, look up some of my posts on where guys should start. I say call Challenger tomorrow, and they will offer you a job, tell you what school to get your licence at, and when you can start. Done and Done.

Also local is trash, esp in big cities. OTR is a great job once you learn it, and get setup with a company you like. You will find a schedule that works for you, and it will eventually not even feel like work.

 

Gordon Food Services boasting about 70k/year average for first year drivers, they also hire without experience....

 

I do more than that without humping 2,000 cases every day.

 

Sorry to hear your financial situation. As other posts have mentioned, once you're established in the trucking industry, money issues will be a thing of the past. But nobody has mentioned the personal sacrifices of OTR trucking. Yes, you will make good money, but the reality is: In order to make that money, you must sacrifice your home-time. Say goodbye to family and friends, special events, school plays, being a husband and father, etc. Nobody mentions the divorce rate amongst OTR truckers, or children that hold resentment towards your occupation.
If you're single or your children are grown, then go for it. It takes a very special woman to remain happy, married to a trucker. It's not that women need you there all the time... it's that you're not there, when they need you. And that is the reality my friend.

 

Ind0792, you came on here to get advise about the industry. And truthful advise is what you got. I've been driving 27 years now and believe me...I was ready for a change 10 years ago. My intentions were never to discourage you, but give you insight to the reality. For the first 5 years of driving, I thought this was the greatest occupation ever. But as time rolls on, you've been everywhere twice, including wives (LOL), the nostalgia simply wears off, and the job becomes "just a paycheck" rather than the adventure it started as.
For you...it would be an adventure, at least for a few years. Maybe during that time you could work on making contacts within the industry, then when your tired of it, go back into the book-keeping/accounting. By then your financial troubles will be in the past.
P.S. Yes, you will make anywhere from $50,000-$80,000/year as a OTR driver.

 

Is your heart beating.
Then you hired as a truck driver.

 

Post 68 hit it spot on.

But if you're afraid of this or that. Then you'll never do anything in life. So dump or get off the pot.