is getting into trucking worth it?

Thanks - I appreciate the info Appalachian - that clarifies things. My daily activities would be difficult to document on a job application, and I haven't had a conventional job since high school.

 

Old Dominion in PA is hiring new CDL graduates. One of the top paying LTL companies around. Contact them and find out which schools they recruit from. Recently it was posted they needed 100 drivers in PA. Plenty of home time and good benefits also.

Sealiftcommand is looking for chefs, might get home once a year!

 

It is not uncommon to have multiple careers throughout your life. Does your wife support you reinventing yourself? It helps to have someone behind you. What are you thinking of? Moving hot-tubs? Taking other hotshot loads? Having your own medical transport business? There are some different roads you could take, so it all depends.

 

Here's the problem with this, and I have no ill feelings toward the OP, it's great that they are at least asking questions, BUT, trucking has to be in your blood, part motorhead, part rebel, and definitely a loner type. Being a chef is about as opposite of a trucker as one could get. I just don't think it will work. People that are fed up with their jobs, have absolutely no idea what trucking is like, but think, how hard could it be, I like driving to Grandma's on Sunday. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm just trying to give them an honest opinion. I've taken people with me that had no idea what it was like, and changed their minds in a hurry. BTW, xc is short for cross country. Best of luck, but I wouldn't do it.

 

it is indeed the complete opposite, I sometimes miss being in the kitchen and actually wish I would of stayed but like the op I felt I was sick of the kitchen atmosphere and wanted something else.
Being a Chef is more in your blood, I know where your coming from and I would recommend staying in the hospitality field even if its leaving the kitchen you can go be a food inspector for USDA, maybe try a stab at the FOH, heck there is a lot out there besides trucking.

 

Correct, in todays unrealistic world going through multiple careers is now the norm actually. I have been there; I really only consider these I have done as real, so far; police officer, locksmith, and now training my self to drive. As far as the gearhead-loner-rebel requirements go, I fit them to a "T." And yes, before you ask I'll tell you why I quit the others. A police officers life is nothing but dealing with all aspects of life that sucks 90%, and nobody else wants to deal with it-so you see alot of scum to deal with-it gets old after awhile, nd will take a toll onn your own well being. The only good that ever came out of it was saving peoples lives. As for locksmithing, save about $50,000, for all the equipment, and then you can start. I kept being offered the same wage I was making 14 years ago for todays wage-sorry I don't work for free. Its actually more economical here to work part time, and survive.

 

Hi PikesPeak, Yes, I've heard that from other LEO's that got out of it. While my old man had caregiver's come to his house,(95% women) a very nice guy was one that he used to be a County Sheriff. I asked him why he quit the sheriff thing, he said, like you say, dealing with people at their worst took a huge toll on his life, and decided to do a 180, and help people. He was a sheriff for 13 years. The thing I can't ,for the life of me, figure out, is why women would want to go into law enforcement. I'll probably get in hot water for this, but always thought they had some terrible childhood, or are man/father-haters, and that's their way of getting back at them. Call me old fashioned, but women are better at caring, loving jobs,(and trucking too), not busting criminals heads.

 

I'm not a trucker (yet) so the following is what i've heard.

If you're gonna do it....go to a private school and pay 1-2k for the CDL class. Find a local school that is hooked up with the School system. If you hire with a Co., you won't have the option of telling them "no" when they force you to do something you don't want to do (like driving an unsafe vehicle or driving conditions, etc. You will be under contract to them and they won't let you slide. IF you walk, they will come after you for the Training costs. Something to consider.

QUESTION: Why would you give up on your present field? Aren't there other options?

 

Did the same exact thing 15+ years ago. Not one single regret doing it, and would likely do it again. I worked in management for 12 years or so and got burned out on the whole thing. Hours, stress, worrying about others problems before your own, etc. It got to the point I woke up one day and decided that I needed to make a change immediately. I pursued my CDL on my own, and got hired hauling containers out of Chicago regional to start. Money was good for cans at the time, and I got a ton of experience quick running them. I will be honest - you will need to pay your dues for a while to start, just like any other profession. Experience is the name of the game, and there is only one way to do that. Your home time and family life will suffer a bit to start, just so you know up front. Consider it a down payment on your future. Make dang sure that your wife is aware and capable of handling things at home while you are away. A good woman is gold. I've run cryo gases, and now run lubricating oil local in a tanker. Home every night and weekend, and the pay is really good.

Once you get some experience, local jobs are a matter of looking and applying. I have done reefers, vans, and tankers, with the majority of time in tankers. Local jobs are easier in tanks, and having hazmat is almost a necessity anymore. Oh, and get a Class A instead of a B or the like. You want to have as many options open to you as possible, so endorsements and a Class A is the way to go.

Research, research, research, and ask a lot of questions. If you know anyone with a truck, see if you can ride along for a while. It's hard work, but I never regret my decision to jump into a truck. Having a fall back option like being a chef is great, too, in case trucking doesn't work out.

Good luck.

 

The only reason I have ever seen women go into it is for the excitement, other family members have/are, and to be altruistic, that's all.