Another Newbee with Questions

Hi all... I am a huge fan of this forum and this is my first post. After 10+ years in big box (Walmart) retail management, I am exploring new career paths. Trucking is one path that I am highly interested in and hope to gain some guidance from the TR community.

I am most interested in trucking because I feel that the shortage of drivers will result in job security for several years to come. I’ve been told by drivers at my company that a 10k driver shortage is expected within the next 5-years. Unfortunately, Walmart only hires experienced drivers - 30 months with endorsements. Another appeal to trucking is that as eCommerce grows there will be a greater need to transport those goods thus more trucks on the road.

Retail management pays very well, however, like an OTR trucker, a retail manager works 11-16 hours per day. My take home pay last year was approximately $90k (bonus included). I know that as a new driver I will not make this money and I have excepted that. Based on my research a new driver can expect to earn $40k-$60k annually.

If you are wondering why I want to leave retail I can best describe it by saying brick-and -mortar retail companies are loosing the battle against Amazon and there does not appear to be any light at the end of the tunnel. Toys-R-Us, Sears, Sam’s Club, K-Mart, etc. The future of retail is bleak whether companies/consumers want to admit it or not.

My biggest concern about going into trucking is obviously the decrease in pay which is something that I will have to figure out on my own. My next concern is one that many laugh at but it is a real possibility. Several companies and countries (not on in the US) are racing to be the first company to invent the first driverless vehicle and big rigs are no exception. Given my age of 37 years old, I have at least 30 more years in the workforce and I would have to jump into a career that slowly becomes obsolete. Thought?

As stated above, I’m 37. I am married and know that the driver lifestyle will require an adjustment to my home-life. I have a squeaky clean driving record and have never had any legal troubles. I live is St. Louis, MO.

Questions:
Are mega carriers the only companies that will insure a new driver or do some smaller companies do so as well? Given my location can anyone suggest a carrier that I should explore? I am willing to pay for my own driver training school or do a company sponsored program. I want the option that gives me the most leverage - if that is even possible. Does college education appeal to carriers? Though I am fortunate to have one, I have come to realize that professionally it was a waist of money.

Thank you in advance for any advice and guidance provided. I truly value the options of people on this site.

 

Lol. Good catch...