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Change of career

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by Northeast Tom, Feb 28, 2015.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Feb 28, 2015 #1
    Northeast Tom

    Northeast Tom Bobtail Member

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    3
    Feb 28, 2015
    Maine
    0
    As a veteran and 16 year law enforcement officer I have always admirred the truck driving industry. I live in the northeast (Maine) and looking for a good company that treats their employees fair with a decent wage. i don't know hardly anything about the industry but would welcome any advice and direction. I am in my mid 30's, married and enjoy working by myself but have no problem taking orders. I really can't say what type of hauling I would like so any advice on the pros and cons of different loads would be greatly appreciated! Look forward to hear from you all.
     
    Northeast Tom, Feb 28, 2015
    Northeast Tom, Feb 28, 2015
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Feb 28, 2015 #2
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Trucking is a good career and you would probably enjoy it. The best hauling for a new driver is hazmat/tankers which leads to some good paychecks. Shouldn't have any problem, after all the training is complete, making $60K+ per year. Much depends on the hiring area you live in. If you prefer not to put the city/town on your profile, at least let us know the nearest city to you. Take care and welcome to trucking.
     
    Chinatown, Feb 28, 2015
    Chinatown, Feb 28, 2015
    #2
    Northeast Tom and Lucar Thank this.
  4. Feb 28, 2015 #3
    77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    Apr 3, 2011
    I dunno.
    0
    If you love your wife, enjoy her company and she likes having you sleep with her than make wise decisions. The excitement of trucking wears off and the sacrifices can be painful. That being said it is a great career if everyone involved works together in understanding the process. Best of luck.
     
    77smartin, Feb 28, 2015
    77smartin, Feb 28, 2015
    #3
    stayinback, Northeast Tom and Lucar Thank this.
  5. Feb 28, 2015 #4
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    You have a good edge on being hired with many companies. I've seen former police officers hired right off the street, with no experience or schooling, just a CDL. Don't know if you're in the hiring area or not, but Northern Gas Transport looks good; they're based in VT. Probably be worth sitting down with the owner and asking what it would take for him to hire you. Several others hire new CDL graduates if you're in the hiring area.
     
    Chinatown, Feb 28, 2015
    Chinatown, Feb 28, 2015
    #4
    Northeast Tom Thanks this.
  7. Feb 28, 2015 #5
    stayinback

    stayinback Road Train Member

    3,911
    8,256
    Jan 24, 2014
    chicago,il
    0
    77smartin says it best......

    STAY with your current occupation,Trust us! Your benefits are better,Your Pension is better,yourt vacations are better etc etc.....

    being a Trucker changes everythinbg, You will be forced in Low premium healthcare,No Pension (401k at best) and vacations that seem to never come!

    If Im lying to you may God strike me down.....

    After a year or 2, You will get to see what Im saying


    Are their good driving jobs? absolutely, But those go fast (like anything else)

    As a 25 year veteran of trucking.......I respect this job ALONG with all law enforcement, CMV enforcement officers are so underpayed its scary... 25-30k per year salaries excluding benefits...

    New York Highway patrol was hiring,35k per year to start? crazy salaries.. BUT an honest living with your Wife and family .

    Best advice I can give is to really sit down and think it over....
     
    stayinback, Feb 28, 2015
    stayinback, Feb 28, 2015
    #5
  8. Feb 28, 2015 #6
    Chaps

    Chaps Light Load Member

    287
    132
    Nov 22, 2014
    South Carolina
    0
    Best of luck my friend! I left a career in LE myself and just getting started in this industry. As a newbie do a lot of research on driving schools and even what companies recruit or will hire from the school.
    Also welcome to the forum!!
     
    Chaps, Feb 28, 2015
    Chaps, Feb 28, 2015
    #6
    Northeast Tom Thanks this.
  9. Mar 1, 2015 #7
    Northeast Tom

    Northeast Tom Bobtail Member

    9
    3
    Feb 28, 2015
    Maine
    0
    Thank you for you advice! Question for you. Why a tanker/hazmat? My thinking is because it keeps me on more open roads? Flat bed was looking appealing because it is more open for visual reasons.
     
    Northeast Tom, Mar 1, 2015
    Northeast Tom, Mar 1, 2015
    #7
  10. Mar 1, 2015 #8
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Tanker/hazmat pays more annually due to accessorial pays.
     
    Chinatown, Mar 1, 2015
    Chinatown, Mar 1, 2015
    #8
  11. Mar 2, 2015 #9
    Northeast Tom

    Northeast Tom Bobtail Member

    9
    3
    Feb 28, 2015
    Maine
    0
    Bangor Maine is about 2 hours away. Does that help?
     
    Northeast Tom, Mar 2, 2015
    Northeast Tom, Mar 2, 2015
    #9
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  12. Mar 2, 2015 #10
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Ashley Distribution Services - $67K
    Pride Transport

    As for tankers, not sure who hires that far North:

    Bay & Bay
    Trimac Transportation
    Superior Carriers
    Schneider Bulk

    Probably some lessor known companies around there other than the major carriers.
     
    Chinatown, Mar 2, 2015
    Chinatown, Mar 2, 2015
    #10
    Northeast Tom Thanks this.
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