Think about becoming a trucker

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Kdub99, May 8, 2019.

  1. Snow Monster

    Snow Monster Medium Load Member

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    I'm on board with the majority, keep doing what you're doing and if you need a truck fix, find a weekend job doing short hauls or switches.
    I had a couple cousins, one was a farmer, the other managed a smelter at a mine, they also had part time jobs running occasional switches on the weekends or days off, 700 to 900 miles round trip, drop one trailer, hook to another and head home, it was their vacation from day to day life, a chance to relax.

    If this was 30 or 40 years ago I might have told you quit your job, but not today, it's a different world.
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    If my math is correct and that's gross pay, you're getting screwed. Electrician should be paying more than $13-14/hour. Buddy of mine makes over $17/hr working in the wash bay of a trucking company in the BC interior.
     
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  4. BigHossVolvo

    BigHossVolvo Road Train Member

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    As I keep saying, wait until you have 2 years exp, it will be a whole different ballgame. Also at 3-4 years, you’re gonna be coming into the good local jobs, so don’t quit!

    Also if you don’t mind fuel and being covered in it. My buddy did 95k at Westcan on a 4/4 local schedule this year. Goes camping 2 days a week.
     
  5. BigHossVolvo

    BigHossVolvo Road Train Member

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    Not anymore,

    Apprentices are usually paid a % of Jman wage, well Journeyman wages went from $36-39/hr to $26 in 2014 on. 50% on 26 is 13/hr for 1st years. Most second and third years will sign a deferral. To keep working at 1st year wages, so they don’t get laid off.
     
  6. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    And that's against the law AFAIK. 60% first year, 70% 2nd year etc. At least the HET apprenticeship was setup that way.
     
  7. BigHossVolvo

    BigHossVolvo Road Train Member

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    HET and Automotive are 60/70/80/90, building trades are 50/65/75/85 of Jman wage, in the area you are employed in. Building trades you can defer school and pay raises to keep working, HET/Automotive I don’t think you can.
     
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  8. ichudov

    ichudov Heavy Load Member

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    There are always exceptions. But to me, truck driving is a dead end career. Long hours on the road do not stimulate your mind. You are alone all the time. Eating bad and expensive food. Lots of frustrations. DOT and police treat you like a hybrid of a cash cow and a criminal. Shippers cheat you, brokers cheat you, employers cheat you etc. The only redemption is the blue sky, open road, and possibly independence of you are an O/O.

    I drive a semi truck almost every day because I own a small rigging company that also does scrap metal. My company is not a common carrier. I enjoy driving a truck tremendously, however I know that I would hate a regular truck driving job.

    If you like your electrician job, definitely stick to it.

    Also: if you are young and make good money, SAVE THAT MONEY. Do not spend too much. Invest it and watch it grow. Choices that you make at 21-30 have tremendous importance as you get older. That BMW is really not worth the money. Savings at the age of 50 are incredibly helpful if your back gives out or if you decide to open a business.
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2019
    upnorthwpg and BigHossVolvo Thank this.
  9. TKay-

    TKay- Bobtail Member

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    im about to be 23 in july and was looking into getting my AZ license over the next 2 months and get into trucking as i havnt had any luck with any work in over a year and half, is it worth for me to get into it? is there even any money cause all ive been reading is downsides left and right would just love some help.
     
  10. TorontoTacos

    TorontoTacos Light Load Member

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    The company I'm currently at you can bring home about $2500+ net every two weeks (NEW DRIVER) but you have to be on the road for 5-6 days, work 16+ hr days, be away from home, drive in the USA, sometimes you reset on the road, tiring job (sometimes you drive your full 11/13 hrs). If this sounds like "fun," or "worth it" to you, go get your AZ license in 5 weeks, then DM me and i'll refer you to my company.
     
    Canadianhauler21 Thanks this.
  11. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

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    Worth it is subjective. Can you afford the training course?
     
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