Pet Policy and Training Length to go Solo

I'll save you the trouble..... NO it ISN'T.
Going trucking is like getting married. The first little while you're gonna get screwed real regular but then they expect you to do chores.

 

Hi Rebel, I am in the same situation. I have a little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that has separation anxiety and I am wanting to take him too. I can't imagine leaving my precious baby for months at a time while I go through training. I am starting this lifestyle at the old age of 56 and will be another woman alone! I grew up in a trucking company and my dad had 30 trucks. He let his drivers bring their pets and I do believe that because of this, his drivers were happier. Please post on this board if you find a company that will let you take your dog through training and I will do the same for you. It is so nice having this board. I too have learned a TON from the nice people here. Thank you all.
RocketJ

 

Just wanted to let u know im in the same ''boat'' as u. I love my golden retreiver and hes the only thing keeping me back from joining a school and hitting the road. Although ive drove a few times with an ex boyfriend. Have my ''temps'' and physical card im not confident in taking the test...hope you were able to come up with something for your lab. Let me know if you found out anything. Thanks. Deb

 

Kat - I understand how you feel but you are totally over-romanticizing the industry. You might have a good talk with another driver over coffee sometime if you're lucky, but nobody is going to be your friend on the road. The comraderie died when cell phones got big --- people stopped using the C.B. radio, then they withdrew into themselves like turtles in a shell - they focus on their family through the cell phone while on the road and basically don't give a rat's benute about other drivers on the road.

You want my honest advice as a 12-year experienced driver with a perfect MVR and perfect CSA score? Stay in one place and make friends where you are - or friends at church - or both.

The only reason you will make 'what your worth' is by working 65 to 70 hours per week and I'm telling you right now, it ain't worth it. Either find a way to get paid what your worth where you are now or just find a way to budget under your current job and try to be content.

The paychecks people tell you about seem big until you find out how much you have to spend to survive on the road - far away from home - even if you try to be careful about your spending habits.

If I had it all to do over again, I would never go near a trucking school or company. I've been married 26 years to the same woman but, whether you are single or married, the trucking lifestyle is the worst deal I can possibly imagine. It is the closest thing to a form of indentured servitude you will ever likely encounter in the U.S.A.

Honestly, I love my ability to drive a truck, I am extremely good at docking and maneuvering in reverse (including blind-side) and I enjoy that challenge... plus, I have greatly enjoyed a lot of scenery I never would have seen before... , I have driven Freightliners, Petes, Kenworths, Volvos, Internationals (and locally, a Mack) but I would give that all up to have a stable life at home (and work 40 to 45 hrs per week, not 65 to 70). And, you might be able to save some money up on the road if you are extremely careful about your spending in truck stops and other major traps (go to WalMart instead!) but in the end you will ask yourself how you were ever fool enough to believe that this was actually a good idea.

You might look at me as a negative "dream killer" but, believe me, I am trying to save you misery and heart ache.

If you want to see the road, buy a motorcycle and learn to ride it safely or find a good, used, extremely good mileage car and see it that way. You'll have freedom and flexibility and you won't be a slave to a trucking company or all the government regulations (and that coming from someone with a perfect safety record and also a Phase One trainer (newbies) of 8 students.

If you want comraderie, go to church or buy a motorcycle (or both) and find a friendly riders' group like CMA. The comraderie is still there - big time - with bikers. But if you buy one, you'd better be set to become the safest rider / and most defensive driver on planet Earth because there are no second chances - and wear a full face helmet and body armor - doggone it!

I wish you the best and hope to hear back from you.

(Licensed 20 years - driven 12 due to a 6 year interruption because of a serious disability). Have been back in trucking for 3 years - what a nightmare.

If you choose to ignore this advice, write to me - I will tell you all I can about doing it right and the pitfalls to watch for --- Rule 1 - get a trainer of the same sex as you are and don't take no for an answer. If you are female, which I assume you are, be sure you get a female trainer and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. But please think long and hard about what I said. Life is too short - and you will watch yours ooze away in trucking.

dth

 

If your driving experience is NON-CDL truck, here's how companies/trainers think - 1) oh, no, this person will think they already know it all. 2) You've probably developed bad habits they will have to break, meaning you'll be very hard to train...especially if you already think you know ANYTHNG.

 

we call it anxiety- the dog calls it love

 

Hi all, just wanted to give you this link. I do not know how updated it is for pet policies but it is worth checking into. I am a 51 year old female with a four legged child just getting into the business. Yes, I am at the point in life where I get to decide how it goes. This may or may not be the right career move for me but only God and time will tell.

Good luck to all and stay safe,

http://bigrigdogs.com/component/com_sobipro/Itemid,603/sid,4/site,4/

 

werner- 1 dog for each driver!!! no weight limitations- max- 4 heart beats- but then you read the posts on how companies treat you etc- what happens during break down? I worked with one carrier- and i had to change power units-- and they expectedme to carry all my junk, tools, food, clothes etc on a grey hound...

 

Good luck. I wish I could bring my beagle out with me she loves to drive and having a co-pilot would be awesome!!