Am I being naive?

hauling gravel is much more strenous then just driving
plenty of rock and roll off road conditions
in the pits some places you run the loader yourself too
climbing up to get the tarp right
stuck at a work site
these aren't the air ride OTR just shoot down the road machines either
see if you can spend a day as a passenger first maybe
etc etc

 

To answer your question YES it can be tough on your back but i didn't get your post... Are you going to drive a big rig OTR or dump truck?

 

I think the major consideration, is IF your back will take the abuse. As with any new job their are always "growing pains",as you get used to the muscles used for that particular job. Are they mechanical or manual tarps? (If they have tarps. . Laws are soooo different in different states)

I would see if you could do a "ride-a-long", perhaps a couple in a row. I went from construction land scapeing to running a cash register once and you'd think, easy right? I had muscles that hurt I never knew I didn't use. (and not just the ones that let you smile anf grit your teeth at the same time)

At least if you do ride along you will know about your back and somewhat what the job is like.

 

If you have back problems now you will after driving a Dump truck. They are made to with stand more than the OTR Trucks, and I heard some truckers going on Disability just driving OTR and the back problems it causes. From what I read and understood of your post my advice stay away. Do not get me wrong, I enjoy driving trucks and would not say that to anyone unless I felt it the best advice.

 

The tarps we had at Chaney were springloaded. Easy to engage. We drove 15 speed Petes. They were comfortable trucks. I did not like the Paccar engines though. Kitty Cats for me. Those are nice. The hard part of the job was getting around on these construction jobs. Some can be real tight.. But I worked the Gas Rigs at night. That was interesting. I've never been paid for hauling mud before. If you have to crawl around on a tanker or something, that might bother your back.

 

you'll be driving on a lot of bumpy roads. and dirt trucks aren't usually air ride. those air bags pop too easy.

on another not. you'll get lotsa time off in the winter.

 

Bassplayin, I also did the kind of work you are doing now and pulling wire is not easy.your only 26 dont go throwing in the towel already.Its not all that hard to haul stone all day.no matter what kind of truck your driving. Good luck.