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Hello, I'm New and Thinking About This Career

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by TamedCynic, Aug 2, 2011.

  1. Aug 2, 2011 #1
    TamedCynic

    TamedCynic Bobtail Member

    10
    4
    Jul 19, 2011
    Denver, CO
    0
    Hello, everyone,

    Like a lot of folks, I've had a few dreams about driving a big rig, and like a lot of folks I never really pursued that possibility. Now that I'm unemployed, I'm considering making this career change. In looking for work, I've found age discrimination to be an issue--I'm 54. This business seems open to older folks like me. Also, I'm looking for the opportunity to be working where there is a chance for success and hard work is compensated. Seems like this is possible if you find the right company.
    Having said all this, I've also been browsing around this forum and reading all sorts of things about trucking, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. (insert movie sound clip here.)

    This is an awesome forum and I really appreciate the degree of honesty you find here, not to mention the mutual support.

    I've been around this site enough to know that there are some good starter companies and companies to avoid like the plague. I'm also considering the degree of stress this trucker lifestyle would place on my marriage. We love to be together as much as possible, so I'm considering a starter company that offers a rider program. But I'm also aware that just riding along can be extremely boring for the rider.

    The last thing to share is how much I'm learning from all of you as I go through the decision process. This is a hard business, a dangerous business, and a frustrating business, but it also seems to offer rewards, joys and pleasures you won't find anywhere else (and no, I'm NOT referring to lot lizards!):biggrin_25519:
    So, whatever I decide, I just want to say how much I appreciate this community and the way everyone hangs in there with one another.

    BTW, I've got an appointment to visit the USA Truck Driving School in Denver tomorrow afternoon. If you're interested, I'll keep you posted.
     
    TamedCynic, Aug 2, 2011
    TamedCynic, Aug 2, 2011
    #1
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  3. Aug 2, 2011 #2
    Gears

    Gears Trucker Forum STAFF - Gone, But Not Forgotten.

    4,511
    3,185
    Aug 20, 2009
    0
    Welcome to the forum.
    Nope, you're not too old at all, as long as you can do the job. In fact, I'd think most places would want to hire a guy that has the maturity of folks our age:biggrin_25525:.

    Like most anything in life, you get out of things what you put into them. Make the most of every situation and surround yourself with positive, like-minded people and you'll do well.

    Of course we're interested in your visit with the school. Keep us posted!
     
    Gears, Aug 2, 2011
    Gears, Aug 2, 2011
    #2
    TamedCynic Thanks this.
  4. Aug 3, 2011 #3
    Grandiego

    Grandiego Medium Load Member

    381
    82
    Nov 2, 2007
    0
    1. You will work 14 hr days and not have the spare time you imagine.
    2. You will not always be able to get a shower.
    3. You will not see much of your family, which will add stress to their lives.
    4. You will be under a high degree of personal stress as you learn your job.
    5. You will be lonely, as you adjust to spending weeks at a time by yourself.
    6. You will not get paid for 5% of the miles you drive since most OTR trucking companies have a scam going which calculates paid miles using a secret formula designed to cheat you, even while they send you turn by turn directions with exact miles on a computer.
    7. You will not get paid for the hours you spend getting company equipment repaired, or for all the other hours you spend working but not driving.

    BUT, there are good things. You will get to see the country. You can listen to audiobooks or music while driving. You are your own boss. And, you get paid! Most people will not like this job. Some people will love it. I am one of the people somewhere in the middle.
     
    Grandiego, Aug 3, 2011
    Grandiego, Aug 3, 2011
    #3
    TamedCynic Thanks this.
  5. Aug 3, 2011 #4
    TamedCynic

    TamedCynic Bobtail Member

    10
    4
    Jul 19, 2011
    Denver, CO
    0
    Thanks, Grandiego.

    I'm doing my best to make an informed decision, and your advice helps. I've followed a thread or two started by someone just entering CDL/company school and noticed that while they were really excited and passionate at the beginning, the stresses of the job eventually took their toll. I don't want to start another one of those threads.

    Keep on truckin' and stay safe.
     
    TamedCynic, Aug 3, 2011
    TamedCynic, Aug 3, 2011
    #4
  7. Aug 3, 2011 #5
    Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

    16,583
    12,233
    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
    0
    Welcome to the party!
     
    Lilbit, Aug 3, 2011
    Lilbit, Aug 3, 2011
    #5
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  8. Aug 4, 2011 #6
    Grandiego

    Grandiego Medium Load Member

    381
    82
    Nov 2, 2007
    0
    Some people romanticize this job. Sure, you will have days where everthing is perfect and you can't believe you get paid for what you are doing. But you seem to be approaching this with a level head and won't fool yourself into thinking Driving is an easy job. You need to ask some questions before signing on with a company. Find three companies you are considering and ask: 1. How many cents per mile do you pay? 2. How much do you pay for a 24 hr layover? That'll get you started.
     
    Grandiego, Aug 4, 2011
    Grandiego, Aug 4, 2011
    #6
    TamedCynic Thanks this.
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