I’d love to hear of some examples. the most important thing for guys like me just getting started is having a realistic outlook and using forums like this to our advantage to gain as much good info as we can before we head down the wrong path. Going to get my CDL through a started mega, do my time and move onto a better gig in dry van if I find that it fits me or focus on my main objective to get into a specialty. Be
The Old Man's Advice
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by LtlAnonymous, Jul 31, 2020.
Page 4 of 4
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
Grove_LA, Speed_Drums and LtlAnonymous Thank this.
-
I lasted 1 year and 10 months at Yellow before I hit the door.LtlAnonymous Thanks this. -
LtlAnonymous Thanks this.
-
JolliRoger, 201 and LtlAnonymous Thank this.
-
I've been solo 15 months with a mega (Swift). I started with reefer and still doing it. I've evaluated things several times, thinking I'm ready for more challenge. But, funny thing is, I always end up realizing I'm happy where I am. Mind you, my priorities and goals are probably different than many. I'm already semi-retired and from the get go was only planning on working until I fully retire, in about 6 years now. Also, having some pension coming in, money priorities aren't as singularly important as those who's only income is from driving.
Between the extra for hauling reefer and for being a vet, my pay isn't actually too bad comparatively.
I had thought about going the owner op route. But, this forum overwhelmingly advised me to drive a couple years before making that decision and step. Glad I did. After what I've seen, I think I like being a company driver better. The pros and cons, for me, just don't quite add up (others of course will have a different outcome as the right one for them).
In the end, I think I'm kinda lucky. Out the gate I found what seems to work best at a place that seems to suit me well. I had sort of expected I'd get my toes in the water with Swift and end up somewhere else doing something different. But, as I look around, I don't see any greener grass for my priorities and desires somewhere else hauling anything different.
Regardless, I whole heartedly agree that the OP gave really good advice. But, also don't think it is a route you should take. It's a good plan. But, if you find yourself where you want to be, unexpectedly, you can just stay there and that's ok too!hidden1, 201 and LtlAnonymous Thank this. -
The best advice I was given: "Don't drive for a trucking company, drive for a company that owns trucks."
plankton and LtlAnonymous Thank this. -
Speed_Drums Thanks this.
-
My experience has been the exact opposite of yours.201 Thanks this. -
the up side is i learned very early into my driving career how to handle a truck. always being places trucks shouldn't and doing things that shouldn't be done. ie pulling drop decks around neighborhoods and bombing off into muddy fields. dragging those around, getting stuck on the crown of a county road and never having the option to drive over a curb made normal driving on roads pretty dang easy.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 4 of 4