Change of status, wanna be to trucker

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by T-RIX, Sep 19, 2011.

  1. T-RIX

    T-RIX Light Load Member

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    Jul 7, 2011
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
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    I took the advise of many of you and shy'd away from the mega's and company schools. Took my experience, went looking for the job I wanted, and landed an excellent driving job.

    Next Monday I start working for a boat hauler. Small but expanding company, with a built in steady supply of work.

    F-350's and a Chevy 4500 5th wheel bob tail for the 30 footers and under. A pair of Western Star's with tri axle transporters for yatchs up to 65 feet.

    A nice compensation pakage, decent weekly paycheck + percentage of the load, paid benefits after 90, company credit card for expences on the road.

    The company paid all the hiring costs, drug, DOT Med, even my Class A road test and licence fees.

    The moral of this story? Look around you, that perfect job may be right in front of you!

    I hope this one turns out to be mine, it's lookin' good so far. :biggrin_255:
     
    Gears, 7122894003481, Cowpie1 and 2 others Thank this.
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  3. aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Aug 24, 2011
    Sunny Tampa Florida
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    Congratulations!

    Sounds like you have a good gig, wish you the best and many miles accident free.
     
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  4. groundpounder

    groundpounder Road Train Member

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    Nov 13, 2009
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    smart move your already ahead of the game..

    Being your in FL I would think hauling boats would keep you pretty busy, good luck..
     
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  5. HD_Renegade

    HD_Renegade Road Train Member

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    Dec 20, 2010
    North Carolina
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    Sounds like a pretty good deal, ummm do they have any more openings?
     
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  6. GSWx

    GSWx <strong>Doc In The Box</strong>

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    Aug 13, 2011
    Coastal Alabama.
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    Congratulations. Many happy miles to you. :biggrin_255:
     
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  7. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    Congrats man! YES! Thinking outside the box pays off! Don't follow the herd! There are tons of jobs like this out there but a lot of people just think they have to follow the path of everyone else. A lot of this is due to the trucking schools. They get paid by the mega-carriers to steer you toward them. They even have recruiters come in during class to talk to you and do a little brainwashing. There are so many better opportunities out there though! I guess from a newbie point of view though if you don't know any better some of those recruiters really make their companies sound like the golden options. Then they whip out the picture of the brand new truck going around a mountain curve somewhere in Utah with their company logo on the side of their truck and tell you that "this could be you" "just sign on the dotted line"!

    My wife and I had a gig hauling horses commercially in a sweet custom show truck and trailer! My wife loved horses and had a lot of knowledge in the field and between her skills and mine we were perfect for the job. We got paid salary and had a daily per diem plus we stayed in a hotel most of the time. Though this isn't for everyone there are so many unique gigs like this out there. Some pay very well too!

    You just have to think outside the box!

    Way to go man, very happy for you and hope you have a good time out there!
     
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  8. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    Nov 25, 2008
    Kellogg, IA
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    Excellent! Yep, I agree, thinking outside the box was the way to go. Hopefully many other new drivers will follow your example.

    Good luck!
     
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  9. 7122894003481

    7122894003481 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 6, 2011
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    Congratulations on the new job. Good job on avoiding the mega carriers.

    Best of luck.
     
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  10. T-RIX

    T-RIX Light Load Member

    125
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    Jul 7, 2011
    Fort Lauderdale, FL
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    Been running alot of trips (4-5 days) gulf and south east coast, mostly in the Kodiak with the 50' gooseneck.

    Did my first solo run in the Western Star today. Short trip over to Ft. Myers and back.... all good.

    Now, leaving Sunday morning for NJ to pick up a big Bertram sport fish to bring back to FL. 13'6 wide with a tower and out-riggers,

    let the mayhem ensue! :yes2557:

    Pretty stoked, thanks everyone for all the helpfull advice.
     
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