I was a _________ before trucking....

Lets see: I've delivered pizza bagged groceries and clipped watermelons in high school. I college I delivered pizza, worked as a ski patroller, and was a cop for 4 years. After college I was in the Army for about 8 years. I was a finial planner/advisor for about 15 years (you think the trucking industry is hurting). Tonight I am in Green Bay at the STA to begin my trucking career.

 

I just retired from Chrysler last month. I had 35 years and one month there. It was time to move on. While I was there part of the plant was down for a few years. Then I worked as a Nuclear Security Officer. The one thing I really disliked about that was when a semi came in, mainly one of those "mansion on wheels". We had to search the trucks interiors and leave no stone unturned. I felt like I was searching a persons house/home. Could take up to an hour to search the inside of a cab, depending on what was inside. The drivers knew of this and usualy were real good about it. The new drivers took it personaly (as I would). But it wasn't anything personal, just buisness. One day a cab-over came in.......well, that's a different story.

 

I've been a nurse for 8 years. Waitress before that. Funny thing is, I never wanted to be a nurse. But my family thought it would be a good job for a female. I'm not really a "people" person! Being around sick people makes me feel sick! Now I'm finally at the point where I couldn't care less what anyone thinks about me being a truck driver. I think I'm suited for it. The idea of being away from home for 4-6 weeks at a time sounds lovely!
Everyone has told me it's hard work, stressfull, low pay. I think it's all relative. None of these family members have ever been a nurse and have no idea how stressful it is. Or how hard it on your body. At this point, I really don't care if I make much money. I want to be a truck driver so bad, I'd almost do it for free!!!

 

military USAF LE Bomb Dog Handler
Prison Guard (YUK, YUK, and DOUBLE YUK)
Machinist
Quality Control Inspector
Jobs went overseas, wages went down, tired of manufacturing in the USA
Trucker

 

Man that is a story! I bet the stories you could tell!

 

Im currently working for Meridian Automotive in Salisbury,NC

We make exterior body parts for many makes and models in the large truck field.

If you drive a freightliner, peterbuilt or especially Volvo and its newer than 2001, most of the body probably came from here.

We also make the resin base platforms for club car golf carts.

 

In my previous life, back in Europe, I was a truck driver for 5 years.
Came to Canada in '91, got my Truck and Coach mechanic license, and later Heavy Duty equipment license. Good job and good money, but I missed the open road. One day I just walked in bosses office and quit.

Now I make less money, but I am happy and sober (I got very close to becoming a full blown alcoholic in my final mechanic years)

Cheers

 

I have been a draftsman, worked for and owned the family garbage/recycling business, owned and operated a bowling alley and was mayor of my home town. After moving to a larger city, I have been in sales at Sears, and managed a Payday Loan store for one of those big national stores(hated this job). I planned to get into trucking when we moved, but worked those other 2 jobs for 2 years before going to school to drive the big rigs, like I should have 2 years sooner. I'm half way through my training and will have my own truck soon. Being mayor was probably my coolest job, and it only paid me around $5000/year.

 

I ran a cleaning biz here in Madison! I better not let hubby see that you worked at Oakland Coliseum aka the Shrine (we're Raiders fans big time!)

Just before I got my CDL, I worked in an auto parts warehouse - 2 delivery routes per day, shipping and receiving, phone sales, and a few other things besides. Great job because I got a workout as part of my daily job!

 

Great topic.

Lets see, Laborer, Maintenance Tech, HVAC Tech, Chief Engineer, Facilities Manager, Commercial Insurance Broker, and at present I work in Design and Sales for an Irrigation Co. Hope to be going to CDL school early next year.