Why do people keep telling me trucking is not the same?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by YOUNGSTER, Dec 18, 2010.

  1. YOUNGSTER

    YOUNGSTER Light Load Member

    69
    11
    Aug 6, 2010
    Sacramento, CA
    0
    I am a youngster just starting up, and every old timer I talk to tells me to get out of the industry why is that? They keep saying it is not the same as it used to be.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    2,780
    6,784
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    Well Im an old timer driver, Go for it son. You`ll never know, unless you try. See if you know someone with a Big truck, and find a big, parking lot, and see if he`ll give you a shot at it. Take it around the parking lot a couple of times, then get back to us, and tell us how you feel.
     
    Big Don Thanks this.
  4. BarnDog

    BarnDog Light Load Member

    131
    51
    Nov 30, 2010
    0
    Well, you answered your own question. I don't think it's unusual for people to want out of an industry after it changes.

    I had 25 years of experience in a different industry, and in the last few years of that, things just started getting turned upside down. I got burned out, took some time off from it and later thought I might try to go back. After I checked it out and interviewed for a few jobs, I knew the old days were dead and gone. I gave up on it and moved on, have no interest in it any more.

    Now I'm looking at trucking, and I know there'll be a lot of crap, but that's the way it is, and I'm not hung up on what used to be. The way it is today is "the new normal", and if I get a chance to try it, I'll judge it on that basis, and not the "olden days".
     
  5. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

    7,031
    8,621
    Sep 3, 2010
    0
    I have been around this business for many years. During those years I have witnessed a lot of changes. I dare say that I have seen more changes during the last decade than in the previous 30 years. I think that it is still a good business. But it isn't as much fun as it was a few years ago. It is becoming more challenging due in part to over regulation by the government. With state coffers low we are an easy target for revenue enhancement. Changes are coming with much greater frequency. We either adapt or get out of the business. I have a couple of friends who have decided to get out of the business after 30 or 40 years. They are tired of fighting the government and all the inept drivers on the roads.
     
    heyns57 and rocknroll nik Thank this.
  6. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    2,780
    6,784
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    25 years in another industry is a huge plus. You might be new in trucking, but your past experience will get you a phone call before most young newbies. They will see, you had 25 years there, and must have been a good employee. Your track record will work. Go for it. Good Luck.
     
    BarnDog Thanks this.
  7. YOUNGSTER

    YOUNGSTER Light Load Member

    69
    11
    Aug 6, 2010
    Sacramento, CA
    0
    I already have my license and have drove for about 5000miles under my belt. i love it. Thats why i was asking why the old timers are telling me to get out lol
     
  8. BarnDog

    BarnDog Light Load Member

    131
    51
    Nov 30, 2010
    0
    Thanks for the kind words! Fortunately, I'm going to do my training at my local CC, so I'll have a chance to see if I really like to drive a truck before I have to hitch my horse to a particular cart!

    I have no doubt that if I can actually sit down in front of a decision maker at some point, I could get hired. I'm a "hella" salesman when it comes to myself! Unfortunately, in this day and age where applicants get "processed" like a side of beef, rather than a prospective asset to the company, it can be tough to get a foot in the door.

    But, I'll run with it, and see how it shakes out!
     
    Wargames Thanks this.
  9. Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

    6,527
    5,242
    Jan 27, 2009
    New Ulm,MN
    0
    Because that is the way of things.. One day,many years from now,you will be saying the same thing.. :biggrin_2556:
     
  10. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

    2,780
    6,784
    Jul 22, 2010
    WI.
    0
    Asking is always good. But talk to your wife or Dad, and If you are not hurting for big money, go for it. It will take you awhile, but time is the only way to learn, I have 37 years driving, it wasn`t given, it was earned by time driving. Even after all these years I STILL learn something, probably because I forgot, Blame it on Old age. LOL
     
  11. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

    3,270
    2,532
    Jul 30, 2009
    Mapleton Depot,PA
    0
    Look at it this way, what hasn't changed in 25 or more years. Unless you are old order Amish, everything has changed, and will continue to change. Some folks can adapt, others feel the changes and new aggrevations are not worth it and quit, or change to something else. You have to decide what it is you want or need.
     
    ac120 Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.