Is it worth it to quit a 23 YEARS steady job for Intermodal job ?

Discussion in 'Intermodal Trucking Forum' started by Cornel, Dec 30, 2018.

  1. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Keep your 23 year company job. There are so many reasons why you shouldnt make the change IMHO.
     
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  3. Cornel

    Cornel Bobtail Member

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    May 23, 2014
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    I have no debts and no family issues. I have a clean 23 years driving record with No accidents,No Tickets,No violations,CSA zero violation ( I can't believe I have zero violation after so many years driving) I'm pretty sure I can make more than 60k if I go and work for UPS ,Dayton Freight,Saia or Old Dominion but then again, I will be a company driver.I understand ,pulling Intermodal local is very risky but what else is out there where you can make more than 60k/year and be home every night as an owner operator?I have no idea.Thanks for your advice
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2018
  4. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    There is one person here I know of that needs to work with you very well.

    A hollar to @Chinatown should do it. He'll be along shortly sometime. If anyone knows about your options by location it will be him.

    There ARE many local work where you are home every night. Cement ready mix comes to mind. I worked a front end loader many a week myself when not pouring the stuff once upon a time. Made more than what we needed for living too.
     
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  5. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    South west Missouri
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    Oh good Lord no.

    A very good friend did exactly what you are considering, realized within 3 months it was not viable. Stayed a year to the day all told, while planning his escape.

    He approached me about LS, we both used to work at ODFL. I helped him along the way. He now runs my 53’ trailer and has just bought his own specialized trailer.

    He survived a total engine failure early on at LS, pulling company van - that’s where I helped him switch to platform.

    Now has rebuild paid off, truck paid off, own trailer.

    Had the catastrophic engine failure happened while pulling cans, he’d be out of the game.

    I’m real glad you asked.
     
  6. Cornel

    Cornel Bobtail Member

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    May 23, 2014
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    I got to figure out how to send private messages to @Chinatown.

    I can't believe I'm doing this.I'm about to make a career change and I don't want to do a “career suicidal “mistake. Out of seven people answering(8 with THE ROOKIE), eight people said to keep my job (100% to keep my job). I don't have to multiply the poll; I’m going to get the same answer no matter how many people I will be asking.

    Tombstone69 had a great advice: “it seems to me you'd be giving up guaranteed money for maybe money”.

    I have been struggling for over 2 weeks to find an answer to: what to do next?

    Intermodal is out of the question.

    Thank you for your suggestions.
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2018
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  7. THE ROOKIE

    THE ROOKIE Light Load Member

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    Sounds like you might have your mind made up already. I started 26 years ago hauling garbage cans around the port of New Orleans. Horrible to put it mildly. Trashy equipment and longshoremen with attitudes. Long waits just to get a box swung especially if they were doing a loadout. The inspectors were Ray Charles when signing equipment out and Sherlock Holmes when bringing it in. Never again. Good luck to you.
     
  8. homeskillet

    homeskillet Road Train Member

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    You already have what many, MANY drivers aspire to.

    Don't blow it.
     
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  9. THE ROOKIE

    THE ROOKIE Light Load Member

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    Smart move.
     
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  10. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Stuck forever sounds terrible. Sounds like You hate the Job. If so make a change. I doubt you’ll beat your wages though doing the Hub deal.But if the Job is OK I’d consider the benefits and retirement etc.Even a part time hobby/ job on the weekend for extra cash. Better than running for peanuts and fixing a Truck or spending a ton on repairs. Those things really mess up a weekend.
     
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  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Job satisfaction can mean adding many more years to your life.
    Stress leads to a weak immune system and makes us more vulnerable to cancer, heart attack, stroke, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes.
    Sometimes sacrifices should be made to have a less stressful life and higher quality of life in the long run.
    I've made decisions that suit me, but probably seem questionable to other drivers.
     
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