Been thinking about doing this for a few years

Welcome to the board. I've only been here a short while myself, but have spent hours of research on some different companies as I choose which ones to apply for.

I can answer a few of your questions. As I understand, you are allowed by law to drive 11 hours/day, work 14 hours/day, and 70 hours/week. Generally, if you are otr, and the miles are there you will be putting in very long weeks.

I'll let the experts take over from here...

 

The thing about driving, I don't think anyday can be typical, at least thats how I stayed safe all these years. Always expecting the unexpected. Start and stop times vary, denpending on pickups dropoffs and route planning.
The turn ons? What do you like. being on the road , not having someone over yourshoulder. Taking responsiblity, meeting new people.
The turn offs. .. can be many.. dealing with traffic.. horrible inconsiderate drivers...not liking to be alone.. It's not for everyone and you will def. get out what you put into it.
have a good additude expect to pay your dues.
The pay is not going to be as good in the begining as it will after you get experience and do the job right.
If your are starting fresh. go in with a good additude and work ethic, be professional treat people the way you would want to be treated ...even if they don't treat you that way.... I found that works best and you might even win some over.
I hope that helps a bit.
Good Luck

 

What is a typical day like?
What time do you "start" and quit everyday?
How many hours worked per week?
What will the pay be like?
What are the turn-offs / on's?


there is no typical day per say. your days all depend on the shippers/recievers. there is no start/stop times. it depends mainly on your log book. i typically try to run day time hours but it doesnt always work that way. esp. if i got a 3 am delivery at a grocery warehouse, then i just try to catch a cat nap. sleeping is a huge sacrifice you will make. i run on approx. 5-6 hrs a day of sleep and thats if i'm lucky. you'll run 66-70 hrs a week if you want to make some money. pay can go both ways. it depends on you. if you go out there and piddle fart around then your not gonna make much. go out there and just run it and do what you gotta do and you'll make decent money. more years you drive, the more you make. usually about 1-2 yrs and you can make some change. whatever you dou stay with the first company for a year and then the doors open up and the good companies come knocking. but don't answer if jb,swift,crengland and werner come to the door. try to stay away from these esp. being new to the business or you'll get the short end of the stick. i do it for the love of my freedom and seeing places i wouldn't see any other way. biggest down fall in my opinion for me is the hygiene thing. taking showers in truck stops and having to tinkle in the middle of the night. too me the good out ways the bad and thats why i do it.

 

I know that I'd like a local gig such as driving a cement truck (is that a CDL?) or a delivery truck for a Supermarket or water & beverage company e.g. Coke/Pepsi, Arrowhead, or something similar ot this.
I'm assuming you need a class A for these and also, are these jobs hard to come by and also how is the pay for


cement trucks and dump trucks are generally class B. basically you need the class A for any vehicle that is a 2 piece. (coke,pepsi,wally world,supermarkets) the harder the job is too get typically means it's a better job than the norm. people don't qiut a good job.

 

do you know any body with a truck ? i personally went to a school to acquire a class A and paid for it myself. the B i'm not sure of since i have never had one. there are companies out there that train you for the A but usually gotta sign a contract with them for a year or so. it all depends on if you got the money or can get a grant of some sort to pay for it. there are several drivers on here that did that so hopefully they can give you more info on that. before you decide this is what you want to do think twice. it's not all roses but it works for me quite well. do alot of research and ask questions all you want. the only dumb question..you know the rest.

 

Yngwie, Class B licenses don't require a road test, at least not in Michigan. Just pass the written test, pay the man and that's it. Most class B companies want experience also, but I'm pretty sure you can find one if you look. Class B jobs don't typically pay as good, but you'll see alot more home time to be sure. School bus, Transit bus, Propane truck, Delivering supplies of all kinds (try medical suplies for home), Furniture, Bucket truck, Garbage truck are all class B. There are alot of alternatives to OTR, especially if you live in the city. The license is easy, the job'll be tougher. But, if you opt for OTR, and have a good driving record and no criminal activity, some companies offer sponsored training with a signed contract. As always, good luck!