Starting my first trucking job

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Trucker773, Aug 1, 2017.

  1. Trucker773

    Trucker773 Bobtail Member

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    i recently got my class a license last month, coming from a family of truckers it was nothing new to me. the only hard part which everyone can agree with I'm sure, is getting your first job. especially when you have a family and starting with a big carrier going otr is not really an option, plus pay at first is not so great. I was determined to find a local job and with some luck I did. today I got a taste of what my job will be like and I must say I couldn't be any happier. the job is dumping loads of either garbage or sand it the land fills. I will be making 2 trips a day, about 90 miles each way and will always be the same route which I think is awesome. I will have the keys to my truck next Monday since it's in the shop at the moment. the best part about it is that the company is 5-10 min away from my home which is another plus. I'm excited and ready to rack up some miles under my belt and start my career as a trucker.

    the reason for posting this was so that other new graduates can see that you don't need to go with a big carrier company to find a job. all it takes is some research and determination.
     
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  3. FlexinTarzan

    FlexinTarzan Medium Load Member

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    The flip-side is that none of this counts as OTR, if later down the line you get a twitch, you will be back at square one. OTR is for a different breed, but if local pays the bills then its all golden..
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2017
  4. jgarciajr40

    jgarciajr40 Medium Load Member

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    I've never done OTR, but sometimes think about trying it. I just cant see myself doing that work for the slave wage offered at the entry level positions. I can't see myself making less than 1,000wk and being away from home for weeks at a time.

    But I digress you in fact do not need to work for the "Mega-Carriers" to simply live comfortably.
    I walked into a Budweiser distributor 2 week after obtaining my CDL and I was clearing 42,000. That being said it was blood money, and being a bachelor and barely old enough to drink I think I did well.

    People don't realize how well, or above average places like Pepsi, Coca Cola, or Food companies actually pay.
     
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  5. FlexinTarzan

    FlexinTarzan Medium Load Member

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    Frito-Lay is one of the better paying ones.
     
  6. jgarciajr40

    jgarciajr40 Medium Load Member

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    Here locally in southwest florida the frito guys net about $700 a week and you're the salesman and delivery driver versus beer/soda where the roles are two different people.

    That being said don't ever work for a Budweiser company they wanna charge drivers for expired beer
     
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  7. Gunner75

    Gunner75 Road Train Member

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    Starting out otr isn't as bad as you think. So long as you do your homework and choose a decent company starting out. My first job was with tmc, I averaged about 1200 a week when i started, but i ran my ### off
     
  8. shogun

    shogun Road Train Member

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    Dumping in landfills can be rough on the trucks. Very unstable surfaces, pieces of metal and sharp objects that can puncture a tire or rip a hose. Just watch the roads you are on in the landfill. You will get used to the smell, I have unloaded walking floor trailers and scrap trailers in landfills before.
     
  9. Antler24

    Antler24 Light Load Member

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    Don't be afraid to try OTR. I've got a young family and avoided going OTR so I could be home alot, even though I had an itch to try it. My local job was seasonal. I decided to try long haul last winter for the off season basically to satisfy the itch and say I did it. I LOVE it. Gave up the seasonal job to stay OTR. Wish I'd done it years ago.yes, being away from home and kids for up to 2 weeks is hard at times but it ain't near as bad as I thought. I'd never let my wife hear me say it but I get home for 2-3 days and can't wait to hit the road again.
     
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  10. Trucker773

    Trucker773 Bobtail Member

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    if I ever decide I want to move on which I will, what counts theses days is being behind the wheel. if you can verify that you have been driving for 1 year even 6 months you are hired after you pass the rode test. atleast here in Chicago. I agree that OTR is for a special breed, heck if I was a loner I would be living in the back of a semi truck.
     
  11. Trucker773

    Trucker773 Bobtail Member

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    I could not see my self driving and unloading as a job. I have heard some crazy stories on companies like that and I think it's to much work. hats off to the drivers that do it every day. like you said decent money but you work you're ##* off for it.
     
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