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From Blue to Civilian

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by AF461, Oct 13, 2010.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Oct 13, 2010 #1
    AF461

    AF461 Medium Load Member

    380
    167
    Oct 7, 2010
    Dover, DE
    0
    Hello All,

    Newbie here just trying to get information. I in the middle of transitioning from a 15 year career in the Air Force to the civilian life (Would stay till retirement if it wasn't for medical issues).

    I've wanted to drive a big truck all my life! I use to drive down I-10 between Edwards, CA and Phoenix, AZ. I had a CB and use to talk to all the truckers. It was amazing how many I met that were super helpful and just a pleasure to talk with.

    I would really like to get a lot of information from here. I am trying to figure out what the best way to go about researching companies and which ones to stay away from. I know a lot of the driver mill companies are horrible, but it also seems unrealistic to think that I could get hired on with a smaller company because of my lack of experience. Can anyone give me some advice? BTW, this is an awesome site and I'm glad to be a part of it.
     
    AF461, Oct 13, 2010
    AF461, Oct 13, 2010
    #1
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  3. Oct 13, 2010 #2
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,756
    45,847
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
    0
    Thank you for your service, and welcome to the Forum. There are lots of ideas about getting started driving, just consider that everyone has different opportunities available.

    I have never driven for a big company in 6 years plus. It wasn't neccesary for me, but for others, it is.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 13, 2010
    25(2)+2, Oct 13, 2010
    #2
    bullhaulerswife and AF461 Thank this.
  4. Oct 14, 2010 #3
    bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

    28,573
    45,791
    Jul 23, 2007
    Midwest
    0
    Like 25 said, thank you for your service. And welcome aboard. I'm sure that you will find some ideas here, on how to get started in your area. Keep us posted on what comes your way, and good luck!
     
    bullhaulerswife, Oct 14, 2010
    bullhaulerswife, Oct 14, 2010
    #3
    AF461 Thanks this.
  5. Oct 14, 2010 #4
    stlcardsfn

    stlcardsfn Light Load Member

    92
    45
    Jun 24, 2010
    0
    As prior air force myself thank you for your 15 years. You will be able to find a ton of information here on this site. One thought would be to check community colleges in your area and apply your GI bill to the tuition. Most of the schools have job placement assistance. I know the school here is in pretty good with the local companies in the area and a lot of the students get jobs with the smaller companies here. Just a thought. Good luck to you which ever way you go. Again thank you for your service.
     
    stlcardsfn, Oct 14, 2010
    stlcardsfn, Oct 14, 2010
    #4
    AF461 Thanks this.
  7. Oct 14, 2010 #5
    thelastamericanhippy

    thelastamericanhippy Road Train Member

    1,038
    311
    Jul 10, 2010
    jacksonville, fl
    0
    Please do alot of research !!!!

    I'm not so sure using your GI Bill on truck school is the thing to do.....

    Good Luck !!!

    And Thank You Very Much for your service to our great country !!
     
    thelastamericanhippy, Oct 14, 2010
    thelastamericanhippy, Oct 14, 2010
    #5
    AF461 Thanks this.
  8. Oct 14, 2010 #6
    pepper03

    pepper03 Bobtail Member

    25
    8
    Oct 13, 2009
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    0
    TRY ENGLAND. THEY HAVE A FANTASTIC TRAINING PROGRAM FROM WHAT IVE HEARD IN THE YEARS. GET 6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS THEN WORK FOR CARRIER OF THE YEAR OUTFITS OR OTHER BLUE CHIP LINES.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/54780301@N05/?saved=1
     
    pepper03, Oct 14, 2010
    pepper03, Oct 14, 2010
    #6
  9. Oct 14, 2010 #7
    AF461

    AF461 Medium Load Member

    380
    167
    Oct 7, 2010
    Dover, DE
    0
    Thanks everyone for the comments. It's great to know that there are still some Americans that appriciate what we do. I know I appriciate all of you in the trucking industry.

    In my honest opinion, trucking is a lot like the military when it comes to home time. Your gone for much of your career and your family ends up taking the back seat. Thankfully I have a great wife that understands because she has 23 years in the Air Force and fully supports me going into the trucking industry. I hope to get the chance to talk to you all much more on this forum and I will keep you posted as to what I find and where I end up. Take care all!
     
    AF461, Oct 14, 2010
    AF461, Oct 14, 2010
    #7
  10. Oct 16, 2010 #8
    rambler

    rambler Road Train Member

    1,358
    582
    Nov 5, 2007
    0
    Welcome. Thanks for your service. Do your homework and plan everything.
     
    rambler, Oct 16, 2010
    rambler, Oct 16, 2010
    #8
    AF461 Thanks this.
  11. Oct 21, 2010 #9
    stlcardsfn

    stlcardsfn Light Load Member

    92
    45
    Jun 24, 2010
    0
    Should have mentioned it before but I see the 461 in your screen name I was a 462 load toad while in. Hope everything is working out for you. Keep us updated on your progress.
     
    stlcardsfn, Oct 21, 2010
    stlcardsfn, Oct 21, 2010
    #9
    AF461 Thanks this.
  12. Oct 22, 2010 #10
    AF461

    AF461 Medium Load Member

    380
    167
    Oct 7, 2010
    Dover, DE
    0
    Ammo and Load toads on the same forum? Watch out everyone, it could get deep in here...HAHAHA :biggrin_2559:
     
    AF461, Oct 22, 2010
    AF461, Oct 22, 2010
    #10
    stlcardsfn Thanks this.
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