Is trucking worth it?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Solo Soul, Jun 9, 2021.

  1. Solo Soul

    Solo Soul Medium Load Member

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    What do you mean by be prepared? I don't do drugs.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I always warn anyone going into trucking about the drug test.
    When I do that, many decide to wait a few months before applying. If they test positive, that ends that career change idea.
    Since you don't do drugs, you can get started immediately.
     
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  4. Solo Soul

    Solo Soul Medium Load Member

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    Thanks.
     
  5. Travis05Lock

    Travis05Lock Bobtail Member

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    Hey man I'm 34 getting into this career. The thing I have learned and thinking about doing since 2017. I have done appliance repair work, fast food, handyman and odds and end jobs. And with that I wasn't happy on what I was doing. When you are behind the wheel, after training and so forth your by yourself. Which honestly is a great thing because your not dealing with anyone but your dispatcher and what not.
    I want to get into trucking because yes of course the paycheck. But mostly being able to drive a 18 wheeler and being able to haul food, clothing, shoes something to someone that is going to need it. As I see it the trucker is the bloodline of America.
    And here's a question to anyone that wants to get into this career. Is how bad do you want to become a truck driver? Be in mind that your going to be out for days, weeks and sometimes months. You are going to deal with bad weather, nasty truck drivers, four wheeler's, backed up traffic, d.o.t. Are you willing to sacrifice a few days without showering, sleeping in a truck. You know. But it is all up to you, and what you want to do for a living. Some people don't make it. Mostly some peoples first year or start getting into it and they quit because they can't handle it. So, I wish you the best of luck to you and think about it and ask around. Do research ask some youtube truck drivers and people on trucker fourms.
     
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  6. Solo Soul

    Solo Soul Medium Load Member

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    I guess it will be better than what I am right now, delivering food for gig apps and killing my car.
    And I am single, I think I can deal with being away. And I will consider living in the truck to save rent money.
     
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  7. cman87

    cman87 Light Load Member

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    If you want to go that route I would highly recommend trying to get on Estes regional linehaul driver if you can handle nights
     
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  8. frmerdrslmer

    frmerdrslmer Bobtail Member

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    Keep in mind while most drivers are friendly, there a lot of tall tales and negativity. Companies will lie. I recommend Schneider because if you listen, after a year there, you'll have a spotless record. As others said, after a year the industry really opens up. You can say no to job offers and can get job offers in minutes. Don't be afraid to call lots of companies. You'll find out fast how desperate they are. Somebody said something about hair follicle testing... LoL. I always make them take arm pit hair. Random and ongoing drug testing is part of the job.
     
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  9. Solo Soul

    Solo Soul Medium Load Member

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    What is the secret to having a spotless CDL?
    While driving my personal car, I follow traffic signs and never speed. I haven't received a ticket in 6 years. I had some tickets when I was young and dumb. And insurance companies taught me a lesson that I will never forget.
     
  10. meechyaboy

    meechyaboy Heavy Load Member

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    As far as accidents expect people to do stupid stuff 100% of the time. They will not... I repeat THEY WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN... include yourself in that too.. so that means double check everything
     
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  11. Solo Soul

    Solo Soul Medium Load Member

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    Last night I read that thread about that truck doing a u-turn at the interstate turnaround for law enforcement. Yeah, that's really stupid. It's not only stupid, it is criminal behaviour frankly speaking. I would never dare doing that in my car, and the guy did it in a commercial truck.
     
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