Trucking with a college degree

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by FluffyGuy, May 5, 2011.

  1. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    It sounds like you have found your niche'. I have a good friend who used to be a college professor. He has been running his own authority for a number of years. He misses the retirement he would have, or perhaps not, since they are broke. It was in California. He is happy running his own authority. He makes more than most college professors and is not confined to a classroom.

    I would rather do something that I enjoy and make less money than do something where I hated going to work every day and made a lot more money.
     
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  3. ECU51

    ECU51 Heavy Load Member

    Oh thats kewl,didnt mean anything by it(hope i didnt come accross as a ###),,just hope you stay up on your education,,alot of us got into trucking and for the most part got "comfortable" with the lifestyle,after 15 years Ive done more than my fair share of laps around the USA and now its more like a job so Im gettin off of the OTR thing,gonna do the daycab thing,,,Hope you the best,welcome to trucking!!!

    Oh one last thing on the Law Enforcement,im sure that you have checked out all the possible "local"(in cal) but have you thought of customs/border patrol?? Im down on the borders of TX/AZ/CA alothave talked to quite a few of them,,just a thot
     
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  4. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Biggest problem with any federal agency is that you spend more time worrying about every decision you make than you do about doing the job. I've worked with a lot of these folks, many of which are #### fine people. But if they are going to get ahead in their organization, they have to stop and think about what ANY and ALL decisions they make today, will affect their "agency history" 15 years down the road. It can be paralyzing for some people.
     
  5. FluffyGuy

    FluffyGuy Light Load Member

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    It's really hard trying to convince myself to stay in school, i've got 3 years done, i only have 7 months left. But I want to be done with it all and start driving already. i guess I just have to keep telling myself it will pay off in the long run, it's getting harder and harder though trying to convince myself of that...
     
  6. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    I understand where you are coming from. You are a big boy and have to make up your own mind. But my honest belief is that if you drop out before you get your degree, you will be doing some serious arse kicking to yourself on down the road. But it IS your decision.
     
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  7. Jarhed1964

    Jarhed1964 Road Train Member

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    I agree with this. Get your degree, cross that off your bucket list. I'll never regret getting it, but I'll probably never use it.

    Heck, I could do 7 months standing on my head! :biggrin_25525: Knock it out and then go trucking if you want!
     
  8. FluffyGuy

    FluffyGuy Light Load Member

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    So I'll be graduating in one month, I made it through and got the degree (as long as I pass my current classes) and I've decided to apply to a few companies and try trucking out and see how it goes.

    I'm going to start applying tomorrow morning when I get off of work, I'm thinking of swift, central refrigerated, and prime for now. Any other suggestions?
     
  9. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    Congrats.

    Since you resurrected your own thread....


    I got out of trucking to get my degree. Here I sit 12 years after my degree getting back into trucking.

    in 1991, I had a lot of guys on the road tell me to stay in trucking. Most of them had degrees of some sort. MBA's, accounting, business, engineers. All types.

    All said the same thing, the stress, headache, lack of appreciation and feeling that they are just a cog in the machine sent them to trucking.....

    My highest paid year going back looking at my Social Security statements. Adjusted for inflation were when I was OTR driving. Go figure.


    Now I are one too.
     
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  10. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    Other carriers you may want to check are CRST, US Xpress, Covenant, Roehl and Millis. I believe all of them hire inexperienced drivers. There may also be some regional carriers which base out of your area. Your school may be able to assist in placement. I would also check your state employment office for possible leads. Some of the trucking forums have company listings where many of the larger carriers are listed along with their minimum hiring requirements.
     
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  11. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    A degree can help finding other employment. If you should get hurt or be unable to drive a degree could help you stay in the business and move into operations with a carrier. It could also open doors to other types of businesses. There are a number of things that could prevent drivers from working, such as health issues or getting hurt. It is difficult to find a job without a degree. It is always nice to have options.
     
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