getting into trucking

We had an acquaintance in Michigan who was not successful holding a truck driving job. The state wanted reimbursement of the tuition.

 

I live in Michigan and when I became unemployed, the state paid half of the cost for my cdl training. I got to chose what school to attend, and they also paid me milage reimbursement. I just finished schooling last friday. Got my cdl. And starting work next monday. Havnt had any problems with the state nor do they care who I go to work for.

 

i suggest you do a little more research into the field...this ain't no sunday walk in the park. Make sure it is something you want to do, first... not just because the school is free. Then if you decide you want to do it, then of course it's a good idea to let the state pick up the tab.

 

Gold Wing, Truck driving is a tough job. Most new drivers will spend 2-3 weeks at a time on the road away from their friends and family. So you should discuss this with your family before you make the leap. Most new drivers will make between 30K-40K during the first year. But, you will work 60+ hours a week. Most new drivers will not survive the 1st year over the road. Big companies like Swift, Werner, etc. have driver turn over rates over 125% per year. Thats why you will alway see ads that they are hiring in the paper and on-line. Truck driving is the 9th most dangerous job in the United States.

I'm not trying to discourage you or anyone else looking to become a truck driver, I just want you to be aware of what you are getting into. You can make decent money in trucking. But, you need to do your research and have realistic expectations. Especially during your first year or two. With experience comes more money and better options.

 

Before I started cdl school I read as much as I could about the trucking industry on sites such as this one, I also do not know alot of truck drivers so I visited a few truck stops in my area, and spoke with alot of drivers. (most drivers are more than happy to give advice)What I heard the most from these drivers was if you can avoid the big outfits like Warner, Swift, C.R. England etc..... THEN DO SO. I started calling around to companies in my area. (beer and pop distrubuters, and other smaller trucking companies) The company that interested me the most does alot of dedicated runs into Ohio, and Indiana. Then I went to cdl school, finished my training and got my cdl last friday. I will start driving for this company monday morning. (home every night). What I am trying to get across is that most people make it sound like these big companies are your only option. WRONG!!!! Just do your homework first, line something up before you start training if you can. I will probably not stay with this company for more than a year, but I will get that year of experience. Plus have some other options when I get atleast 6 months- 1 year of experience. But I got to get the experience first. Get the experience then worry about the money!!!!