Home Time

I'm a recent graduate starting with Shaffer next week. Because I'm a rookie, I've pretty much accepted the fact that I'll never be home (which sucks, because I have 4 small kids at home). But, I've read comments here and there that say things like "based on where you live, hometime shouldn't be a problem." How does where you live have any effect on how easy it is to get home more?? If you're OTR (which is all that seems to be offered to new drivers right now), doesn't that mean very little home time, no matter where you live?

 

Yeah, I know it's going to suck, but I'm in construction and I've had my own company for 11 years and it's gotten really bad. I haven't had any work come in in over 4 months, so I guess some money is better than no money. When I first started considering trucking, everyone kept telling me to get my CDL and I'd always have work. Yeah, well that appears to be a big joke. Now, I've already invested in independent schooling, so I've got to do something with it. When I started talking to trucking schools, it seemed I had options like Roehl's home time plus programs, regional routes, etc. Now, none of those options are available. I know the economy is bad everywhere, but it seems to be especially bad here (it's been pretty bad here for quite a few years now). So, I guess my choices are to sit home and continue to wait for 'that next customer job' to come in or at least try to earn some money doing something. The idea of paying $4,500 for schooling and then not do anything with the CDL isn't an option. Maybe I'll get lucky and find something local after a while. My wife has a really good job and makes good money - just not quite enough to support a family of 6 all by herself.

Does anyone know anything about Shaffer's trucking lanes?

 

Thanks guys! It's nice to hear something positive to help balance out all of the negative. Sometimes, when I'm reading the posts, I feel like just jumping off a bridge. I KNOW it's tough out there for everyone, but sometimes I think to myself, "what the heck did I just do -- throw away $4,500?" But, I know I can get through a year or two if I can just focus on brighter possibilities down the road. I know that trucking isn't the preferable line of work for a dad of 4 young kids, but I don't have a college education and construction around here just isn't paying any bills anymore! I've got to do something to contribute to our household income. My wife has been trying to carry the financial burden for quite some time now and she needs some help before she has a breakdown!

As far as traffic lanes for Shaeffer.....I live within 5 minutes of I-90 and I-80 right in the middle of Cleveland and Toledo. Think there's any chance of me getting home a little more often than once a month?

Again, thanks for the encouragement. I really do appreciate it.