Husband wants to go OTR

If he does end up going into driving, please let me know if he intends to stay awake 48 hrs straight so I can keep my family off the road while he is driving.

 

My husband was also in construction. He's been a painting contractor for 10 years, and 2 years ago, business just disappeared. About 2 months ago he went to school, got his cdl, and was fortunate to get hired on with an excellent company.He has an excellent driving and background history though. I've heard if you've got problems in that area, it is really hard to find a job right now. Anyway, He's now on the road with a trainer for 28 days. Being otr, you're going to be gone at least 2 weeks with only 2 days home, and from what I've heard, sometimes that 2 weeks turns into 3, ect. It's my understanding, that he's only going to make about $2,000 to $2,500 per month his first year, which compared to nothing, sounds good to me. After that, his plan is to get a local job where he can be home each night. I know Costco and Stater Bros pay very well, but you need experience. Seeing as you have a new baby, you're going to need a support system for sure. Family that is close by preferably. Anyway, we're just staring out ourselves, so I'm sure I'm not that much help, but good luck to you in whatever you both decide.

 

My Thoughts TOO. Trashcan

 

If he does drive for a company he's looking at 0.26-0.32/mile and even if he gets payed 0.32/mile and lets say he gets about 2000 in he's still only getting about like $650 and those runs will not always be there so you guys can think about that. What does he plan on driving anyway? Van? Reefer? Flatbed?

 

I don't know about Sarah Lee's husband, but mine will be driving Van, and I completely understand that some months will be less then others, but so far, with his trainer, they've had non stop loads and the boss is anxious to get him on his own because of his driving record.

 

You mentioned OTR and a baby in your post. This means long periods of separation, how will this affect you and your baby? Home time for my husband is based on how many weeks out, for him, it is 5 weeks out, 5 days home. While most companies will make an effort to get the driver home on time, it will depend on the availability of a load to be delivered close to home. There is also the long time away if his trucking school is out of state and the even longer periods during training with a company trainer and his solo driving. I saw my husband a total of 3 times in the first 6 months of training. When he came home, he was tired and it was hard for him to relax with so much new information and experiences on his mind. You both will have to be very supportive of each other's burdens - yours of taking care of the baby and home, his tiredness and frustrations with his driving life. Long separations can be tough on marriage.

You can keep in touch with cell phones, the internet and web camming, as we did, but nothing beats home time. Personally, we would not be doing this if I had to stay home and be alone. We married late in life and I was alone and independent long enough! I joined my husband full time on the truck and we are happy. If we had small children, I would not be able to be separated that much. However, many families do it and manage just fine, so it may be best to talk to them about how they cope and what advice they can offer. There are a lot of trucker wife forums to join and find answers. Best of luck to your decision!

 

try to find a PTDI associated school. More companies will hire students from them.

 

I agree with truckerswife and dukkelisa. I got my cdl when I was 21 and I had a 2 month old at home at the time. I'm now 35 and my daughter is 14. It was very hard for me to be way from home. I got really homesick for a while. To the point where my wife and I were both in tears everytime she took me to the truck on Sunday. Trucking is life changing for many people. I am now divorced, but not due to my career. You get used to being gone after a while, but some days its still hard. Good luck with the decision you make.