questions for new reefer driver

He can only run 11 hours then take a 10 hour break and repeat until he reaches his 70 hour limit. Some times you run hard and some times you babysit loads that have too much time on them. Getting in this industry and you are already behind on bills are not going to solve the bill problems. It cost a lot of money just to live on the road so that's another 50 to 100 dollars a week he will be needing to eat. Not sure if Knight has a 300 or 400 dollar per week training salary like some have until he get's out of training. Then you have to understand the checks when he comes home is going to be smaller because he is not working. Living in Phoenix there might be a lot of back and forth freight so you may see him but only for 10 hour breaks if you want him to keep those bigger checks coming in.

 

Companies don't make money with their trucks just sitting. The company will run your husband as hard as they legally can, if he lets them know he's available for the next load. If your husband isn't making money, then neither is the company.

 

He should be getting home every month. Knight Ref is ok company. If he doesn't like it, there are other Reefer jobs out of Phx once he has a some miles under his belt.

 

After he gets a few months experience, he can change companies & go with one that allows pets and you. Melton Truck Lines is one of many.

 

Riding with hubby sounds cool but after a few days in a little truck and all the bouncing around you do either in the passenger seat or the sleeper. You will appreciate your home that doesn't move from place to place. Also when the truck breaks down and it takes hours for road service to get there. Learning how to use the potty in portable containers that aren't meant for that purpose would also make you happy you have a home. Then kinda with the second one having to wait across the street at a shipper or receiver because you wouldn't make it on time if you stopped and took a break. You would have to break out the portable potty's again and then if you were strapped for time, and wasn't able to get a shower due to the line being so long. It could get a little smelly in the truck add to that the smell of the pets not being able to hold it until he stopped not all what it's choked up to be.

You have to be strong as a wife though because even when he starts getting those bills paid off. Loneliness will be kicking both of you guys butts, and I just hope you guys can control it and keep the marriage intact and stay faithful to each other.

 

Find a company with APU's on the trucks, so you and hubby can enjoy a comfortable temperature when parked, and can use the flat screen, computers, etc while parked and not worry about running the batteries down.