Why would you want to do this for a career

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JimmyJohnTexas, Jul 4, 2016.

  1. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    Perhaps that is one of the attractions of this industry, you can work very little and still be employed. Sure your paychecks will be small, but you do get to sit in company terminals bit ching how you aren't making money...

    ... but don't drive at night, etc. etc. etc.

    I know the fleet average for my DM at Swift hovered around 1900 miles per week. That's the average, which means quite a few drivers drove less than that and a few did quite a bit more than that.
     
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    For me, the attraction was not having someone breathing down my neck constantly and scrutizing every move I make.
     
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  4. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    This pretty much gets down to the nut of it. For some, self-motivation is a given and the "independence" is always welcomed, and trucking is a good fit, but for others, they simply can not be counted on to be very productive if left only to their own motivations from within. Some want to provide less of themselves then the job demands, thinking the job will conform to their style. It doesn't and it won't. Hence many wash out after several months once reality begins to "beat them up".
     
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  5. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    i notice you left out "lawyer" lol
     
  6. TruckerNerd

    TruckerNerd Light Load Member

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    I went into trucking out of desperation. I had no respect for it, I wanted to past the time until I got something local. But it changed me it made me stronger than I ever realized. Only the wise, quick, smart, willing, and lucky make good money. Like every other career you have to manage yourself effectively. Listen to others and help each other. Like every other career the first couple of years are not the best but you learn some much. I still think all drivers (including myself) are nuts but I have goals to accomplish and using trucking to make it happen.
     
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  7. CoThG

    CoThG Bobtail Member

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    I would love to drive a truck part time for fun. I'm a pilot for a major airline and work a week on/week off schedule. I have no college degree and make over $320,000/yr. I would be able to pay cash for my truck and have fun hauling some loads on my time off. I'd buy a big Pete or KW with a condo sleeper so that I could take the wife with me. It would be like getting paid to do a vacation.
     
  8. cnsper

    cnsper Road Train Member

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    Get a boat and go fishing instead of becoming a hobby hauler. Chicks in bikinis dig big boats... LOL and you don't HAVE to take the wife.:D
     
  9. Steel Dragon

    Steel Dragon Road Train Member

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    Care to share, how I can aquire, a pilots license?
    I hear cre has a training program, get your pilots license in 2 weeks, but I hear, the wages suck.
     
  10. CoThG

    CoThG Bobtail Member

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    You can get your pilots license in a matter of weeks/months depending on where you go. To be eligible to be an airline pilot will take you about a year and a half of flying experience. To get a job like I have will take you years of flying experience. I'm retired military and went directly to my major airline upon retirement. If you go the civilian route, you will most likely flight instruct till you get 1500hrs then get a job with a regional airline and work there for a few years before you become competitive for a major airline position.
     
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  11. CoThG

    CoThG Bobtail Member

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    Thanks, but I already have a boat and I actually enjoy being with my wife.
     
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