Considering Trucking

I always wanted to drive ever since I rode in a truck my Dad was driving and I was 4 years old. I've seen both sides of your situation and what some of these guys are saying (stay military) truely is the best option. I did my 20 years and got my pension which has really helped. What I believe you need to is find another job in the service. You can take your experience and go for nuclear emergency team training (NETT) in Albuquerque NM and things might change for you.

My first 4 years was somewhat like yours. I too wanted to get out and drive a truck. It would have been real easy back then to do. Then I started thinking there's places in the service that drive so I went there. My first commercial job was hauling freight every fri night to sun morning all through the south east. Back then the military or I should say the Navy was on a 4 day work week. Next I was in the Seabees and we hauled alot of heavy equipment OTR all the time. So I had commercial experience before I even got out. I know it's hard to do but you really have to look hard. I know 3 or 4 guys in CA that are driving part time for Yellow or did anyway. I'm now retired again because I took an early bonus retirement. I could do that since I already had some of the benefits you need. So take the easy way and protect your future.

 

You sound exactly like me, man. Not concerned with what's "safe and comfortable" as much as living life to the fullest. At least that's the vibe I get.

It's definitely good to have that spirit, trust me. The only thing I would recommend is coming up with a solid plan for what you want to do... oh, and to continue browsing this forum. That's what I'm doing at least!

 

Use that GI Bill before you start getting too old to want to attend school or have a family that starts to dominate your time. They can never take a diploma away. If what you go to school for does not work out, you can always then go get your CDL at a later date.

 

I'd like to join the chorus of folks recommending you stay in the military. if I had joined when I was 18, I could've retired in 2 more years. you think you're bored NOW, with nothing to do, what until you're stuck at a pee covered truck stop in bumblescum, iowa for 3 days waiting on a load with TRULY nothing to do, and only making $200 a week.

 

Now that's a good suggestion . He doesn't have to stay in the Air Force . The Seabees are a great outfit to be in . I've known quite a few . Then you have the Army Corps of Engineers . There would probably be a good enlistment bonus transferring too .
Beginner OTR drivers will never get any respect . They are too easily replaced .

 

firemike checkout csa contract in kuwait, they need firefighters or get a government job as a firefighter on a military installation somewhere, check out usajobs. you think you are bored now, try setting at a truck stop waiting on a load for days.

 

Ok, how about at least trying this on for size. Make contact with a carrier (just pick one) and ask to ride along for a couple trips and see if this is what you believe your future will be.

I believe you are smart enough to check it out yourself and call us wrong.

Think about it....

 

That won't work . The carrier will put him with the driver getting the best loads . Just like England giving trainees 5,000 miles a week then putting them with a L/O for a few months to see the "potential " earnings . Yeah , right . See how your miles are once you've signed the contract .

 

I've got one for ya,you're 24 single and no kids?
Just go for it!