13 Years

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Sportster2000, Aug 21, 2020.

  1. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Think of it this way. When you have to pull a 34 and do a reset. If you're in a different part of the country you can go exploring. It's almost like a mini vacation away from home.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Some people are born to roam.
     
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  4. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    Until you have done it you really don't know. You got to be the loner type, drifter, and ok with being by yourself. Its the adventure, waking up in one state and going to bed in another. I did it 9 years with no regret.
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2020
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  5. Bakari742

    Bakari742 Road Train Member

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    I agree
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Right. Some people need a close knit circle of friends and relatives and lots of social interaction. For some of us, that's the last thing we want.
    Either way is fine depending on the person.
     
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  7. Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    That's the great thing about our industry these days, there's a ton of different options right now.

    A clean CDL and MVR is like a golden ticket. If you don't like staying out for weeks on end anymore, try something else. Several years ago I got on with a company that did regional runs, a lot of drop & hook. Good miles, decent pay and home 3 nights a week and every weekend.

    It was a pretty good gig, especially when like you, I got burned out on the "OTR is a lifestyle" mantra ;-) In my case, it only took 2.5 years for me to realize that staying out for 2 mos and getting home for 3 or 4 days, was for the birds.
     
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  8. Sportster2000

    Sportster2000 Road Train Member

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    I've been everywhere I wanted to go in a truck and then some. Going to start doing local stuff with my company tomorrow. A lot of city driving. Got to stay with them for 2.5 more years. Just the way it is working out.
     
  9. Hazmat Cat

    Hazmat Cat Medium Load Member

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    prison on wheels
     
  10. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    When I started driving in the mid 90s, I didn't have anyone at home so the OTR thing was good. I had never been east of the Mississippi river and enjoyed seeing new sights. I was comfortable being alone a lot and never felt "lonely". I spent several years driving for a van lines doing blanket wrap and electronics freight. My contract called for me to be "available for dispatch" 280 days a year so time off wasn't a problem, and I took time off a various places around the country visiting friends and family.
    Was good for me at the time and I don't regret a minute of it. Though if I knew then what I know now, I would have went to chemical tanker 20 years before I did.
     
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  11. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    You've got in your mind that it's still 1980. You can do whatever you want in trucking. I'm not nearly in the truck 24/7 and still make a good living.
     
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