Hi from Kansas City

Wanted to introduce myself. I spent the last 36 years working in the telecom industry and am looking to finish my career doing something since I was laid off in May. I have done allot of driving in my life time, including some regional driving back in my young days. I enjoy seeing the country and do not mind sitting behind the wheel for a good majority of each day making a living. I feel that OTR driving would be a good job at this point, despite all the negative things I have read about various companies out there. All I want is to drive legal, safe and enjoy meeting new people. I have worked with the best, the worst, and everything in between. I know the money is not so good for beginner's, but that's ok. I enjoy working hard and doing a good job, and am looking to do the best I can. I have been doing allot of research into companies and training programs. I feel that paying my training out of my own pocket and then finding that company who will reimburse me for the school costs is better than signing away 1 or 2 years of driving for a company to pay back the training costs, especially if that company is treating new hires poorly. Looking for some opinions out there on that approach. Be safe out there and thanks in advance.

 

Thank you to all of you who responded. Appreciate the feedback. I will let you know what transpires in the next 60 days. Wife is not too happy about the thought of me changing careers, but what the heck, it pays the bills. One question I did have, regarding the 11, 14 and 70 hour HOS rules. I have read many articles about the time limits, but just can not seem to get the HOS rules down pat. Does the trucking company have different rules (they honor the 70 hour rule vs. the 14 hour) or do the 3 different rules all apply to the same thing when you drive? How does the 14 hour rule fit into the 70 hour/8 day rule vs. stand along? You folks are professionals at this, but it seems so confusing when I read different posts and also read the CDL study texts available.

 

# Oldnewbiegonnabe - I like your comment. Yes, I hope a busy signal is on the horizon. Thanks.