don't become a truck driver

RickG,

I appreciate the seriousness of the matter... I'm one of the ones without a job or an income, I'm the one in jeapordy of losing my house and my truck (in fact, if my recent payment isn't recieved by GMAC today, my truck may disappear this weekend), I'm the one struggling to put food on the table. I have borrowed money from every family member that has money to loan, and now I'm down to asking friends for money just to survive until I can get in orientation and behind the wheel in training. My wife is permanently disabled and, therefore, can't increase her income, my adult daughter that still lives with us can't find employment anywhere locally, so I have both she and my 6 year old grandson to support as well. And all of this can be topped off by the $30K debt I still have to figure out how to pay from my failed contracting business.

Now, please bear in mind, I'm not complaining. People everywhere are having a tough time and I'm grateful for what I do have. I live in a nice house, have healthy children and grandchildren, a loving wife of nearly 30 years, and a choice of at least two carriers to go to work for. In trying to preserve my sanity through all of this, though, occasionally I need a laugh, even it if is at myself... sorry if you find that offensive.

IronRydr

 

Without trucks america stops!!!!!

 

Oh I'm not offended . But anyone watching these boards the past few months knows the real situation . I wish you the best as well as the others but those that ignore the warnings and find themselves in an even worse situation after training have only themselves to blame .

 

With less products to move more trucks stop . Over 2,000 trucking companies went out of business the first half of last year . http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20081231&id=9480820

 

The point is this. If your hometown jobs are gone. Drive a truck. You won't have to move or relocate. States are running out of unemployment money. Yes, trucking has slowed and companies have went under, but you can still get a trucking job. Try walking up to the local factory and ask for an AP...

 

Daunting...

 

Happening to me right now, my field the college kids are staying... And will 100% loose my job in April just in time for school/training to be over I plan to save least months worth of checks for my first weeks on road.. I know about avoiding truck stops foods and such and using your own food alot of tips from forums which has helped me greatly..

Speaking of unemployment money didnt last week Ohio run out of checks? I did hear a ad unemployment agencies are hiring heh for helpers.. Come fill out unemployment and get a job there?

edit: The hometime thing is no issue, I kinda like USX since they barely have you home

 

Iron Ryder I know exactly what you are saying. I came into this industry to chase a dream and to put food on my table for my family. You will encounter a lot of negativity out there. I was a schoolbus driver only making about $900 a MONTH. I came on here did about a year of research, talked to drivers, went to a good school and found a decent company. My company pays a little lower than a lot but my wife and I figured we can live off of 500 to 600 a week which is easy (plus she works parttime). That has been no problem. I am blessed with a company that has some secure local accounts that keeps us moving but I am home more than the average newbie which is why I chose this company.
So far I have kept up a thread about my experience:
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...re/42137-from-the-schoolbus-to-transland.html
Best of luck to you.

 

I have to state my case..
I am very happy for all you have done..I really mean that..

But if you look at it from my stand point i think your nuts.But thats because we made that wage in the 80's.

My exp. means nothing to no one out there and all i have proven to this industry.(22 years) is just that,22 years..lol,lol

So my beef is exp. does not pay.

My beef is after all the ''years'' of doing good and proving myself this is what i get..

Replaced by a new driver that will do it cheaper..

This is something i am working through and trying to except as we speak and it is what it is..

So i agree and disagree....

 

Snorelord,

Thanks for the support! I'm glad things are going well for you and your family.

IronRydr