Hello world

I just posted this in another thread before reading my welcome email and thought maybe it might be good to mention it here too:

I am a former corporate suit that has been downsized 4 times in 8 years due to mergers, closures and such (ie none were firings). The jobs were very stressful and I've had little to no time to devote to myself or my thoughts. Needless to say I'm burnt out on the office environment and really want to do a job where I can be alone and enjoy my work. I enjoy driving and love to listen to audiobooks and music in the car. I can drive something as big as a 26-28ft Uhaul well, but don't really want to go above that (especially as I only drive automatic and those are pretty much manual). I've googled a bit and it seems that a OTR driver of a Sprinter or small truck might be the thing I need at this point in my life. Not sure I'd make it a career, but certainly something I feel like trying. Can somebody answer the following for me?


1. What is the rough pay for such a driver (note I would need to use their van as I don't own one)?

2. Do they pay for the gas and repairs or would I pay for it with my pay?

3. Do they provide benefits (Life/medical/vacation, etc)?

4. I read that such drivers may have down time waiting at their last destination for shipments to a new destination. Can a driver leave a waiting spot to get an outbound shipment from another depot rather than waiting (ie if I dropped a shipment in Wichita, but there are outbound opportunities in Oklahoma City, can I just scoot over there and get the gig or must I wait until Wichita has something to ship out?)

5. How often and for how long is one likely to spend at home with the family?

6. I see that folks typically sleep in the vehicle on such trips. What about in the winter? Is any other compensation available that may address costs like meals?

7. Where do people sleep (I know in the van) - a truckstop? Campgrounds? Side-streets? What about bathrooms and showering?

8. Any recommendations on companies that provide the vehicle, especially ones with significant operations around Chicago?

Thanks.