Looking for honest advice on the choices involved in this career path!!!!!

bkm0179, I'd go the route you're planning were I you. If you want to drive, drive. Me, were I still a young man, I'd go OTR for a few years, buy a truck (not lease-purchase) then either lease to a good company or get my own authority. I drove too long as a company driver (from 1990-1999) before buying my first truck. I did fairly well as a company driver but made much more (even with the expenses) owning. And I did better than that when I got my own authority. That ended 2 years ago when I moved on into another career. Unfortunately, though lucrative, my recent gig ended. Though I am seeking something in the same field I don't have lots of time until I will need to be doing something. So I'm looking to go back to trucking, again as a company driver.

Driving was good for me. A lot of it is what you make of it, like other careers.

 

You can save a lot of money by living in your truck. But you will need a physical address for your license. Maybe a fridnd or relative can help.

Student loans are horrid. They cannot be discharged in bankruptcy and never go away.

I had a really good experience with Swift's academy and working for them. They are not perfect; no company is. But they have all the things that are important to me.

Invest in a good cooler (Koolatron) and GPS (I like Rand McNally) for about $500 total. Then use Wal-mart to supply your truck weekly or biweekly. If you like coffee, get used to instant and buy a water heater (<$30) to make your own in the truck.

The less you buy at truck stops, the more you have to reach your goals. The RoadPro lunchbox cooker is good for beans, hot dogs, soups, etc. Great way to have hot meal anywhere. Truck stops have microwaves you can use for free. Don't be shy. But don't take condiments unless you ask or buy something - otherwise you may get hassled.

Treat yourself to at least one good sitdown meal a week. You deserve it after worki.g hard.

Lots more tips if you want them.....I've learned a lot in my first 9 months and am happy to share info. Also have good friend who has driven over 35 years and is great resource.

Typing this on my phone on the road, so is a bit choppy.