The Old Man's Advice

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

 

This site is an oasis in the desert, most of us would have killed, or at least maimed, for a site like this years ago. Back then, like I say, It was trial and error, but job hopping didn't have the dire consequences it does today. You came to the right place.

 

I lasted 1 year and 10 months at Yellow before I hit the door.

 

True but you get tired of the nasty trucks, hotels(fleabag)(dangerous), nasty runs.

 

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!

 

The best advice I was given: "Don't drive for a trucking company, drive for a company that owns trucks."

 

Couldn't disagree more. I've driven for "companies that own trucks", in addition to their normal business operations and it was awful. They didn't have a clue how to spec trucks or their operation. A trucking company, that's all they do, and know the "truck" part much better from what works and what didn't. Every non- trucking company I drove for was a poor experience.

 

My experience has been the exact opposite of yours.

 

agree. ive driven for 2 companies that had trucks but werent trucking companies. neither of which took maintenance or HOS seriously. i look back at what i did and thank my lucky stars that i never got in too deep. i wouldn't be where i am now had i received a few (deserved) choice tickets.

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.