Starting out for rookies

Wow! what a website. So much info, i don't where to start. Guess I'll just lay it out here. Hope someone can help me get an idea of what I'm in for.

I want to buy my own tractor/trailer and start my own business hauling whatever I can to make a modest living. I've been through the trucking school nightmare back in 2001. Finished best in the class actually, but walked away without a job and a big bill to pay. I don't want to fall for the "work for me and this trainer of a yr or two" scam, so this is why i want to buy my own and start up driving that way.
My question is: am I crazy in thinking this can be done. I mean i have no real experience to speak of, but I think this could be done. I'm I being foolish? I live in a area where I could possibly haul corn and pigs. I have a perfectly good CDL in my pocket and want to make my own money with it. I'm tired off working for the other guy.

So what do you guys think? Is it worth putting my house up for or not? Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks for all the advice! I'm 54 years old, and just finished my orientation with my new company. Sitting here waiting to fly out this next weekend to meet my trainer. I guess because I'm one of the "older" trainees, I realize that I DO NOT KNOW DIDDLY! and it's my job to pay attention, listen, take all advice given and apply what works for me. I also agree strongly with you about how you represent yourself out there on the road.. It seems that alot of these "youngguns" haven't gotten that aspect of life yet. I've stopped by some truck stops and most of the truckers that I've seen look like they just rolled out of bed after being sick for a week! (No offense to anyone) but this is just what I see! What ever happened to taking pride in how you look and (smell ) and behave? ok, off my soapbox for now. All I'm saying is that I take pride in who I am as a person, respect others, looking forward to representing my company in the best possible way. I know it's hard work, but when one works hard and takes pride in what they do no matter how small or large a job it is, you feel a sense of accomplishment. Have a great weekend everyone, and be safe.

 

my wife and me ar about to finish cdl training and we want to find a company who will train us mabe togethr? do all the companys train seperate or are their any that will train us at the same time? thank you for the help on this

 

Central Ref. has trained couples at the same time before... not sure if they still do...

 

I've spent the last couple of days reading on this forum, and I now have a better idea of what I'm getting myself into...I trust and hope that when I finally do get my CDL and my first job in the industry, that I'll not be to intimidated as I thought I would when I had no idea.

I want to thank all you guys (and gals) for posting your thoughts and suggestions on what to look for and what to look forward too

 

thhank u for the info

 

could u tell us what companies might hire with only 3 mos exp? most peopl have been telling me and my wife that we need at least 6 mos to a yr to go with most company. do you know if they do teams?

 

You can find a company with a regional option. it's still OTR, 2 weeks at a time with 7 days home. Less money, but more home time. If you're interested, Roehl does have that option. Even for flatbed.

 

TNA, Yes Central will train you as a team, but I think you have to be married and the trainer has to agree to it. There are a lot of trainers who wont do it as it is very crowded with 3 people in the truck. I would sugest having two trainers because then you get two point of views and if one of your trainers were bad hopefully the other was good and you can put together the two lessons and possibly come out ahead of the game.

 

Your going to have a hard time getting a loan for the tractor and trailer. I would suggest a refer as you can hau anything, but it will have extra maint on the reffer motor.

I ended up leasing because eventhough I have 700+ credit and 10% down the banks wanted 3+ years truck driving experieance.
Good luck