Being away from family

You can always get a local job after a while. I wouldn't want to miss out on my kids growing up if I had kids. Before you know it it'll be too late if you're not around. Someone has to invent a remote control for time

 

I'm sure in your area, there is regional companies.
Regional companies get their drives home every weekend. Your run alot of shorter runs, like 2-500 mile runs. Unload and reload every day. Lot more physical work for about the same money but get home alot.
After awhile regional, you find a regular run that puts you through the house several times a week.
Check around with alot of companies and ask specificly about running regional.

 

Over the road trucking is a lifestyle. It is very hard on a family. You will miss a lot of B-days and things like ball games, dancing etc. Not trying to scare you off from trucking but, just give you the hard facts. It's a good living and it takes a very good women to be supportive. You may think you are coming home then get sent elsewhere. good luck and thank you for your Service to the Country.

 

Might check into Wegmans, or some of the local regional shops. Wegmans is a union shop but I suspect the home time would be reasonable. I'm sure there are others but can't think off the top of my head who they might be. BTW Thank you for serving, and all the personal sacrifices you've paid forward. I'm sure I speak for all of us, in saying Thank you.

 

It can be difficult being away from family in this business. Cell phones, Skype and email can help keep you in touch. Most otr drivers will be away from home 2-3 weeks at a stretch with a couple of days home in between. Truckers have been separated from their families for about as long as I can remember. It worked for some and not for others. If you have a weak marriage, it can be the straw that broke the #####'s back. If you have a strong marriage, it can enhance the relationship. At one time, we only had snail mail, post cards or expensive pay phones to stay in touch. It is much easier today. You can get prepaid cell phones for $50/month or less. Some cell phones allow you see the person on the other side of the telephone when you talk. It isn't like being there in person, but it can help stay in touch. Some cell phone services have free cell phone to cell phone service that can minimize the costs. Once you gain some experience you may find something regional or local. There are a few carriers who manage to get most drivers home at least 1 day pre week. Those are usually not available without some experience. The bottom line is that you will be away from home if you want to drive a truck otr.

 

My husband did it for years just during the winter, and then it was year round are a couple of years. It was really hard on the little ones, but you make do. Try to do really special and memorable things when you are home. Maybe create a tradition that you all do that celebrates your family time together.. and when you are gone definitely skype them.. your 3 YO will be able to connect better to a video image and will interact with you more than when on the phone. I also agree with the idea of maybe looking into some local/regional work because that time away when kids are little is a tough one, you would be able to be home weekends if not nightly. Just a thought..

 

It always sucks. It's the only thing i dislike about OTR. Call every day. Never go to sleep mad. Send flowers when you can for no reason. Make sure there are plenty of pictures taken while you're working. And definitely do memorable things when you go home because they grow faster when you only see them every 2-6 weeks. It's not easy but a strong relationship will survive it. Also helps if she has some kind of support at home. Good luck!

 

Wow!! This is what i strugle with.. I hate being away from my wife, kids , dog.. It sucks!! Some days are really bad.. But in my area jobs r bad.. Local is really hard to get.. Yes i could go reg & that would mean back to flatbedding &$:?,?, i am really trying my self to get local wish i had a great answer for u!! If anything came out of , otr for me .. It has to be how close my wife and i are now... Gd luck

 

My advice would be to take what you can get now but keep looking for something thats going to suit your lifestyle better. I started driving a year ago and have been home every week usually for 2 days and usually one of the days is a weekend day. We are based in Indiana and I typically do 2 round trips per week - for example I might run a reefer to upstate NY for a 3 day round trip and then Auto Parts to Canton MS for a 2 day round trip. We only do roundtrips or backhaul within 150 miles of home.