Getting started, DON'T make my mistakes.

Semiret, I would go with Central Refrigerated if I were you. In you neck of the woods and my brother says it's a good company. I'm going with Stevens because I live near Dallas so I figure home time would be easier to get. Just a thought.

 

Very good posting of personal experience and hard knocks and difficulties. If there were more new drivers that explained what they had to go through this would be a great data base. Just remember that the OP is explaining his own personal road blocks and is not speaking for the entire industry. He hits on most of the pains but of course there are some exceptions and one person can never cover all the aspects of what a new driver must go through. But if we had more new drivers explaining what they had to endure a person could evaluate all the information and get an accurate understanding what a person is getting into.

The problem a lot of times is the information that IS acurate is not what the new person whats to hear so it falls on deaf ears. This job requires extensive knowledge of what a new driver should do just to get started. Forget the driving part and the job the first major step is breaking into the industry to enhance your chances and stand out so you'll get the best training for your dollar. You just do not want to be a name on an application that falls in with the rest of many other applications with the same qualifications.

You need to take the leap in steps and do it right so you can make this job into a career and not just a part time effort in your life. The school should be your first choice and you what the best you can get. Forget the pre-hires and all the promises a school or recruiter makes that are not in your best interests. Pick a school that is known for success and has a good reputation. Then after you complete the school step up your game and go after the best job you want. It doesn't hurt in trying for the best and working down. However, it seems that judging by the information that is posted here people start at the bottom and take the first opportunity that comes along. I understand when your backed up against the wall and need to start earning but that's where the planning comes in.

People say that trucking is a way of life and that's true. You're gone from home for long periods of time and if you have a family it's tough. There's so many aspects of the job you need a list to meet your goals. You should have a plan for your future before you even go looking for a job. For example, If you want to specialize your career in heavy hauling then you seek out flatbed companies. If you want gasoline then you look for tankers. Any job that requires special training will benefit you in the long run.

This is an excellent site for information but don't limit yourself to one source. Look for as much as you can find because like I said there's no one answer. Compiling information then weed through to rid the BS is the best way that I have found. What one driver hates another loves. Talk to drivers when you're out and see them. Most of the time if the driver has the time he or she will explain all you have. It's a long consuming time and effort but the more you put into it the better you'll get out of it. Just my 2¢ and good luck.

 

Im sure glad I got around all those headaches.

 

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