Why is it so hard to become a Trucker?

Yep, without drivers I don't get a paycheck. So since you (the driver) are going to generate all the income for the company, I (the office staff) encourage you to become a driver. You get the benefits of working in an independent environment (with supervision from afar) you have a support staff that should be willing to help you in a time of crisis, and you can feel a sense of pride for helping keeping American running. Without drivers our lives would be significantly more difficult, I don't want that and I'm sure you don't want your friends and family to have to raise their own food, and make their own clothes. Or something.

Don't get discouraged, do some research on the companies you are interested in ( I like reading negative reviews myself) and make an educated decision. Every company has it's ups and downs. A key to your success will be communication, ask questions, take advice, and never assume you know anything.

I'm not sure any of this helps as it's just random stuff that is running thru my mind, but it's something.

 

That sure got me pumped.. Seriously,the only real way for anyone to know,is to in fact try it,and if it doesn't work out,at the very least it will be an experience to remember..And,one does learn things about themselves..

 

Yes, you give up a lot of social interaction - people always thought I was running for political office or something because I'm friendly, I go out and do things, etc - when driving, I always catch a movie once a week, and NOT, repeat NOT in my truck - don't even have a TV - other than driving and sleeping, I don't want to be in there. I keep it spotless inside, because I work and sleep there. And it never smells.

I always visit a karaoke place at least once a week, it's my hobby, and I've made lots of money in contests.

I go for walks. I exercise with weights. I ride my bicycle.

I'm NOT one of those gruff buggers who lives in his truck, rarely showers, and has no life. If you're going to turn into one of those, you have a miserable, shortened life to look forward to.

I use yahoo messenger to talk to extended family, I scheduled off time in different areas with extended family or friends from the military.

This industry is definitely different, something to get used to - some people can't handle it because they actually NEED constant supervision. Not me, no thanks.

This job is what you MAKE it.

 

Ahh,but we do know..(I know what you meant) thing is,there is allot to this thing called trucking,and although you will receive allot of good advice here,you will receive some also which is not so good...And what will work for one poster,probably will not work for another,as everyone IS different...So,how does someone KNOW if trucking is for them..? That,of course is the question,and a very complicated one;for some it is their life,i.e.,their calling in life,for others,it is an ok paycheck,and for others,it is a nightmare..IMO,the only way to find out,is to do it,give it a shot,but go into it realizing it will be tough the 1st year or so,and have realistic expectations,but,most importantly,make up your mind to stick it out at least a year,and then re-evaluate how it is going....Hope that helped..

 

Welcome my son....
To the Machine....

Pink Floyd
Wish you were here

Drive Eat Sleep! (repeat as often as needed to earn a buck)

After 5 years of Trucking, I cannot find a job that I like as well as I like Trucking. Go Figure! It will get into your blood, You might smell like Oil and Diesel and feel like you got the flu after a hard run from LA to the east coast somewhere and then you rest a day and then wake up and think, Gosh I love this job. And head out back down the Road. C-YA!

 

once you start and eventually work out the good from the bad companies, if you happen to be working for a bad one, LEAVE DONT GET CAUGHT AND STAY, find a good company and stay with them until you get bored or just need a change. so many people stay with a company because they get brain washed by that company . remember management are there for the company 1st and foremost $$$, not for you, but sometimes (the good ones) are also there for you, and they are companies that also make sure that you are making a reasonable income, and still have good family time.

 

rockstar,i put 30 yrs in otr and my advice to you is simply this;don't do it.

 

work a 100 plus hour's-make it look like 70-get paid for 50 hour's! (if your lucky")...it's a Great" life! Just ask" any company rep, that sit's behind their desk and goe's home every night!