OK Question

You are so right man. You're not gonna get rich but you can make a decent honest living and support your family. So much does depend on the individuals attitude and mindset.

 

jobs are hard to get these days, the people that have those jobs are keeping them. most companies require 1-3 years over the road experience for a local jobs. you are most likely going to have to go over the road. even the otr jobs are scarce right now.

 

Every post on this thread has great info for you. My only suggestion would be don't wait till you graduate from cdl school to start applying for jobs. Start the same day you start school; with just a little luck and a good attitude even in today's economy you will probably have several orientation offers before school is over. Remember your not employed until they put you in a truck and start paying you. Best of Luck to ya.

 

You see the same sorts of questions on here too often. LOL Someone should make

a thread "most commonly asked questions about trk ind" thread and havea list of QandA

 

I believe in today's market you should try to specialize yourself in what you haul. Go for overloads, HM, or any trucking jobs that requires specialized training. Not only will you make more money but your job is just a little more secure than just any plain old OTR job. It's something to plan for.

BTW you guys can fight all you want between flats and vans because I'll take tanks any day of the week and twice on sunday.

 

You guys can have all that vans/refers and flatbed stuff. I take my tanker anytime. No tarping, strapping, groc whs, produce mrks, sliding tandems, 53 ft trls, lumpers, pallets etc etc etc.

Plus the haz-mat is not that big of a deal, As long as you are with a reputable company. Once you get used to the ld moving, and the surge no prob. It also usually pays a little better (that whole detention pay is nice. Making money while trl is unloading and reading a book is not a bad thing).

And on a side note, after almost 10 years of doing it, I have found that the customers (both shippers and receivers) are nicer to the drivers (i.e. you get treated with a little more respect) then they ever were when I pulled the square trailers. Yes, I know that is a subjective view. But that has been my experience.

 

I'd never go back to anything but tankers. And I like the big ones. How do you like the one that I drove before I retired? I could unload 12,450 gallons in little over 15 minutes. Plus it road smooth as glass all the time.

 

Sorry , I missed this . When I don't get a chance to get on often some posts are outside what shows up on new posts . Doesn't really matter though . I work for an affiliate of Quality Carriers and they require 2 years OTR experience . Quality and affiliates do hire occasionally because corporate is very strict on safety and will terminate someone in a heartbeat for a violation . My affiliate has 30 drivers and corporate told them 2 had to go this year . They were good drivers that were guilty of minor violations .