Delayed start but we are ready now

While any new venture has its share of apprehension, don't be dismayed, you are on the right track. Your avatar shows big smiles, and a great way to start, you want to do this, and not because it's part of a plea bargain. Trucking today, is what you make it. It's always been that way, but shysters like me weasled our way in, and couldn't/wouldn't do it today. It's just a different job. Pay is usually the cheese in these deals, and most pay about the same to start. I think a dedicated team could make some good money, provided you don't have a pile of bills to pay. An apt. you never use is foolish, so many live in the truck, and THAT will be the meaning of true love. Don't worry, they'll be there, drivers aren't exactly busting down the doors today. Good luck, keep us posted, eh?

 

Good luck to ya, OP... I wouldn't buy into all the "doom & gloom" from other drivers, trucking is what you make of it, and trucking is not for everybody. Keep an open mind, never stop learning in this industry, and try to keep out of trouble with Johnny Law, crazy city traffic, road rage fooliots, etc. Look at trucking as a grand adventure, despite the occasional bad days... remember, the worst day of trucking is better than the best day in an office or a factory, lol.

Since you'll be running with your wife, here's some advice from an old hand: get a functional CB radio (I had a Cobra 29 LTD WX which worked fine), a trucker's atlas, an exit guide, a thermoelectric cooler or fridge, and keep some snacks aboard the rig. Be sure to scale loads if there's any question on the weight, and don't always trust a shipper to list the correct weight either. Try to remain positive even when dealing with wankers, lol... I know, it's a tall order! Think of it as a Zen exercise in patience!

Learn to combine tasks at every stop, that'll save time in the long run. Whenever you're at a fuel desk, check the weather on TV above the desk, especially if you're heading toward bad weather. Keep extra clothing and blankets in the sleeper, never know when ya might need 'em. Carry a decent set of tools specific to the job and your truck. Protect yourself with good gloves, eye protection & sunglasses, sturdy footgear, etc. Don't forget zip-ties, duct tape & baling wire, lol.

Just my $.02, FWIW, and since I have nothing better to do on a quiet Sunday afternoon, lol. What else can I tell ya? I had a blast during my 'trucking daze' but I also viewed the job differently than most drivers. For me, that road tractor was a 10-ton RV, or 40-ton RV with a fully-loaded wagon, lol. I handled my end of the job, but I also met cool people and had good times... many positive memories from back in the day, find my 'Trucking Daze' thread here & see what I mean!

Good luck to you and your wife on your journey... and it WILL be a journey, I guarantee it, lol. What kind of journey depends entirely upon your perspective... roll with the punches, and enjoy the calmer times as they unfold. Watch your overhead clearance, and watch that trailer swing in crowded lots or tight parking slots. Get your sleep, and get off the road when weather REALLY gets bad. Always remember The Railsplitter's famous maxim...

ANY DAY YOU DON'T KILL A WAGONLOAD OF KIDS IS A GOOD DAY!!! CHEERS!!!

 

If you choose to do this to, download many of the states 511 app’s especially out west when it comes to winter driving…knowing in advance and seeing the cams the states put online allow you to see what the roads look like too in winter on top of written reports online..

 

Please, revisit your other thread. The suggestions over there by other members needs to be strongly reconsidered. The pay you mentioned being offered is grossly under industry standards.

 

My wife and I trained together at Schneider. We went through the CAT program to get our CDLs. The trainer we were with was a local driver in Ohio so we stayed in one hotel during the time with him.

We are on a dedicated account and we've been averaging 6270 miles/week but weather has shut us down a few times.

I'm not sure if we lucked our or not but we really like our bosses & dispatchers. It doesn't pay as much as most companies but they allowed us to train together & we got it done quickly.

 

@Nahbrown --

Before you make any sort of commitment to "Big Orange"....why don't you shop around a little, and maybe score a better cpm? That 53 cents per mile is cheap (but typical for Schneider ).

Here's the team driving start page for Swift:

Team Driving Jobs, Salary & Training - Swift Transportation

If you haven't already--I'd suggest talking to Swift--and see if their terms/pay is any better (they may well be ).

Also...this page is worth a read:

CDL Jobs for Women - Female Truck Driving School - Swift Transportation

--Lual