Recent news of Trucker Shortages

I think you had better reread his post. I didn't see the RN in 2-4 weeks part.

 

You missed the point I was making. You can get a CDL in 2-4 weeks.

 

Ok gotcha. 2-4 weeks CDL and trained by a 6month newby. If you train to be a nurse you better be ready. Don't faint over blood etc. Think I read that they are short people in nursing also. Beginning to think lots of people in the good old USA just don't really want to work.

 

Why does it seem that 80% of truckers live in FL but there are like 1% of all trucking jobs in FL and .01% as soon as you get south of Orlando?

 

There are plenty of trucking jobs in FL...if you want to make $14 per hour or run for a fly by night 1099 outfit. Plenty of port jobs hauling cans, but you need a tetanus booster to even get near the wrecks you see running those.

The good jobs are few and far between. Last I heard there was a 7 year waiting list to get behind the wheel of a Publix truck, and they only hire from within so thats 7 years lumping in the warehouse before you get a shot. Costco wants 4 years spotless experience before they even look at your app.

 

I got a $3k sign on bonus, $27/hr, time and a half after 40, second to none benefits, home every day, annual wage increases. LTL jobs are the "good jobs" you hear about. They do exist, but they're harder to get than the average big box OTR company jobs, or the $14/hr 1099 type of BS. You need some experience, a good record, and decent interview skills.

 

That bonus is nice, and the pay is great.
But LTL is not for everyone. City work is a pain. Slip seating is worse than a pain. Line haul I kinda like when I tried LTL. But the equipment just not for me. I'm quite happy with a little less $$ and on my own, with a older 379, that I keep look'in sharp. Sort of like a hobby that I make a living with. Days off when I choose. Yes I know I have to pay for maintenance etc. Its not always perfect in my little world. Oh, and I park the truck and trailer at my house, so one could say I walk to work.

 

I always like to let new drivers know about LTL. I wish someone would have told me about it before I spent 5 years away from my family making less money, taking showers at truck stops, eating fast food, and all that fun stuff. Definitely not for me. The myth in the industry is you can choose to make money OTR, or be home every day for crap wages, and backbreaking labor. I like to let people know. It's a better option for some, especially if you've got kiddos at home.

 

Where in the country are you?. I know its definitely not Florida if you got a $3k signing bonus and $27 per hour to start.

What you may be able to get in one area, may not be available in others.

 

lol........