Sorry, I'm new to the site and had posted this as a "conversation" with Chinatown (who gave me some GREAT advice). I thought it would be a "thread" instead. I am soliciting answers from more professionals out there....
Hello all, I am brand new to this board (as of today) and brand new to trucking! My wife's dad was OTR for 47 years and that's all I know about trucking. We have traveled all over US in our RV or towing 5th wheel. We love to travel and ain't afraid of work. I've been working for 30 years as a Computer Network Engineer. I'm absolutely burnt out on this stressful career. We are not rich, but have a good retirement bank, a decent savings, and decent emergency fund. We are Dave Ramsey fans. I am / was also an old TN farm boy and mechanic (probably not a farmer out there that's not a mechanic; at least a successful one) haha...
My wife of 29 years and I, are both 50. I want to learn trucking the "right way" / no shortcuts, no quick and easy overconfident schemes or myths. I want to be respected in this industry (eventually) and return that respect to every one else. We have no debt (still finishing up the house - 4 more years), don't need 100k a year, but would like to earn a decent living that takes care of our bills, allows us to see more of the US, and continue to put some back for retirement. Before you say "team driving", my wife is not interested. However, we do want to be / travel together once I feel safe in the truck and the company allows.
My goal would be to get in (2) years with a good company OTR, keep a safe driving record, learn the ins and outs of the industry, then be ready to "pull back" to Regional or something that would get me / us more home time when needed. My parents are up and age and healthy at the moment, but I want to be able to help them as they continue to age. Also want to be around more for grand kids when the time comes (suspect at least 3 years away).
I have also done computer network consulting (side gig) for the last 20 years. Also have a Kettle Corn setup. We've done about 12 event per year (weekends) with this small business.
Now that you know a little about me, I am strongly considering contacting a Millis Transfer recruiter to inquire about their CDL training program and a possible future with their company. Since I live in TN and their nearest training facility is in Cartersville, GA; I'm not sure how or if I could get my CDL with a TN address. This will be my first question.
I have read hours and hours of conversations on this site and feel very informed about NEW DRIVER questions, but if anyone has advice for someone in my shoes or maybe has done this successfully at my age (50), I would love to hear your advise and stories. I know most fail at this and I've read about the 98% turnover in the trucking industry. I realize I'm starting out behind the 8 ball, but still desire your professional opinions - good or bad.
Sincerely,
Jonesjw
Looking to change career in January, 2021
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jonesjw, Oct 26, 2020.
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My first day with a trainer I was 48 years old in 2004. I did 3 years of Cobol, DB2 with an Insurance company but lost my job at Y2K. I went to SouthEast Community College in Lincoln, NE to get my CDL. The course was 10 weeks long. I had completed all of the written tests at the DMV before my first day in class. I had wanted to do LTL driving but was told after getting my CDL that I needed two years of experience to get on with any of the LTL companies. That is not true today, they will take a new graduate. I signed on with Crete Carrier and worked for them for two years. I now work as an LTL road driver. At the time the course at the college was around $800.00 plus a drug screen and physical that I had to pay my self. Today the cost is around $1,200 plus drug screen and physical.
Many years ago I saw on I-80 around Cedar Rapids Iowa that a community college advertising on a trailer that they were pulling that they could get a student a CDL in 30 days.friend802000, Coffey and Speed_Drums Thank this. -
About the only advice I have to add is don't get discouraged. Right after Christmas is a slow time for trucking, so the first couple months may not be what you are expecting.
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I’m excited for you! What a great position to be in! I’d love to tool around the country sight-seeing with my wife. With your BFF by your side, doesn’t really matter where you start—Werner, Swift, Melton, Cypress—you’ll have fun. Just do it!
I have chickens and a lawn, so it’s not that easy for me. -
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