Getting out of law enforcement for trucking

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by Blueline89, Mar 30, 2022.

  1. Blueline89

    Blueline89 Bobtail Member

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    Hello all new here, I’m looking to get out of law enforcement been in for about 8 years and it’s just getting crazy and exhausting. I’ve been offered a trucking job about 2 hours from me and willing to send me to school no contract, just no pay while in school. ‍♂️ I’m located in southern Illinois and it’s been hard hard to find local only with no experience. *the job offer I have is local only* but my wife and I will most likely have to relocate because I can’t do the 2 hours there and back daily. Hopefully this all makes sense my phone is cracked and tried my best. Lol it is a teamster job as well. Is there any questions you all think I should ask?
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Troopertotrucker, ( one of the members here, ) your phone is ringing. 1st of all, just like the military, thank you for your service. LEO's have the hardest job today. Many turn to trucking, with limited results. The word "wife" instantly raises a red flag, trucking, especially OTR, which is likely what you'll do, is the killer of most marriages. LOcal or regional is better, but much harder to get into. Also, coming from a strict regiment, like law enforcement or military, you may be appalled at the lack of common decency, you may be accustomed to. For many today, it's the "last game around" and with local companies going out of business, trucking is truly the last resort for many. I say don't do it. Heck, a Walmart manager probably pays the same with much more rewarding results. Best of luck, my friend, if you simply must, you came to the right place.
     
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  4. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    Myself and @TROOPER to TRUCKER are right here with ya lol the first question I'd ask is, if they're sending you to school, is there any way you can be pentalized if you decide to leave/quit?
     
  5. Blueline89

    Blueline89 Bobtail Member

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    Well without me signing a contract I wouldn’t see how that would be possible, but I’ve seen stranger things
     
  6. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    It's definitely possible. Not saying it's going to happen but it's best to ask and make sure it doesn't. Lots of places like to hide stuff in fine print and not mention it
     
  7. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    Hello and welcome to this industry.
    If you thought your previous jobs was dangerous, here is the danger level for truck driving according to BLS: No 1.
    Driving a truck is the deadliest job in the U.S., feds say
    say/#:~:text=Driving%20a%20truck%20is%20the%20deadliest%20job%20in,4%20Grounds%20Maintenance%20Workers%205%20Miscellaneous%20Agricultural%20Workers.
    I'm retiring after 20+ years doing it, and I can say that I'm lucky that I survived that long.
    Let's start talking abut the 3D.
    Depression: No matter what you do, after awhile you'll feel depressed.
    Depression can be alleviated, slightly, but, it'll be with you probably forever.
    Divorce: Yeah, you may think it'll never happen to you. Chances are that it will.
    Diabetes: Truck drivers has an increased risk of diabetes due to insane work schedules, the long periods of sitting and poor eating habits.
    There are many drivers here ready to help you with advise.
    Ask as many questions you can, before you make life changing decisions.
    Good luck.
     
  8. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    I'm not trying to start a debate over this but trucking is a cake walk compared to law enforcement lol I'm sure all those things you stated are true and accurate but once you've gotten out of police work everything seems easy as pie.
     
  9. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    I wish that you and others with experience in trucking may help him choose wisely.
    Of course, he needs to consult with his wife and some good options for him, may not work for her.
    Which in fact may complicate things. He should ask as many questions as possible before making decisions like relocating. @Chinatown may be able to chime in and recommend some solutions.
     
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  10. NewbiusErectus

    NewbiusErectus Medium Load Member

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    It’s up to you to research. But for me, coming from the printing/graphics industry, it’s the best move I ever made.

    i will say that I got lucky, and I had friends who were drivers who helped guide me.

    After 3 years of tanker driving on the road, I ended up with a private fleet local teamsters gig. I’m going on 7 years at the place; and if I ever had to find another job, I think I’d get out of the biz. Good healthcare benefits, paid time off, 401k, plus pension; decent equipment, we’re paid for everything we do, and not a lot of physical labor.

    The worst part is also the best part. That would be seniority ~ it rules everything. It’s tough being at the bottom when you start, but after you get some years under your belt, it becomes a very good thing.

    I’d say, talk to some drivers at that company, if you can. Find out as much as you can. How many hours per week? What are the start times? Guaranteed days off? Work holidays? Overtime/doubletime pay?

    It’ll also depend on your attitude. Sometimes you’ll have bad days, but you gotta stay focused on the big picture and relax. Military experience helps, and I’d say law enforcement would be similar. It helps keep you in line, like, not whining about dumb things. You’ll have the dumb things, but if you can see the big picture, you’ll be relaxed about the dumb stuff.
     
  11. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    Hazmat tanker?
    A newbie should start doing general freight/dry vans until he gets some experience.
    2-3 years minimum, then he can move to specialized transport.
    Tanker, reefer, car hauling and OS/OW are all specialized segments.
    Correct?
     
    pumpkinishere, 201 and Trucker Paul Thank this.
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