Any Starter Companies That Allow You To Bank Hometime?

Hey guys,

I am interested in becoming a truck driver and am seeking advice and clarification on a few things.

Due to the unstable nature of my current line of work, I've become accustomed to taking large amounts of time off during the slow periods (usually for several months at a time). This has enabled me to spend massive amounts of time overseas, and I've become somewhat addicted to these trips. Unfortunately, wages are imploding in my industry, so I feel it's time for me to make the transition into something else. And I am starting to think that OTR trucking might just be that something else.

I've met a few American truckers in other countries who seem to have pretty sweet deals and I was wondering how difficult it is to land one of the gigs they are doing. They are usually one of two things

1. Oil field guys who take winters off
2. OTR guys who are able to turn their trucks in and take a month or two off

So I guess my first question is, how difficult is it to land whatever type job these guys have?

I also understand that I will probably have to pay my dues at a starter company for a year or two before I can find a better fit for myself, so my second question is regarding home time at these companies. Are there any companies that allow you to bank home time? Frequent home time doesn't appeal to me, because I don't have a home to go to in the US anyway. I would prefer to be out for 8-12 weeks at a time and then take a week or so off (and head for the nearest international airport for a quick trip somewhere). But one resounding theme I've noticed when researching many of these starter companies is that they only allow 4 days of hometime at any one time. Are there any companies that would be fine with a new driver taking longer than 4 days off at a time?

 

Nice, I live in Seven Hills too. Or rather, my family does and that is where I am a resident. Currently in LA. Always on the road with my current job and I am lucky if I make it back to NV a couple weeks per year. Speaking of which, would you recommend any of the CDL schools in NV? Haven't been home in a year and a half and my family keeps on nagging me to visit so attending a school there would be perfect for me. I'm willing to go to school anywhere, mind you. Whatever will give me the best opportunities.

Thanks for the confirmation that a lot of drivers do what I am planning. Actually plan on going to the Philippines for a few weeks pretty soon, right after I wrap up things here. But would like to get started in the trucking industry shortly after.

Anyways thanks for the replies so far guys. Please keep them coming. Does Melton have a limited hiring area or do they hire from anywhere? Are they one of the companies that only hires from approved schools? I like what I am reading about them so far. I should preface that I don't care whether I haul drive van, flatbed, reefer, or tanker. Being able to take more than four day off at a time is the most important selling point to me.