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Looking to get into trucking, need advice

Discussion in 'Trucking Jobs' started by drummerguy1978, Apr 24, 2009.

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  1. drummerguy1978

    drummerguy1978 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 24, 2009
    Lawrenceville, GA
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    Good afternoon,
    For a few years I have been considering getting into trucking and I am not sure where to start. I contacted a company, "Driver Solutions" who said that they would place me with Allen Freight (a division of PAM) and that they would cover my costs to get my CDL (nearly $6000, at C1 in Indianapolis). After doing some more research, I am concerned that this is not completely legit.

    So I am turning to you guys, the pros. What companies will sponsor someone to get a CDL? Where should I start? Any good schools or companies in the Atlanta area?

    Let me say this, I have been unemployed since November so even low pay is better than what I get now. Also my wife is very supportive of me and understands the time away from home.

    Thanks in advance for the advice.

    Kev.
     
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  3. ss goose

    ss goose Light Load Member

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    Apr 20, 2009
    texas
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    RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH and keep in mind these people don't give you anything sooner or later you will pay them back 10 fold. Just double and triple check everything. Your in the right place these guys will give you the low down on any and every company you could possibly talk to. Check out the good and bad company sections that might help. Well good luck to you and your family
     
  4. Bigray

    Bigray Road Train Member

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    Nov 23, 2007
    Tampa, Florida
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    HONESTLY, i think i if i was to go back and do over i would seriously consider HEATING/AC SCHOOL...

    The desire to drive a truck has been in my blood for years, i acted on it, i can say that i have done it now, but the newness has worn off.
     
  5. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Apr 4, 2007
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    You might want to contact Panhandlepat about this dream. He can give you some thoughts about it.
     
  6. Bigray

    Bigray Road Train Member

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    Nov 23, 2007
    Tampa, Florida
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    thx. but i have one more plan to put into play before i seriously consider my next career change
     
  7. rjones56

    rjones56 Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2008
    staunton va
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    Trucking is as slow as the rest of the economy.If you can get a job offer I say go for it.Good luck.
     
  8. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    May 6, 2007
    Mississippi
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    A little known area of heating and cooling would be my focus.

    Geo-Thermal.....

    Most State and Federal buildings are going this route, as quickly as possible. Some states (FL) have mandated it. The contracts are huge, and the money is very good.

    Even better, if you own your own drill rig. The cost of the rig is about the same as a new truck (Class A) and pays by the foot for every hole drilled.

    The typical "home" will take 3-8 holes, 30 or more feet deep. While a commercial size building may take up to 100 or more.
     
  9. ickeyiskewl

    ickeyiskewl Light Load Member

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    Mar 9, 2009
    Clyde Ohio
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    DONT DO IT !!!!!!!!! go pay student loans off better than this industry anything else has to be ...and its horrible to your health
     
  10. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    Jul 22, 2008
    Owensboro , KY
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    I'll repeat what I told others . Ignore recruiters and do some research on the industry starting here . http://www.bts.gov/xml/tsi/src/datadisp_table.xml
    Freight has been declining for almost a year . It's at the lowest level in 5 years . Department OF Labor statistics report over 275,000 jobs lost in the trucking industry since December . Many experienced drivers and new CDL holders can't find jobs . A low paying job is better than no job ? People with that attitude have allowed carriers to lower rates to less than they were over 30 years ago . If you want to be away from home weeks at a time getting less than 2,000 miles a week at $.22 a mile go for it .
    But carriers are unforgiving . One small mistake can get you terminated with a bad DAC report that will end your trucking career . Plenty of members here experienced that .
     
    kickin chicken Thanks this.
  11. one_cent_worth

    one_cent_worth Bobtail Member

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    Dec 26, 2008
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    Kev, remember "who" is in control. If you put your trust in the "Most High GOD" and "Saviour JESUS CHRIST", you don't have to live with anxiety and desperation, no matter what the government or economy says. "HE" is faithful, "HE" made a promise, read "Psalm 34:8,9 ". Trucking is very challenging, with a family at home. From experience, I personally would not recommend this industry, except maybe to a single person.
     
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