New career path, dumb move or smart?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Fordmechanic, Apr 15, 2015.

  1. Fordmechanic

    Fordmechanic Light Load Member

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    Apr 15, 2015
    Lancaster, NY
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    Have 30+ years as an auto technician. Am 50 yrs old and my pay increases stopped years ago as well as some benefits. Seriously thinking of going into a trucking career. Married with 2 children, 15 yr old at home and 20 yr old on his own. Just testing the waters for opinions. I have never driven a semi in my life. Don't really want to go into debt going to a trucking school because I can't afford that.
     
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  3. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    Where do you live? General area...put it in your profile...this will help give you better info.
     
  4. CargoWahgo

    CargoWahgo Road Train Member

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    Louisville, Kentucky
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    Dumb.


    Just run uber to make extra money.
    Or
    Run cars fix them and sell them.


    Reevaluate in three years when the states all raise the minimum wage up the 10$ hr or more. Trucking pay lags behind the economy.
     
  5. FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    Katy, TX or Swedesboro, NJ
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    Pretty sure you'd be taking a pay cut to start trucking until you pay your dues so to speak. I would at least wait till the 15 year old is out on his/her own
     
  6. jasb750

    jasb750 Bobtail Member

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    I wouldn't drive for uber. They recently have had price cuts and it's hard to make any money with it now. When local trucking jobs pay $22 and OTR pays 40-80k a year how is it a dumb idea? Sounds like more than $10 hr 40 hours a week.
     
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  7. FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    Katy, TX or Swedesboro, NJ
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    OP stated he couldn't afford debt from a trucking school so that means company sponsored training good luck finding 40-80K
     
  8. jasb750

    jasb750 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 5, 2015
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    If you can't make atleast 40k after a year of experience you are doing something wrong lol.
     
  9. FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    AFTER a year. Notice where I said he needs to pay his dues first? 15 year old at home....can't afford trucking school = bad idea in my opinion
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    You can make $50K+ with Maverick Transportation. They have their own CDL school.
     
  11. flyingmusician

    flyingmusician Road Train Member

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    agreed. if he can't foot the bill for something like a good community college course or other in depth school it's better to wait till he can. doing that he has options in hiring. I saw 43,890 my first year but I paid upfront for an 8 week / 380 CC course and had options in where I went I wasn't stuck choosing from the usual 4-5 suspects.....and had the background to get on with a better than average starter company. my results were not typical.

    company sponsored slavery through a 3 week crash course is just that. if you see 30k first you'd be lucky.

    wait until you can afford the school and then if you want to go for it. don't be held captive by a #### company just because they paid for your school. it almost never ends well. this forum is full of those stories.

    there are always exceptions. I was one. but that's what they are. exceptions.
     
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