Considering a Career Change, Where to Start?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by glbtrekker, Jul 25, 2022.

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  1. glbtrekker

    glbtrekker Bobtail Member

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    As the title suggests, I’m considering a career change and need some advice choosing a company to get started with.

    Here’s my situation. I’ve been in leadership for the past 30 years, but I’ve recently felt that it’s time for a change. I live in East Tennessee currently, but our family is contemplating a move to Central Florida in the next year or two. I’m in relatively good health, but given my age (52), I think mostly no touch freight would be a better choice. Additionally, I would enjoy seeing the entire country, but since I have a family, some home time will be important.

    The question is, where do I start? I’ve been considering opportunities with various companies, but I’m discovering that an apples to apples comparison is almost impossible. Who hires new drivers and/or provides a class to get you started?

    I’ve been looking at Millis, Werner, Schneider, Prime, and Swift, etc., but who am I missing? Is one company’s pay/benefits package considerably better than another? Thanks in advance as I know this question gets asked a lot.
     
    glbtrekker, Jul 25, 2022
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  2. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    Do you live near one of the big interstates? 40, 65, 81,75
     
    silverspur, Jul 25, 2022
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  3. glbtrekker

    glbtrekker Bobtail Member

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    I’m currently within 30 minutes of I40 and I75
     
    glbtrekker, Jul 25, 2022
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  4. Judge

    Judge Road Train Member

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    Judge, Jul 25, 2022
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  5. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    silverspur, Jul 25, 2022
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  6. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    lual, Jul 25, 2022
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  7. Northern Nomad

    Northern Nomad Light Load Member

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    I tell the same thing to people who are thinking about getting a CDL as I do those who are thinking about getting married… don’t.
     
    Northern Nomad, Jul 25, 2022
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  8. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    What does "I’ve been in leadership for the past 30 years," actually mean?

    band leader. CEO, or what
     
    Numb, Jul 25, 2022
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  9. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    @glbtrekker --

    Also -- if you've been in a leadership/management position for a long time, and decide to proceed in the trucking world, anyway--be advised that you may not see the same levels of respect that you saw in your earlier management roles--especially as a beginning driver.

    With that said--to minimize the disappointment levels, I would highly encourage you to be extremely careful about which sector(s) of trucking you choose.

    Temperature-controlled (aka, "reefer") drivers experience some of the worst levels of treatment. Shippers/receivers will in many cases treat you like a <<<edited for civility>>>.

    I don't just speak from second-hand feedback. :rolleyes:

    Been there, seen that. :mad:

    --Lual
     
    lual, Jul 25, 2022
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  10. glbtrekker

    glbtrekker Bobtail Member

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    Thanks everyone, through the years I’ve worked in retail/commercial management (paint industry) and ministry. I realize that trucking has its own unique set of challenges, and I’m still considering my options. However, I would still appreciate any insight on companies/divisions to avoid and/or opportunities to pursue. Thanks again
     
    glbtrekker, Jul 25, 2022
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