Folks? I could use some advice here, if you could.
It boils down to this: I need a local career. Here in Orlando, FL area, should I become a trucker (Class A license) or bus driver, what-have-you (Class B license)?
Here are the details in my situation:
If I'm going to drive for a living, it needs to be local. No OTR for this Cub. I can find another job (or even career); I'm not going to find another family like the one I've got. God's been that good to us.
I attended Mid Florida Tech's orientation today here in Orlando, FL. The instructor (who seemed to be trustworthy) told us that, for Class A license-holders, the only local jobs out there are given to the folks who've earned their seniority with a company (I agree; they've earned it). Companies in Central Florida have OTR jobs out the yin/yang, but don't think you're getting a "gravy" (local) job as a newbie; it's not fair to those with seniority.
Again according to the instructor, Class B licenses on the other hand, are nothin' but local. The odds are reversed in favor of finding an out-of-state job for a Class B license holder.
I want to be a trucker. Lord above knows I've spent my time growing up on America's highways and I respect the lifestyle and have a soft place in my heart for every good trucker out there. But if I need to be a "busser," (or whatever they might call Class B license holders) then... I'll do it.
I'll make my own decision, but I want your advice - Which road should I take?
God bless and drive safe,
Cub
To "B" or not to "B"?!
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Cub, Feb 19, 2008.
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You may or may not have seen this thread, but it speaks to your interests, I believe.
I also have an opinion about generalizations like the one your instructor gave you is not worth repeating, much less following or believing. Just my opinion, but when I hear a generalization about thousands of driving jobs in a city with all the traffic as Orlando, I tend to ignore it. Every time I hear a generalization like that, it seems ten exceptions show up within a week.
But that is just my opinion. I am in Tampa now, by the way.
ETA:
It appears the system is built to block even links on this site, so I cannot even see the thread. The thread I included above is right on the top of this forum for new drivers, and the author is Mack. If you have not read it, you really ought to do so. -
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World? I read that thread before making this one. It gives some good insight where to start, doesn't it?
jkllkj777? Your advice is sound. I'd be more than happy to take on OTR and pay dues - were I single. I'd run OTR if I were. But I'm not, and since I'm married, my life isn't about just me anymore. I can't take any job, no matter how well it pays, if it means heavily diluting my relationship with my best friend and wife (same person) in the process. Call me "whipped" if you want, but I just can't be gone from that dear lady and the rest of our family for weeks at a time. They need me there.
That said, were she the type, I'd want to team OTR runs with her, but she's not built for trucking. And we both love what she does for a living; I'm the guy with the need for the career change. So, it's either local or nothing, friend.
Getting a Class A does sound like the thing to do. Maybe I'll be a trucker, maybe I won't, but at least I'll be trained as one! I admire truckers, today's and yesterday's, and remember well the old stories of the Knights of the Road.
It's one of the reasons I joined TheTruckersReport.com.
I didn't realize then that there would be so many good people here sharing their knowledge together. That's something special.
Thanks again for the advice, folks. Class A it is. I'll save up for it and go for it!
God bless and drive safe,
Cub -
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Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
