Thanks for the welcome

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by dwalker22, Jan 17, 2013.

  1. dwalker22

    dwalker22 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 16, 2013
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    I am a wannabe who has worked in factories as an industrial electrician for 30+ years. I enjoy live performance of most any type, womens fastpitch softball, and a good slot machine. My wife and I are soon to be empty nesters and would like to earn income, travel, and visit our daughters in Texas and California from time to time. Driving seemed to be something we would enjoy and a career that may satisfy our other needs. The internet horror stories have me somewhat apprehensive. Truckers Report seems to be a good source of information, from the horses mouth so to speak. Any advice for a newbee would be appreciated - Thanks Dave and Sue
     
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  3. Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    First Welcome to the forum.!! :) Secondly my uncle was an OTR Trucker since the "60's" (now retired) and my oldest brother has been out heah since 1976. I didn't start OTR till I was 44yrs old-and even with the above mentioned-it was/is TOTALLY different from what I expected..

    My advice.? Read and ask questions here;and after a bit P.M. the members here you trust for honest answers to your concerns,questions,whatever.

    Good Luck.!! :)
     
  4. dwalker22

    dwalker22 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks - like the pic
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Are you & wife going to get CDL? Look for companies with rider programs & APU's. Companies don't want the truck to idle when you're sleeping, eating in the truckstop, etc. The APU is an auxillary power unit that allows use of air conditioning, heat, radio, etc. without the truck idling. This is good when you're laid over for the night or weekend. One example is Melton Truck Lines. Go to a good CDL school, the longer the school, the better. Some community colleges have excellent CDL schools. The short, quickie schools severely limit your job opportunities. While in school get the endorsements, tanker, hazmat, plus passport & TWIC.
    Best wishes.
     
  6. dwalker22

    dwalker22 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 16, 2013
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    Thanks for replying - Could you recomend any good starter companys?. We have a local college here (S.E. Wisc.)that offers training and placement options at a steep price. I am wondering if its worth the cost to go this route. I guess I have a ton of questions at this time. How did you decide to start driving? What was " totally different" about driving to you?.
     
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  7. dwalker22

    dwalker22 Bobtail Member

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    Just me for the CDL for now. Thanks so much for your advice.
     
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  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    There are good recommendations on here about Schneider and Roehl training in WI. Check their websites. Put some question on the "Questions from New Drivers Thread." I tried factory work and hated it. After being in the Navy, I just could not settle down in one spot. In trucking, I preferred running 48 states. Even tried local and regional trucking, but felt like I was walled in. Even bought a second home in China. Some more truckers have homes in China, more in Philippines and South America and Caribbean. Travelling gets in the blood like an addiction. Factory work or a 9-5 job would have killed me. Did fine, oldest child is 47 & youngest is 6 and in first grade. Wife wants another baby. Well, life only goes around one time.
     
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  9. Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    My horoscope said I would find a new hero today..:biggrin_255:
     
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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I like the Schneider driver I talked to a while back. He retires soon, wife wants a baby, bought a home in Costa Rica, shipped his fishing boat to Costa Rica, he said it's like a high-end bass boat. He was a real positive guy and enjoyed talking to him. Met 2 truck drivers at the American Embassy in China; we were all 3 getting visas for our mail-order brides. Meet all kinds of drivers from all walks of life and educational levels. Every day is different; not the same old stale jokes and conversations such as in 9-5 jobs.
     
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