Questions for the EXPERIENCED DRIVERS

Background: 22 years AF, retired MSgt

1st: Think clearly on whether you wish to leave the military. You are a mature guy and can make up your own mind. All I ask is that you think it through and make a clear-headed decision.

2nd: The VA may be able to pay for your CDL school. I'm 30% disabled (you'd be amazed at how quick that adds up) and they paid for the school and a stipend while attending. Another option is using your GI bill to cover for schooling.

3rd: Getting started in trucking can be tough. I broke in just as the economy started to drop. The military retirement is what carried me through the "lean" times while I learned how to actually make a living driving. It's not just driving you have to learn. It's time management for repairs, fueling, sleeping to stay legal etc. The guys who don't learn this stuff are the ones who fail.

As I've said, you make up your own mind. Just examine the landing zone before ya jump.

Pal

 

Good Abvice

 

My background: 20 years Navy as a Equipment Operator in the Seabees.

I know everyone is telling you to stay in and maybe you don't see it but believe me it's the best deal in town. You've got the best job security and you just might have a chance to make it work for you to transfer into trucking. I was driving OTR as a civilian while on active duty. I started in FL out of Jacksonville in 1977 when the Navy was working a 4 day week. So every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I was hauling freight in 7 states and back to work with the Navy on Monday morning. Then I got transfered where I couldn't drive but after that duty station I was back at it. This time it was for the Navy. I hauled alot of heavy equipment up and down the coast of CA. My last duty station was a R&D operation and I hauled special heavy equipment all over the states. The equipment was designed to clear old bombing ranges by remote control so I had to go where the problem was. I spent months out on the road with a rented Ryder tractor pulling a Navy triple axle flatbed. My point here is you can make the service work for you. I know it's hard to switch jobs but I know a few guys that got out of the AF at Nellis AFB that drove the refuelers and they were given jobs hauling gasoline.

Even if you can not gain any experience driving while in the service you have the peace of mind that you and your family, if you have one, know you're covered medically and that check comes in every month. Of course we all know you can not live on that alone but it's enough to get you through when times are tough.

You'll also have the advantage of just being in the service. A lot of companies know that you went through a ton of regulations for 20 years so they know you'll be a fit. So please before you hang it up look at all your options and know that truck driving will still be there no matter when you get out. Being called a lifer and all that was worth it for me because I got the last laugh over the guys that slaved for 20 years to get where I was starting at.

 

These last few guys are very smart, me, 22 years Army. That monthly check comes in very handy, thank goodness I am at a point wher I save every one. Trucking will still be here if you stay in and retire, but life in a truck will be alot eaiser.
Whatevre you deceide, I wish you the best of luck, and I thank you for your service.

Safe Miles,
Larry

 

Go to work for UPS... great pay and benefits and you'll love those spiffy uniforms!!!

I looked good in brown... so will you.

 

thanks to all of you for your service