I just retired from the military and I need to feed my family and pay some bills. I am thinking of signing on with a starter company. I prefer a company with a ride along program and would like to take my son who is about to graduate HS. Maybe even pay him a little out of my pocket. I think this could be a great way to regroup after a rough army career with little home time. He does have college hopes but that is out of the question right now until we get back on our feet. My real question is about lumper(?) fees. Could he make a little money working my trailer?
No he wouldn't be able to do any work. He would definitely be able to ride along though. During the summer months. Each company has their own policy.
I occasionally have taken my 14 year old son along with me although he is not allowed to work we both enjoy each others company. Being a flat bedder I have had to leave him outside the gate at a few shippers. A lot of places don't allow passengers on their property unless they have a CDL. Some won't even allow a co-driver, at least in the flatbed world.
I took my son with me for 2 weeks one summer...he was 11 at the time.....we had alot of fun...but he was ready to get home by the end of it....he also gained alot more respect for truckers at that time......he had a good respect as it was...his momma drove for a while and his grandfather is a retired driver....one of the old breed....he was out there in the 60's thru the 90's.
My daughter went on the truck from 8 years old til she was 15. She was homeschooled and could go any timeof the year. She was with me, and we were in Sacramento, on 9/11/2001. The things she learned about this Nation while going to and through all 48 States was better than ANY thing she could have learned in a public indoctrination center classroom, and something she will never forget. She's in RN school now and graduates next fall.
It just depends on your Son. Keep in mind, he may not like the lifestyle. And if you drive for a company with one bunk, someone has to sleep in the jump seat, sitting up. Or, you are trying to sleep in the bunk, and he keeps getting in and out of the truck because he's "bored" and waking you up.
Depending on the company, you shouldn't have a problem. They do charge a rider fee though. This is because of insurance. Like LilBit said, summer months only though. You aren't allowed riders in the winter. Probably be better for you anyway because of school schedule.
