Haven't Been Driving For A Month

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Emolson, Feb 16, 2013.

  1. Emolson

    Emolson Light Load Member

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    Aug 9, 2012
    Saint Louis (MO)
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    I've been off the road for more than a month now due to a back injury. Trying to get started again but also become a lease operator. I know it's challenging but I think I could be successful at it. I also want to train drivers at the same time. The thing is I can't do most things I use to do because of my back, but I'll try and do my best. Currently looking for a company with a good leasing program and was wondering if there's any advice I could get from a driver about this and also the experience they had with a lease at a company
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Check Greatwide website.
     
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  4. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    Why are you not returning to your former job?
    If your back injury is such that you are not able to perform the tasks in a normal drivers day, i don't think you would pass a DOT physical at most companies.
     
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  5. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I hit the thanks on what buzzard said because he's right,you may not pass the physical.I assume your doctor gave you a release order to go back to work.I know you wanna get back to driving but untill you can do more you should wait.
     
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  6. Emolson

    Emolson Light Load Member

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    Aug 9, 2012
    Saint Louis (MO)
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    Yea your probably right. I don't want to return because I want to be a lease operator with a major company, that's why right now I'm currently looking for one. The thing about my back now is that I can't bend now for more than 20-30 seconds or I will have a really hard time getting back up. There will be pain for a few minutes to if I do. Can't carry heavy equipments for now, brings pain to my back. Also there is time period I can't stay sitting down and drive. I still would try but when it gets to 3-4 hours, I would begin to feel the back pain again. This brings me down because I really want to go out again and also try a new plan that I had in mind. This is holding me back :biggrin_25513:
     
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  7. ladywrongway03

    ladywrongway03 Heavy Load Member

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    I own my truck but I do know risinger bros has a good lease program.They are nice used penske trucks.2 yr payoff.many drivers have been sucessful.I think they are 07's.but not really sure.Risinger are really supportive of their drivers.I dont know of any company that would financially help you out for months while you are off with a injury.
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I have several friends with Greatwide. Went through their presentation, but decided to go with tanker company driver. The friends that were and still are successful (they've been there about 10 years), were told to pick out a truck anywhere they wanted to. Some went to dealership trade-in lots and got trucks with warranty still left on them; they are the successful 0/0's. The ones who weren't successful bought used trucks from used truck lots not associated with dealerships. The truck dealerships try to keep the good trade-ins and wholesale out the potential trouble trucks. Greatwide had some program with the financing and book keeping for the new 0/0's. That's all I know about the program.

    Saw an ad recently from Interstate Distributor about a leasing program. They run solo or teams. If you started having back pain, maybe they would give you a team driver or trainee for awhile.
     
  9. Emolson

    Emolson Light Load Member

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    Aug 9, 2012
    Saint Louis (MO)
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    Thanks for the advice. They sound like a good company. I will try to contact them and get some information. I didn't want to do drive in teams, I prefer to train
     
  10. Emolson

    Emolson Light Load Member

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    Aug 9, 2012
    Saint Louis (MO)
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    Going to try and get back on the road again
     
  11. Semi Crazy

    Semi Crazy Road Train Member

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    You only have one back! Take care of it. You might need to forget about trucking. I'm always joking around here but I'm serious now.

    Personally I'd rather live under a bridge with a good back than permanently ruin my back bouncing on these crappy roads all day in a truck just for a measly paycheck.
     
    kerosene jockey Thanks this.
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