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Now or March 2010

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by liteguy, Sep 13, 2009.

  1. Sep 13, 2009 #1
    liteguy

    liteguy Light Load Member

    69
    20
    Sep 1, 2009
    Idaho
    0
    I have a question regarding when might be a better time to get into trucking. I have been reading all the pro and cons on getting into this profession and Im willing to accept it all . :biggrin_2556:

    Option 1: go now. Start my schooling, which I have already decided will be a private school, try to get on w/ a co. after 4-5 weeks of training.

    Up side: Get on w/ my career, start making some money, as little as it might be, get my winter driving experience in early, get my first year experience in.

    Down side: Miss all the up coming hoildays, start in the winter w/ little driving experience, slow freight,[due to bad economy] very limited co's to start with [due to bad economy]

    Option 2: Start in March 2010

    Up side: Hope that the economy picks up, more co's hiring newbies, more freight, home for the holidays and winter months

    Down side: Unknown economy in march, slower freight, less drivers needed due to flood of newbies, no money!

    I currently am basicly unemployed, I am unable to get unemployment and living on savings. My wife works but we are in the hole each month. I have been trying to find work but no luck. I realize that once I start driving I'll be out most of my first year, so I wonder if this is the best time of year to start. Looking for advise, input and useful replies to help me out. Thanks for all your help on here. :biggrin_25520:
     
    liteguy, Sep 13, 2009
    liteguy, Sep 13, 2009
    #1
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  3. Sep 13, 2009 #2
    RAMPAGE

    RAMPAGE Light Load Member

    158
    11
    May 26, 2009
    Everywhere, U.S.A.
    0
    Trucking isn't what it used to be so don't expect a lot because i bet most of the stuff you heard about it isn't ture. Too many trucks not enough loads!!!!!!!
     
    RAMPAGE, Sep 13, 2009
    RAMPAGE, Sep 13, 2009
    #2
  4. Sep 14, 2009 #3
    jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    3,466
    1,249
    Jul 20, 2009
    Standing in the corner, timed out
    0
    Might want to wait till 3/09, see if things get better or worst. Most likely going to be a long slow winter!! Good Luck.........
     
    jtrnr1951, Sep 14, 2009
    jtrnr1951, Sep 14, 2009
    #3
  5. Sep 14, 2009 #4
    TruckPreacher

    TruckPreacher Light Load Member

    119
    45
    Sep 3, 2009
    Inglewood, Ca
    0
    Sounds like you got a dilemma! All you got to do now is figure out what is best for you!
     
    TruckPreacher, Sep 14, 2009
    TruckPreacher, Sep 14, 2009
    #4
  7. Sep 14, 2009 #5
    larryh31

    larryh31 Light Load Member

    131
    72
    Jul 24, 2006
    Washington, DC 20032
    0
    If you have enough in savings, I would wait until around January 15th to start my schooling. You will then get to spend the holidays with you family. Plus, this way, by the time you get finished with your schooling and 4-5 weeks of on the job training, winter will be over. Freight tends to be slower in the winter time, so you won’t be rushed too much by dispatch or your trainer. Additionally, you will have an experienced trainer in the truck to help you get through your first winter. By the time next winter rolls around, you should be a fairly competent solo driver.
     
    larryh31, Sep 14, 2009
    larryh31, Sep 14, 2009
    #5
  8. Sep 15, 2009 #6
    sumuji

    sumuji Bobtail Member

    25
    0
    Aug 14, 2009
    Murray, KY
    0
    I'm choosing to wait until Spring for a few reasons.

    1- The season will be starting back up around the time I'd graduate plus I'd expect things to get a little better with the economy by then.

    2- I have time to learn some things. Pick up my CDL permit manual and study, learn about what happens at school so I can be prepared as much as possible on my own, sift through the endless list of companies and pick which ones I want to try for..etc etc etc.

    3- Get in shape. Truckers aren't notorious for being healthy but the way it sounds people usually get booted out during the physical and security screenings right off the bat so a lower BMI or bloodpressure might make all the difference.

    In the meantime all I've managed to do is land a job at Wal-mart after getting laid off from the job I've worked at for the last 7 years. The pay sucks for adults but I manage and there are plenty of people out there without jobs so any paycheck is a relief and you can't really afford to be picky in this economy.
     
    sumuji, Sep 15, 2009
    sumuji, Sep 15, 2009
    #6
  9. Sep 15, 2009 #7
    TruckPreacher

    TruckPreacher Light Load Member

    119
    45
    Sep 3, 2009
    Inglewood, Ca
    0
    Sounds like you have made a wise decision, and you family will thank you in the ling run for spending the time during the Holidays with them!!!
    It will also give you the much needed time to study the CDL hand book, and search which company to go through Driver training!!!
    Take your time and good luck!!!!!
     
    TruckPreacher, Sep 15, 2009
    TruckPreacher, Sep 15, 2009
    #7
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