Big Texas Hello

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by egander1, Oct 7, 2012.

  1. egander1

    egander1 Bobtail Member

    33
    3
    Sep 22, 2012
    south texas
    0
    Hi I am at 52 for various reasons looking at trucking for a career change. I like to make informed decisions and try to do as much research as possible before diving into something new. I have been browsing the site to get an idea of how I need to proceed. I like to do things in steps and since I am not a big risk taker when it comes to income for my family I want to try and transition from my current employer to trucking with as little interruption as possible.

    This site has a wealth of people and knowledge that I hope can help me avoid making mistakes in my decisions. I see my first step as getting a CDL and I am currently looking at how best to accomplish this. For me with no truck driving experience I think I probably need to look at a good truck driving school. I will be paying out of pocket so trying to get the best training for the money is important to me.

    I just wanted to say Hello and introduce myself to this site and I hope to someday meet several of you on the road. Thanks for reading and any sage advice you can offer me would be greatly appreciated.
     
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  3. d o g

    d o g Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    24,723
    54,325
    Sep 20, 2010
    Texas
    0
    Welcome to the site. Trucking is a great career choice, but admittedly, it's not for everybody. Do your research, give it a fair chance, and see if it works for you. Good luck!
     
  4. egander1

    egander1 Bobtail Member

    33
    3
    Sep 22, 2012
    south texas
    0
    Thanks for the welcome, I am hoping it fits with me. I have always been a hard worker and hope this is a good move for me financially. I have a job now that pays good but job wise not what I want to do until retirement. I will appreciate everyone's hindsight and experience. Thanks again for the hello.
     
  5. tirednaz

    tirednaz Heavy Load Member

    838
    430
    Oct 4, 2011
    Arizona
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    Lots of drivers on here have done what you are talking about so you should be able to get first hand info. Good luck to you.
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,872
    185,041
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    The Top Three National Truck Driving Schools, as per,(thetruckersreport)
    Roadmaster
    Smith& Soloman
    TDDS Technical Institute

    There are many other good schools. Ask which companies recruit from the school.
    Read the Trucking Schools thread on this website.
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,872
    185,041
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    From my personal experience the best paying is :

    #1 - Tanker/hazmat
    #2 - Reefer
    #3 - Flatbed
    #4 - Dry Van

    If you can pay for your own schooling vs. a trucking company training you through their school, you will have a headstart financially. The trucking company schools usually charge and take payroll deduction, plus you're under a contract to work for them. I'm not saying this is a bad deal, because for some unemployed and in financial strain it works for them & is their only opportunity to enter the trucking employment.
     
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