Been thinking about doing this for a few years

Hey everyone,

I've been (local) driving (p/u) for the last 10-11 years and I like driving - I'm a loner type, I am not looking to start a family any time soon, also I like the freedom.

I like my current job and all, the only thing is there is a slow and busy seaqson. Financially, the busy season allows me to save enough to get by during the slow season, however I need to start looking at making more lettuce i.e., make enough to put something away for the future.

In all honesty - I'm TOTALLY green about driving a big rig.
Will someone be so kind to give me some info about what to expect:

What is a typical day like?
What time do you "start" and quit everyday?
How many hours worked per week?
What will the pay be like?
What are the turn-offs / on's?

And any other info you'd like to share would GREATLY be appreciated!



I've never even been in big rig, only thing I know is I like the 'driver' occupation and this seems like it could be something for me.

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the board. I've only been here a short while myself, but have spent hours of research on some different companies as I choose which ones to apply for.

I can answer a few of your questions. As I understand, you are allowed by law to drive 11 hours/day, work 14 hours/day, and 70 hours/week. Generally, if you are otr, and the miles are there you will be putting in very long weeks.

I'll let the experts take over from here...

 

The thing about driving, I don't think anyday can be typical, at least thats how I stayed safe all these years. Always expecting the unexpected. Start and stop times vary, denpending on pickups dropoffs and route planning.
The turn ons? What do you like. being on the road , not having someone over yourshoulder. Taking responsiblity, meeting new people.
The turn offs. .. can be many.. dealing with traffic.. horrible inconsiderate drivers...not liking to be alone.. It's not for everyone and you will def. get out what you put into it.
have a good additude expect to pay your dues.
The pay is not going to be as good in the begining as it will after you get experience and do the job right.
If your are starting fresh. go in with a good additude and work ethic, be professional treat people the way you would want to be treated ...even if they don't treat you that way.... I found that works best and you might even win some over.
I hope that helps a bit.
Good Luck

 

Cool stuff guys!

I'm pretty used to the negatives like; traffic, bad drivers, not being able to find an address, etc. I'm just not sure how the jump from driving a little p/u to a big diesel will be.

I love the driving 'occupation' so I want to stay in this line of work.
I'm just not sure if OTR is going to work for me or not, I mean, it may be great or a disaster, so I'd like to get some serious info from pros over here before I commit myself.

I know that I'd like a local gig such as driving a cement truck (is that a CDL?) or a delivery truck for a Supermarket or water & beverage company e.g. Coke/Pepsi, Arrowhead, or something similar ot this.
I'm assuming you need a class A for these and also, are these jobs hard to come by and also how is the pay for?


Thanks again for the help!
-Yngwie

 

What is a typical day like?
What time do you "start" and quit everyday?
How many hours worked per week?
What will the pay be like?
What are the turn-offs / on's?


there is no typical day per say. your days all depend on the shippers/recievers. there is no start/stop times. it depends mainly on your log book. i typically try to run day time hours but it doesnt always work that way. esp. if i got a 3 am delivery at a grocery warehouse, then i just try to catch a cat nap. sleeping is a huge sacrifice you will make. i run on approx. 5-6 hrs a day of sleep and thats if i'm lucky. you'll run 66-70 hrs a week if you want to make some money. pay can go both ways. it depends on you. if you go out there and piddle fart around then your not gonna make much. go out there and just run it and do what you gotta do and you'll make decent money. more years you drive, the more you make. usually about 1-2 yrs and you can make some change. whatever you dou stay with the first company for a year and then the doors open up and the good companies come knocking. but don't answer if jb,swift,crengland and werner come to the door. try to stay away from these esp. being new to the business or you'll get the short end of the stick. i do it for the love of my freedom and seeing places i wouldn't see any other way. biggest down fall in my opinion for me is the hygiene thing. taking showers in truck stops and having to tinkle in the middle of the night. too me the good out ways the bad and thats why i do it.

 

I know that I'd like a local gig such as driving a cement truck (is that a CDL?) or a delivery truck for a Supermarket or water & beverage company e.g. Coke/Pepsi, Arrowhead, or something similar ot this.
I'm assuming you need a class A for these and also, are these jobs hard to come by and also how is the pay for


cement trucks and dump trucks are generally class B. basically you need the class A for any vehicle that is a 2 piece. (coke,pepsi,wally world,supermarkets) the harder the job is too get typically means it's a better job than the norm. people don't qiut a good job.

 

Good stuff, Cerberus,thanks.

Here's a dumb question -
How does one get a class B license without being able to drive one to learn on?

Is it best to go through a driving/trucking school to get "experience" and training so I can get my Class A, then I can always choose which job to go after, Class A or B ... is that a good way to go?

In other words, what would you say is the best way to get some training?

As I said, I've been considering this move for a few years now, and I'm almost certain this is what I wanna do, so the when has been answered now it's just a matter of where and how.

 

do you know any body with a truck ? i personally went to a school to acquire a class A and paid for it myself. the B i'm not sure of since i have never had one. there are companies out there that train you for the A but usually gotta sign a contract with them for a year or so. it all depends on if you got the money or can get a grant of some sort to pay for it. there are several drivers on here that did that so hopefully they can give you more info on that. before you decide this is what you want to do think twice. it's not all roses but it works for me quite well. do alot of research and ask questions all you want. the only dumb question..you know the rest.

 

No, wish I did.

I don't really have the funds for the schools but ... I can sell off a few things and most probably raise the cash.
I remember looking into it a couple years ago, and they were around $1,500 to $3,500 clams (if I remember correctly).

I've been reading the posts from you fellas about staying away from Engalnd, JB Hunt, etc etc. So, that much I've learned!

Cool, I'll wait for a few other posts to hopefully shed some light as to what would be the best way to go.

 

Yngwie, Class B licenses don't require a road test, at least not in Michigan. Just pass the written test, pay the man and that's it. Most class B companies want experience also, but I'm pretty sure you can find one if you look. Class B jobs don't typically pay as good, but you'll see alot more home time to be sure. School bus, Transit bus, Propane truck, Delivering supplies of all kinds (try medical suplies for home), Furniture, Bucket truck, Garbage truck are all class B. There are alot of alternatives to OTR, especially if you live in the city. The license is easy, the job'll be tougher. But, if you opt for OTR, and have a good driving record and no criminal activity, some companies offer sponsored training with a signed contract. As always, good luck!