Looking to become a trucker... Seeking advice

You've been driving at least ten years. You have the experience that I still need. The rule is a day off for every week out, but as a brand new driver we don't get paid enough to come home every other week and I personally lack the know how to convince my DM to run me by the house every once in a while. But if you wanna explain how to live on less than I've made in ten years and still get by the house I would be most grateful!

 

It's easy go drive for Schneider. Even when I was training I was off every other weekend. It's been awhile but I recall a few weeks of training and about two weeks of driving with my trainer. Then once I got going on my own I was home every other weekend. Twelve days is plenty because if you really think about it, I'm sure your off plenty of days in those 6 weeks.

 

No, i haven't reset yet. I am getting a PM on my truck today but then it's back to the grind. I was frustrated before because I have been pushing hard and not seeing a return on investment. That just changed. I work more than I did as a manager but love what I do and the amount is higher so if you've ever worked salary this is comparable. A decent paycheck for 60-70 hour week. I am in a good mood, it's finally paying off.

 

Late response but Schneider was on my list of companies interested in but everything online said they were looking for a year experience OTR. There were links that said hiring students somewhere but they referenced back to a page again asking for 1 yr or more. Still on my list to look at later though. 11 months to go! Lol

 

DON'T DO IT...

I drive because I like driving. Would I recommend it? NO. I'm single so it suits me (correction, divorced). I wouldn't suggest it for anyone, tell anyone that one company is better than another, suggest tankers over reefers or regional, local or OTR (over the road) driving.

It's a job that requires extensive commitments of time away from home and your 'average' hourly breakdown isn't any worse than mine considering that for 10 hours out of every 14 that I work, I'm NOT home but waiting to drive to another destination or complete or continue the one I'm on. $7/hour?... I'll take it. getting only paid for 40?... I work closer to 70 (if you don't count the sitting) and don't make all that much for the hours they have me committed to the load.

It's not glamorous or appreciated by customers or shippers but personally, I know,... WITHOUT TRUCKS, AMERICA STOPS.

OH... BTW,... if you find my comments offensive or snarky... if you think I have an attitude... please get over it. ALL TRUCKERS HAVE AN ATTITUDE.

 

G is right. Don't go someplace because you read someone loves it there or hates it there. Do your research. Weigh the pros and cons of each company you're looking for. Pay per mile vs home time, or lack there of, seems to be the biggest one. There's also driver turn over rate, and average miles per week you can expect.

I'd also suggest checking out a company's CSA scores. ( http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/Data/Search.aspx ) That can be used as an early warning sign of how hard you'll be run and what kind of maintnance program a company has for their power units and trailers. Once you've done all that, talk to the drivers. But also realize that not every company is for eveyone. But that's true for any business.

I hope that helps at least a little.

 

Is that picture called trucky-style?! Or since it's a preventable maybe big rig birth control? Lol

 

SNI hires right out of school there recruiter came to our school. I have a phone interview with them next week and I just got my CDL. Just give them call.

 

It's a good career if you like being away for periods of time. I been trucking for 25 yrs and I am a 3 generation trucker. I'm now working local with some otr in my own truck. welcome to the field.