The Industry still needs new drivers....but beware

Why are carriers still hiring? My guess is that wages are falling in trucking as they are in other industries as well. People established in a profession aren't willing to work for the low entry-level wages, so companies (short-sightedly, I think) hire people who are still wet behind the ears. It's cheap labor, and right now many companies aren't worrying about their market position ten years down the road. They're worrying about under-cutting the competition and still making next week's payroll.

 

In the for-what-it's-worth dept:
If you have blood pressure problems, they can be cured by diet and exersize if it's physical, if it's mental, you probably don't belong in a rig. If you're worried about the test, you aren't gonna be able to deal with the road, IMO.

I went to Lowe's and HD yesterday and the lots were half full. This is a far cry from the eerie ghost town look of just a month ago. We won a burnout job we had bidded a month or so ago too, so things might be picking up a bit. I was out putting up flyers out of desperation.

 

As for the test chip it's really not too hard just can't get too worked up like I and a lot of guys seem to over it. I think it's more the fact if you go over at all you're out right there. Added pressure in an already tight job market. Future i see your point where the mentality to be a trucker has to be there but failing a heart rate test because you're a little anxious, I doubt determines totally whether or not you can handle a rig. I've driven new logging equipment that cost more than a truck and was fine after initially learning. Still think was a blessing for me to not go thru training. I had other chances they offered me. Having kids and house with that low pay and economy, I'd take the 8.50 an hour for now.

 

Joey thank you just was courious thought maybe they made you run 2 miles or something. I mean I run about 3 miles a day just did not understand.

Red Fox just so you know i am not worried about the test just wondering what failed them.

 

Sorry future I as referring to what redfox said with my comments about the mental part of it

 

I didn't mean the driving part: that's the easy part, always has been. If you get worked up over the small stuff, trucking will eat you alive, and from what I see, it's gotten far worse than it used to be, no thanks to our illustrous gov't.

 

I personally do not get worked up over small stuff. I mostly let it roll of my back. I do understand what you are saying my Dad has been driving for 40 years.

I have seen alot of stuff out there not driving but in the passenger seat. It is not pretty you are right.

 

My bf just enrolled in Smith and Solomon trucking school yesterday and they gave him a physical and he passed that fine. He starts school next week. On the first day do all schools make you run miles, lift weights, squat, stairs, etc.? Is there a certain amount of weight he should be able to carry or a certain amount of miles he should be able to run?

 

Future Truckers,
Any idea what the washout rate is for truckers in the first year? The ones that can't hack the lifestyle change.

What about retirement rate industry wide?