Am I Crazy? Need Advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DaneKirk, Oct 1, 2015.

  1. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    If you decide to get out, go with hazmat/tankers. There's a couple of hazmat/tanker drivers that post on here that make over $100K, but it takes about two years experience to work your way into those jobs.
    As a new hazmat tanker driver you can make $65K easily and many quickly move on up to $70K-$80K.
    One military vet with several years in just left active duty and joined the reserves/national guard then went with Groendyke Transport pulling hazmat/tankers.
    Here's a few hazmat/tanker companies that will hire you as a new CDL graduate. Some websites have "experience required" but that's now changed.
    Trimac Transportation
    Groendyke Transport
    Superior Carriers
    Tidewater Transit
    SVTN
    Schneider Bulk
     
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  3. DaneKirk

    DaneKirk Bobtail Member

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    Thanks, I will look into it!
     
  4. ttyson

    ttyson Medium Load Member

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    What he said,do 10 more years and get that check.l promise you,when your my age you will regret if you dont
     
  5. DaneKirk

    DaneKirk Bobtail Member

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    That pension (assuming Congress does not take it and other benefits away like they are considering) is really the only reason to stay in these days.
     
  6. AppalachianTrucker

    AppalachianTrucker Heavy Load Member

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    That check is a pretty big reason. Believe it coming from us: Many drivers would give their left nut (or whatever) to be in your place right now.
    The job market and work force have changed so much that anything can happen and often does. Trucking is a vague industry. Don't trust it. Retire and go play in the highway later. C-17 loadmaster? Dude, you're crazy. For sure. :)
     
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  7. Longarm

    Longarm Road Train Member

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    Half way to a government pension? I realize it's easier said than done, but you're a fool if you don't suck it up and do ten more. I went through this a couple years ago with a very good friend who wanted to cash out and buy a truck.

    Get that pension then come play monkey-behind-the-wheel.
     
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  8. Smooth_Operator

    Smooth_Operator Light Load Member

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    Yeh. 10 more years. You get good free money, som3 healthcare and then can get into trucking to figure out its probably not for you.
     
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  9. truckthatpassesyouby

    truckthatpassesyouby Road Train Member

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    Anyone making "$54k AFTER taxes"
    Has got to be really messed up to want to come into trucking. Isn't that like $150k a year?
     
  10. DaneKirk

    DaneKirk Bobtail Member

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    I'm just considering all my options, anyone who is coming up on reenlistment would be crazy not to. I have a buddy with 10 years in that got out and will be making six figures soon. Although he is in the UAV business and that is very lucrative right now.

    There is something about gaining back control of ones life that is very attractive, even if it is for less pay so long as you know what you NEED to make and can make it. I am in a good position now, but at the end of the day the Air Force owns me and I have no control over anything. For some of us at least, we seek to change the situation if the right opportunity comes. You only know for sure by asking questions like I am doing now and I am grateful for all the feedback, truly I am.

    Edit: 18% of my pay is taken off the top every month for taxes and 401k. So more in the 60's is what I make before taxes. It would be more if I was not a Washington State resident and therefore paying state income tax.
     
  11. TROOPER to TRUCKER

    TROOPER to TRUCKER Anything Is Possible

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    the only guarantee in trucking is their are absolutely no guarantees. Also most all regional routes are with a catch. You don't run regional the freight originates in that region.
     
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  12. truckthatpassesyouby

    truckthatpassesyouby Road Train Member

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    Ok so put your 18% to 28-35k. 28 if you're bad at planning or if you pick a low freight company. 35 if you start at a low pay rate but, plan well, and get consistent freight. Then 40 the following year if youre smart. Then, you move to 50-60 gigs, hopefully you will be home more. You can skip the 28-35k job if you find a small fleet to train you and that pays percentage.
     
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