Is trucking worth it?

It is what you make of it. If you can handle the 12-14hr days, don't hit anything right off the bat and can keep the left door shut you can make out a lot better than a lot college educated people. You'll know within the 1st month if it's in you or not

 

I started when I was 28. I didn't finish high school. I literally stumbled onto the industry looking for jobs on Yahoo while working at Walmart. I'll have 13 years doing this in November. I've done well but everyone is different. This industry is really what you make of it and it's hard work even at the lowest level. The best advice I got before driving was "never rush anything" and "if you're not sure, stop!" Those 2 things have been the key to my success. When I started I was flat broke and didn't even have a credit score. I've now seen 48 states, much of Canada and have a very comfortable life. To be honest, if not for the money I'm making now, I'd walk away but there's not much I can do to make a similar income.

As far as what I recommend to get started... Many will disagree but again, to each his own...
Contact Schneider National and speak to recruiting. I don't recommend a career with them but I honestly think they are the best company to start with. They'll walk you through CDL school options, the application process and orientation.
Side note, while it wasn't a long term fit for me, many of the guys on the account I worked had 30+ years and 3 million safe miles with Schneider.

Keep in mind while it seems like the industry will hire anybody... We don't...
You'll need a solid work and residential history. Pass a drug test, physical and often a strength and agility test.

I also recommend getting your CDL permit. It's pretty cheap and you don't need anything special to get it. If you find getting the permit on your own is difficult or frustrating, it's a pretty good sign you won't last in the industry.
We chew people up and spit them out at about 120% turnover rate.

Pepsi and Coke often hire CDL permit holders and train them. That's on option. I actually got my permit to hire on with Pepsi but they chose a former Coke employee instead. I make more than double what they pay now.

 

If you don't mind the hard work food service or beverage delivery will hire you. LTL companies like old dominion, fed ex, saia will train new guys. That's quickest way to top pay in the industry. The 1st year or 2 will suck but you'll eventually get the tit runs/day time work.

 

Food service is where i got my start at 21. I wasn't gonna live in a truck so i went that route

 

Sysco, US foods, McLane, Gordon Food Service are good places to get a start. Right around 70k ish or even better your 1st year compared to 40-55k at most otr companies. Plus being home daily or every other day