What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of his career?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by gone4truck, Jun 18, 2021.

  1. Cali kid

    Cali kid Road Train Member

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    True back when I started driving, local was tuff to break into as it was 2010 so lots of folks were still recovering from the recession thus there were lots of applicants. Plus if they did hire you it was at crap wages anyways. So I figured I would love to see the country while I could .
     
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  3. Cali kid

    Cali kid Road Train Member

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    Yeah I stuck it out for the resume plus alot of old timers said after the first year clean, the doors will start to open. Boy were they right.
     
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  4. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    I would suggest getting "good at it" before moving to specialized equipment. Drivers that can maneuver a truck keep the job when a lay off come. That said, being good at it sometimes can backfire on you. Got a tough job! Go get the top hand. He can do it.
     
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  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    He may have always been told all the LTLs won’t hire anybody with less than 5 years experience. When I was in his position that was true, but that has since went out the window. We’re all way too busy and way too shorthanded.
     
  6. freebeertomorrow

    freebeertomorrow Heavy Load Member

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  7. gone4truck

    gone4truck Bobtail Member

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    Yeah, I was having a hard time finding local jobs as a freshly graduated cdl driver. The first major challenge of any career, not just trucking, is getting your foot in the door.

    Now that I have close to 3 months of experience (which is jackshit), I've been getting a lot of calls lately. I actually turned down a local gig that paid decent but only because it was night shift.
     
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  8. gone4truck

    gone4truck Bobtail Member

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    What are some good things about LTL?
     
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  9. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Local, good pay, benefits with the right outfit.
     
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  10. Gypsy88

    Gypsy88 Bobtail Member

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    ME TOO! Though I've got no problem staying for a year or more. But I'm in my 40's, time is a bit more relative to our respective view points I would guess. I should have started earlier, but I couldn't for reasons I'd like to not get into.
     
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  11. freebeertomorrow

    freebeertomorrow Heavy Load Member

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    home daily. high wages. benefits IE paid holidays, vacation, sick days, 401k, profit sharing, provided uniforms and the list goes on.
     
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