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Considering getting CDL, got Questions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jester_Jess, May 29, 2007.

  1. May 29, 2007 #1
    Jester_Jess

    Jester_Jess Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    May 29, 2007
    Jacksonville, FL
    0
    I have been thinking of getting a CDL for a while, and have a couple of schools near me here in Jacksonville, Roadmasters, and National..would anyone recommend either one of them over the other??
    Is there a big money difference in going OTR, versus getting a local/intown delivery job?? Is one harder to get than the other, being a new driver?? Is there a big pay difference??

    I know there is always ads in the paper for CDL drivers needed, to me this means there is either high demand for the job, or the job sucks and no wants to do it...which I would find hard to believe. I come from a automotive repair and retail management background, and am sick of sixday work weeks or more, mandatory overtime, no vacations days, and dealing with #####y people....for 35k a year, I am looking for a career change.
    I enjoy driving, and traveling, which I know may sound cliche, but it is true...I love to drive. I am sure it is different from driving a big truck, or delivering goods..but I like to drive, and get out there on the road, and see where it goes.
    I am engauged, but have no kids, and dont plan on any for atleast four years. In the business I was in, I got little to no time off anyway, and only saw my fiance for a few hours at night...so being away I dont think will be too much of a strain on us. This leads to my final question, how hard is driving on your relationship, and marriage??
    Any info, or opinions would be appreciated.
     
    Jester_Jess, May 29, 2007
    Jester_Jess, May 29, 2007
    #1
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  3. May 29, 2007 #2
    panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

    3,255
    2,243
    Jan 12, 2007
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    i called roadmasters when i first decided to do this in Jan. they STILL CALL ME!!!! can't say i would reccomend them as eager as they are. don't know about National. DO NOT USE DRIVER SOLUTIONS though. i would
    find the company you would like to work for and contact them to arrange training ETC. it will benefit you more than going the way i did.
    usually it is hard to get a local job with a CDL and no experience unless you know someone. the pay can vary.
    BOTH! LOL many dont realize what they have gotten themselves into.
    it COULD be very similar to that realistically.
    me too alot of the reason i did it.
    you best have a good relationship with plenty of trust is all i can say. i have been married 10 years, so when i got into it the relationship and trust were already fully developed

    ​
     
    panhandlepat, May 29, 2007
    panhandlepat, May 29, 2007
    #2
  4. May 29, 2007 #3
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    12,907
    12,209
    Sep 17, 2006
    WY
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    The DOT allows drivers a 70 hr week. Expect to put that in most weeks you are on the road. If you have home time that week it may not be 70.

    OTR is hard on marriages. There is a reason that OTR truckers have one of the higher divorce rates in America. I know its been hard at times on my marriage.
     
    Brickman, May 29, 2007
    Brickman, May 29, 2007
    #3
  5. May 29, 2007 #4
    notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    Jan 1, 2007
    NASA HQ
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    You won't like trucking then!:biggrin_25523:
     
    notarps4me, May 29, 2007
    notarps4me, May 29, 2007
    #4
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