Help a trucker wannabe out!

My husband does his paper log and also the qualcomm- that automatically tracks his HOS and miles-but that has been on the fritz more than not lately. He does also turn in other paper work yes to get paid. I am sure each company has their specifics

 

Just a suggestion... but I've found most truckers fairly approachable at truck stops. It may be well worth it to go into a truck stop and get some face time with some truckers on the job. I've done so and have found not just good information but some great conversations about life on the road.

Not saying everyone will want to talk with you, but there's certainly at least someone sitting in the drivers lounge doing nothing but watching TV waiting for a load or whatever and would be happy to talk with someone.

Though not being a trucker (and never actually having set foot in a big rig) I agree with many of the comments before, and it all boils down to attitude. The most successful truckers it seems have a good a attitude no matter what is thrown at them.

BTW, a really good youtube series about a trucker with a great attitude towards what he does is here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/journey95#p/u/18/FTLlDbmJ9Uk
Just watch the whole series (it kind of grows on you), and you'll get the idea of keeping a positive attitude and see what life is like from a trucker's perspective.

 

Yeah, it was like that for me as well. I stayed up really late into the evening watching it. I'm now a subscriber to his youtube channel and continue waiting for updates.

Good luck and keep learning.

 

It's certainly crossed my mind. However, after much discussion and thought into it, I've decided that it probably isn't right for me right now. I have little ones that need me at home for the time being.

It most definitely is a lifestyle choice, but for those that have the attitude, it seems like they wouldn't trade it for anything else.

For me, I'm quite content with what I have in life. I definitely struggle career wise right now, but in the long-run I think there will always be the option of going into trucking. There will always be trucks on the road.

I learned a lot from both reading on this board, watching youtube videos and actually visiting with truckers at local truck-stops, which I highly recommend. You'll hear some great stories from drivers who've never even heard of the internet, much less the Truckers Report.

All I can say is keep learning until you are entirely sure of your decision, and don't make any rash decisions. I'm glad I didn't.

 

Good attitude Zfei-cuz if you got in for the wrong reason or wrong time-from what I am reading on here-sounds like you would be pretty miserable. The more research and information you can gather the more prepared you will be and can make a beter decision-like you are doing. Seems like attitude is a HUGE part of this profession-either gonna get you ahead or hold you back.
Good luck!

 

Thanks Sammycat. I think I made the right choice to stay on the side-lines for now. Still, I enjoy hearing about others' experiences trucking.

At some point I may be able to get behind the wheel, or quite possibly find myself doing something different entirely.

Be safe out there.

 

you guys are funny...trying to paint the worst case. I get it. Listen, there are companies out there that do NOT make you go out for 5-6 weeks. STAY away from those. I am not a seasoned driver...been in it for 3 years only. From day one to now I am out maybe 8-10 days and home for 3-4 and still pull in $80,000 a year. I am a paid tourist. My wife is AMAZING and my kids are awesome.