Transition to Trucking

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Conqu3ror09, Jun 8, 2020.

  1. Conqu3ror09

    Conqu3ror09 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 8, 2020
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    Hello Everyone,

    I am new to the forums, so hopefully I am posting in the right place.

    I am 28 years old, working on my Bachelor's degree in Social Work, and I am currently a Substance Abuse Counselor in Nevada. My goal was to eventually get my Master's degree to become a full-fledged Therapist; however, I am not sure about it anymore. I have considered trucking as a back-up plan for many years, I have just put it off due to investing so much time getting to where I am now. Starting over is something I hate, but being in my position almost a year, and not liking it, I have a lot of doubt pulling out more loans will spark an interest at this point. For the record, I am not married, no kids, and have a smaller group of friends, so I am not too concerned on that aspect.

    Some people give me advice to keep chugging forward, others say I am still young enough to explore options, but I'm now at the point where I will "Ask a Trucker" for insight. What is your advice: The good, bad, and ugly? Is Hazmat endorsement beneficial starting out?

    At this point, I have looked at Prime, Inc., Roehl, and Schneider for their CDL programs. Pay is also not the greatest starting out as I have heard, many forums suggesting about $35-40000 a year, which is very similar to what I am currently accustomed to.

    Thanks!
     
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  3. mud23609

    mud23609 Medium Load Member

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    Mar 9, 2015
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    For what it’s worth you might want to get your cdl on your own from an accredited school. It will open up a few more doors. Some of which will pay better.

    Second. You need to decide what kind of trucking you want to do. It’s a diverse industry.

    As for money. I’ve made as little as 16k working a easy 8 hour a day seasonal gig and spending the winter screwing off in Asia up to well north of six figures throwing chains when it was 10 below with a 40 mile an hour wind hauling crude out in Williston.

    As for hazmat it depends. My current company wants it. And it helps to keep me moving in bad areas. But I’ve also worked jobs where it was of no use. It’s not hard to get if you need it.
     
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  4. Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    Nov 1, 2017
    The Sticks, Idaho
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    What ever you decide to do... DO NOT sign a lease purchase agreement. You want to be a company driver for at least few years before you even think about being an O/O... And there are better ways than a lease purchase to do it.
     
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  5. ScreaminWillie

    ScreaminWillie Bobtail Member

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    Jun 13, 2020
    Texas
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    As a 2nd generation truck driver what is a background in therapeutic studies as well as alternative healing and a very good person to talk to not being trained in psychoanalysis, through the necessity and self research getting my own understanding I believe I could help you why don't you give me a call at Phone number removed I would like to have a conversation with you that that would require more than I would be willing to type not to mention the importance of making a move like that requires the knowledge of understanding that way we hang up you'll be able to make a properly educated decision as I have Insight in both backgrounds I didn't speak on your level as well as from my perspective and experience as a driver. There's the door your choice to walk through it though! And this goes for anybody out there on the road or anybody in general needing someone to talk to and listen.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 13, 2020
    Reason for edit: No phone numbers in the open forums, please
  6. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Gettin' down westbound
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    Why do u want to do trucking.. There is alots of different jobs out there u could go into
     
  7. Atlaw4u

    Atlaw4u Heavy Load Member

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    Jun 8, 2018
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    Where are you located? @Chinatown can give you some options.
    There are many on this forum with advanced degrees that have decided, for multiple reasons, that they would rather be driving.
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Are you in Ls Vegas?
    ~
    Wilson Logistics is a good outfit to get started with. Pay is right up there with what very experienced drivers make.
    Living in Nevada, Wilson Logistics will send you to their cdl school in Missoula, Montana.
    ~
    Wilson Logistics
    https://www.wilsonlogistics.com
     
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