Why do so many newbies disappear after they hit the road?

Vanish from the forum or vanish from the industry?

I think the reasons for newbies leaving the industry are fairly well established. As for the forum, people do that on every forum. They only post when they have a question or concern. Once they get on their own, they realize time in the seat will teach them more or less everything they need to know so they stop coming here to ask.

 

What??! I'm sorry that is all you made, but CRST is a known low-payer, what about Conway and Prime, to name only two? They are considered starter companies, but you can easily make 35 to 40 your first year. This is well documented on TTR and my personal conversations with drivers who are very happy at both of these companies. Don't be a company man? Don't be a LEASE man, man!

 

Gravdigr, I'm thinking about L/P. What are some things I need to know before getting into it?

 

One word.....aliens.

 

Uh, depends what you know now, and where you plan to L/P. I spent the better part of a year learning about fuel mileage, trip planning, freight lanes, dealing with brokers/agents, cost of operations, building a business plan, setting goals, running a business, permits and licensing, truck maintenance, contracts and insurance, taxes...I'm sure there is a lot more I can't think of at the moment. There is a lot more to it than hopping in a truck and driving. Going in unprepared will turn you into another failed L/P statistic.

 

Sure doesn't seem like the trucking biz has much to do with moving products from someone to someone anymore does it?

 

Because it turns into a job and the excitement wears off.
Or they hit something

 

I pick stuff up and bring it somewhere and drop it off. Then I go get other stuff.

 

OP I wouldn't know as I kept in contact with classmates at school, drivers in orientation, my trainer, and new friends. I do know that a lot of people are fake so they will seem like your friend until they no longer have to see you anymore.

 

I signed up to TTR last july after learning the company that I was with was closing up shop. With the help of my federal government, I was given the funding to obtain my CDL... that occured in October 2011. Being from Canada and in a city of 50000, there arent very many local outfits to apply to, that will take newbies. I submitted my application to schneider, challenger and some local outfits.... schneider was the only company to call me and offer me a chance to go to orientation. I started with them in December, and finally went solo in jan 2012. I am still with them, averaging 2200-2500 miles a week.

I was given the speech from my wife about wanting to separate because she was feeling more like a single mom then a truckers wife(currently have a 6 yr old and a 10 month old). We talked things over and have averted the separation crisis, at least for now. My 6 year old has been telling me since I joined the big orange to quit and get a job closer to home. She has recently realized that I need to get more experience before I can venture towards something closer to home.

Being the only income earner in the house really sux, cuz any money I make goes to bills and rent. I get discouraged waiting more then 2 hours after I deliver a load to get another one, cuz if the wheels aint turning, I aint earning. I have yet to be involved in any kind of accident, better yet have not had to be pulled in for any kind of inspection. I like the company as a whole, an d will stick with them as long as I can keep rolling.

Just a little tid bit from a newbie that is still around the industry.