Back at trucking after 20yrs

What kind of pay are you looking for?
Which state do you live in?

 

You will be shocked how crowded truck stops are compared to 20 years ago. I was away from OTR for 18 years. BTW, put Trucker Path on your smartphone. It's a live moving map that combines Google traffic, truck stop directory with live parking updates.

 

Don't forget detailed weigh station status!

 

Let's see, 20 years back,,turn of the century, right about when I got out. I think you'll find the biggest difference from then to now, is the total dependence on electronic gizmos, and the frustration that goes along with it. ELD's, HOS, distracted driving, that's the biggest, and make sure you get a dash cam, why? When it happens, you'll know. The things that have gotten better, are equipment, communication, and police cruisers, but everything that annoyed you 20 years ago, is still there. Perhaps you are thinking, how bad could it be? You'll be surprised and I think you are making a mistake, especially if you've had no interaction for a while. I couldn't do it and cancelled my CDL so I wouldn't even be tempted.

 

I had some friends over last night and we had dinner. I have been out of trucking now for a bit over 9 years. I was asked if I missed the job. I said yes parts of it. I made a lot of great friends and met thousands of people I would not have met had I stayed near home. As I have stated my health basically forced me to hang it up. I was asked if I could make one last run from Virginia to California, would I? I said no. After everything I had said my reply seemed odd. I shook my head and said there are 9 years of road changes, 9 years of changes all across this industry. I am 9 years behind the curve and because of this, it would be like being a green driver all over again. I got some really weird looks afterward and we changed the topic!

OP, 20 years is a long time to be out of trucking. For all intent and purposes, you are a new driver all over again. The landscape of this job has changed a lot!

 

Have a backup plan if the trucking thing doesn't work out.
I think you are going to be sorely disappointed in the differences between the year 2000 and 2022.

If you are working for any sized company at all, expect to have every aspect of you position micro-managed.
An extension of the ignition switch, to be turned on and off at the whim of many factors well beyond your control.

Major negative points in no particular order, none of which existed in 2000.

Electronic Logging Devices ( and the companion unreasonable supply chain scheduling conflicts they contribute)
Constant surveillance(inward, outward cameras, systems that notify you company of every infraction, 100% location status)
Much more aggressive regulatory environment in all areas of the industry.
An interstate system that is 25% (or more) crowded now than 22 years ago and way over design capacity in all major metropolitan areas
Influx of entry level drivers where English is a second language, impacting your operations and quality of life on the road.
Serious parking issues in many areas of the country. Companies that used to let you stay on their property overnight for pickup or delivery severely diminished.

Major positive points in no particular order:
The trucks are nicer.
The coffee may be better at the "travel centers" you visit since there are almost no truck stops left.

 

$60 - $70K is about normal these days.
Can make much more with tankers or Line haul companies.