Question about the economy and changing careers

Look around at other threads on this forum and you'll see pretty much the same thing everywhere- companies are still hurting and still cutting back and drivers aren't doing as well as we were last year. It can be rough breaking into trucking during good times. Unless you have a nice little pot of money saved up somewhere, I wouldn't recommend trying it now.

 

Do some careful research here . The is no obligation with a pre-hire . It means nothing shows up that would obviously disqualify you . Everyone will advise giving up any job to pursue trucking . Carriers chew newbies up and spit them out . Make a minor mistake and you're terminated with a negative DAC report that will end your driving career . Stay where you are . Get the second job .

 

The first year is rough even in a good economy. I agree with everyone else. Since you do have a stable job right now waiting would work in your favor. Once things pick up more carriers will be hiring and you may have diff opportunities. During that first year you want to stay with the company you start out with. So if you hire on and decide you dont like it, or are uncertain to start with absolutely wait a bit and let things recover some.

 

If stability is what you need, then you probably won't find it in OTR trucking right now. Butt-kissing alert: search the forum and read some of RickG's posts. If you're looking for a hardcore realist view of what you can probably expect, that's where you'll find it. If you're going to attempt it, then go for it. After all, that's what I'm doing (with Driver's Solutions, hopefully PAM or subsidiary Decker). But do it with eyes wide open, and know that there's a high-ish chance that you will fall flat on your face.

ETA: As to whether the risk is worth it, that's for you to decide. If you're making your decision solely on the basis of economics, then you should definitely stay put, no question. If there are other factors involved (as there are for me)...well, you're going to have to weigh them and come to the conclusion that's best for you. Ain't being an adult fun?

 

Right now, this is the best advise. You will make more money where you are at right now and be home every night. Like Rick said, if you do decide to go for it Research it, alot. Talk to other new drivers also. Sometimes, and not that often, it works out for new drivers. If you are looking for a second job, mabey look for a part time driving job (water truck, tomato truck, transfer truck) Goodluck with whatever you do.

 

Honestly in a good or bad economy this industry really does not pay all that well on the otr side untill you get about 10yrs under your belt, or you get your own authority...On the local side which is where a lot of otr drivers go after they get 3yrs or so experiance depending on the market where you live pay can range from $12hr to $22hr you also need to remember trucking does not fall under the fair labor standards act of 1938...So no employer has to pay overtime...It is a life style more than it is a job...

 

DAC reports mean very little...DAC is a credit reporting service (USIS) United states information service...It is no different than equafax, or transunion...If information is put on it that is false, or a person does not agree with what a company has marked on the report they can rebutt and USIS will post the rebuttle under the companies comments...Don't let DAC scare you... If driving a truck is something you want to do, than do it...Just remember it takes awhile to get to the big bucks...

 

There are quite a few people that will disagree that DAC means very little . Suppose the information isn't false ? What if the company puts "Would not rehire " ? Like I said , an intelligent person needs to research the industry - keep an eye on Department Of Labor reports and freight volumes and not listen to the advice of a bunch on internet BS'ers that aren't the ones with time and money to lose .

 

RickG speaks the truth....Labor Report, and freight volumes !

Anything else is just...circle jerk talk.


Whatever YOU decide....... Good Hunting ! & Happy Easter !