Why do most new drivers quit?

If you say so. I've heard that from so many of my friends I stop paying attention. Sure right now they're willing to hire him. But what about in four years when he graduates? Look at the chemist in the petroleum industry. Last year they'd get hired immediately with huge salaries. Now? Not so much. Also 25 years ago a college degree really meant something. Now it's just a bit better than a hs degree because so many people have them. I've never said no one should have to work for what they want. But I'm just sick of hearing old people talking about lazy kids when they don't have a clue what kids have to go through today.

 

Dude. I'm 38. What do you mean by "your generation". I am not a baby boomer.

Side note; we've completely hijacked this thread so probably should just drop out of this conversation. Besides, with a many insults that are being thrown at individuals here this thread will be locked the first time a mod sees it

 

Wow, this thread really took a left turn quickly huh? lol. Back to "Why newbies quit !!" IMO when you watch youtube and all these newbies do a Welcome to my Cribs video in the hotel room showing us the fridge and the toilet and the closet etc, and have their playstation with them, I mean Really? Have none of us ever stayed in a cheap motel/hotel before? You're being put up there while in training or orientation, that's all. YOU ARE NOT ON VACATION!! You shouldn't give a crap if they have a pool or hot tub etc. You are there to sleep and study!! It also amazes me how many people get sent home for not bringing the basic paperwork , ie: ID, SS card, DOT card, etc, as well as flunking a piss test. What, you weren't expecting that? A basic company search on their website usually explains the process, as does this great forum and others. All you have to do is a little research to find a few things out. Of course the more research you do the better, and you can find tons of information on companies right here on TT. Yes it takes a little effort and time, but this is a big move for a lot of folks, so why not have the best info possible? Yes, there are a lot of complainers trash talking companies out there, but usually they are the ones who failed to do their research. Is trucking hard? I imagine it could be extremely hard work. Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. Will some go in with the best intentions and do well, only to realize this is not the lifestyle they want or can handle? Of course. If you have a family, or partner, or kids, or whatever, this is going to be a difficult situation to be in for most people. Everyone starts off thinking about how much money they will make, and will be home every other week, to see the family. Unless you are local, or dedicated ( harder to start out in) you wont be home much, and yes it will probably lead to issues with the family. Most don't realize the sacrifices required. Like everyone here says, you need to be thick skinned to deal with being a trucker. Rant over We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, and have all worked different and probably the same types of jobs. Have some had it harder than others? Of course, but we are all different with a different path in life. While we all cross paths all the time, each one of ours is unique. As I start out on my new career in trucking, I'm hopeful it is going to work out, as its a dream since I was a kid. All I did in school was draw trucks and build models and watch BJ and the Bear haha, but then life happened and bought a house , the fiancé thing, blah, blah, blah. Years later and being self employed for the last 7 years, I find myself in the position to finally live my dream. I don't have any bills or commitments anymore, and no kids or wife, and have saved up for cdl school to start in March. Have my dot card and permit. Ive been researching for the last 8 months on everything and I can find, and don't have any grand illusions of whats ahead. I work hard at what I do, don't expect hand outs, and probably like animals more then people. Good luck to all who are starting out in this industry, its a Noble industry, just make sure you do lots of research so you are armed with the most knowledge available.

 

You never said get a better job. And with what time? Car? Money for nice colths to interview in..... and on and on...

 

Already answered by dom


Whoops, wrong qoute, i was responding to the "a real degree" comment

 

I call bs on you calling bs. Do you honestly belive, and i mean HONELSTLY belive that all the mouth breathers and rejects can do what you did, btw with a hell of alot more then what we are talking about having for recorses.. you had a truck? No body deserves one, live without it, your

wasting money excc.. for the love of
crackers read the whole #### thing first
Then post.

 

Is it possible to thank this post a hundred times?

 

I know I've posted this in other threads, but it bears repeating. This was told to me by a recruiter at Swift, in a face to face meeting.

50% that try to get a CDL are successful.

50% that apply to Swift are accepted for orientation.

50% that arrive to orientation successfully get hired.

50% that start training successfully finish, test out, and run solo/team.

50% that start running solo/team quit within 6 months.

Recruiters are paid a commission when you successfully complete your first load as solo/team after training. They aren't interested in "getting butts in the seat" at orientation if that "butt" isn't likely to make it through to at least completing their first load.

 

My top reasons why folks quit or can't make it:

1. Their unemployment ran out and they had to find a job, but aren't really interested in trucking.

2. Related to #1 they therefore show up at orientation with incomplete paperwork, or knowing they will fail a drug test. At least they "tried" and can put up a front with their family and friends for a while, or go on and game the system a bit longer.

3. They have a "real career" waiting for them and this is just temporary. This leads to looking for reasons to bail or not be diligent about learning.

4. They might actually want to become a driver, but have a highly unrealistic perception of what the job entails. "Gosh! I'm only 500 miles from my second cousin Milly! Why can't we just go visit her???"

5. They have absolutely NO aptitude, either with attitude or skills, to drive a big rig.

Notice point five is last, and the least likely reason for failure? Most folks COULD become a successful driver IF they are motivated and have a positive attitude. As a trainer I would bend over backwards to help a trainee that is motivated, willing, and able to learn.