My Journey as a Truck Driver

Hey Shrug, I probably missed it somewhere but who did you start with and who do you work for now? I think JBS was in there somewhere, if I read right.

 

You must be my 'brother from a different mother'. Analytic mind, the desire to minimize housing costs, even your screen name resonates. I spent almost two decades as an I.T. analyst for a large financial company... only to be shown the door when they realized they could pay someone else on the other side of the globe for half my salary and no benefits. I've given this career change about six months of thought while weighing other options -- I have no interest in the corporate OfficeSpace life anymore -- and have no commitments other than my dog, which will certainly affect my initial employment choices a bit.

Avoiding company schools seems to be a given. A new driver will either be paying 4 grand out-of-pocket before starting out, or the same (or more) in paycheck deductions while locked into an employment situation that may not be a good fit.

One of my biggest concerns is maintaining a reasonable state of health and fitness, and I recognize diet is going to play a much larger role in the future than it does now. I already figured showers would be spotty as locations might be unpredictable, and you've confirmed that. As for the exercise itself, what do you do? Run? And if so, where and how far from the truck? People have suggested joining a nationwide 24-hour gym chain, but I suspect that would be easier to do on dedicated (or even regional) routes than OTR.

Exercise is a big part of my life, and I'm curious to read what has worked for you and what hasn't...

 

I tried talking my last company into purchasing a handful of these

http://rollingstrong.com/CMS10/rs/Fit_System.html

 

Yep, showering immediately after the workout is ideal. And I can see where motivation can wane if I was constantly presented with hassles/obstacles. It's a Catch-22 with the running/shower locations issue. Talked with someone who runs an o/o husband/wife team for TMC, and I think he said his wife runs 3-7 miles a day. Their truck had a big custom sleeper; Google suggests there might have been an rv shower in there.

I definitely have the cash to start at an independent school now, it's a matter of selling/giving away a house full of unnecessary personal belongings before completing the transition. The 160 hour community college I'm planning to attend offers free lifetime refresher courses as part of the tuition... which I think is a much better deal than an indentured servitude company school arrangement.

 

It is. You will have the flexibility to pick a starter company and move on as you want. One thing, though; you've probably heard this from others. Pick your first company wisely. Do not go all gaga over the salary numbers they will throw your way; you're not going to make that much until you prove yourself to them, which will take time.

Stay with your first choice for a full year. It will be tough and unpleasant at times, but if you do, you will learn important lessons and make yourself more attractive to non-starter companies. Have fun, enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, and watch your diet.

Have fun and be safe, driver.