Well I was thinking of getting my CDL's and was interested in starting a new caree as a professional truck driver. I have been trying to find a decent company that offers little to no cost CDL training in return for a few years of service or more if things go well.
So I've been checking around... Roadmasters, Swift, SNI (only hiring exp drivers atm), CRE (which I have a Nov. 2nd class date), Stevens and Central Ref. Plus looking at other schools like community college at Weyer's Cave in Va and other options like possibly just getting my CDL learner's permit and tring to find a job that way (which doesn't seem to be many companies that are willing to hire enexperienced drivers without a schooling).
I found these forums and have been reading the for 2 days and I must say that it has almost made me reconsider even trying to become a truck driver at all. Heck after reading some of these posts I wonder why some of the folks that are posting all the negative things are still even driving?
I realize the first year sucks... and to think I would make 40K in the first year is not likely, and every job has good and bad points about it. But I'm in the "discuss your Favorite company" section of the forums and it's more negative than good it seems.
I understand I shouldn't lease being a newbie and that's fine cause I felt I needed to "learn the ropes" of the trucking industry, but to get my foot in the door it seems like I better expect it to get broken, then after I heal I might get a decent job.
I have a Fiancee and we are planning on getting married in Oct 2010, but it sounds like just about every dispatcher in the country is gonna laugh at me if I have a date to be home even with a year's advance notice.
Anyways sorry about the rambling, but I was excited about learning to become a ORT and seeing new places, even if it was just from an I80, 40 or 10 perspective, and 2 days in these forums have scared the devil out of me.
Any positive advice would be greatly appriciated!
Thanks,
Zane
Favorite Trucking Company??
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by zanyzane, Sep 29, 2009.
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I'm just starting out too so my word is not gospel, but I know and talk to alot of truckers everyday. My advice to you (which is what I'm doing), is to go for it. If you already have a good job (making 50k/year or something) and it's a stable job, right now, with the economy, you may want to keep it. However, if you're in a situation like me, making ~$15k/year, then it will be well worth it if you can get with a decent company. As mentioned in the previous post, stay away from those companies. As you mentioned the first year or 2 isn't going to be all that great and you won't make as much as you will once you get some experience and/or the economy picks up. In my situation, it will pay my bills and then some.
I have a very understanding wife and have all the backing I need from her, so in my eyes, I have nothing to lose even if it doesn't work out because she'll still be here when i get home. I guess it comes down to what is important to you. You're not going to get rich your first couple of years, but I know some O/O's that are making pretty good money with a few trucks and some others driving for them (of course they have been at this for a long time, it won't happen overnight). No, they aren't bill gates, but again that goes back to what you consider good money. Check with Millis Transfer, that's who I am going with and they seem to be a very good company from what I hear and have read. Good luck to you and don't get too discouraged, if it was as horrible as you read on here, there wouldn't be any truck drivers out there
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Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
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