hey everyone need a lil advice

Any of you guys considering going OTR better sit down and do some serious thinking.

A number of you say that you're single, no attachments ect.....

Can you handle being on the road for up to 15 days or more away from home?
Can you handle parking in some sleazy truck stop or can you handle parking in a remote spot where there is no cell service or another soul for miles around?

Trucking is not just about the truck and driving...there are logs and if you desire to become an O/O, there's more paper work than Carter has pills.

Going down the road you soon realize you have no rights and Mr. or Ms. Bear can pull your a-z-z over for "Driving on a sunny day".....


If you're up for it....it can be a rewarding life but like being a soldier, it's a hell of a commitment.

 

Companies I have worked for have hired several inexperienced drivers without training and trained them . In fact I know of only one graduate hired and he was the worst driver I have ever seen in my life . I made him quit driving my truck and told my employer to never let him anywhere near my truck . When I complained to the school they admitted they had given him "several chances " to pass certain parts of the course . You don't get "several chances" on the road . That proved to me schools just want the money and will turn anybody loose . "Certificates " don't impress me at all .

 

I would never presume to have as much industry knowledge as Rick or some of the other more experienced drivers here, but I can offer my perspective.

There probably aren't too many here who'd advise you to go into trucking right now. The economy is bad, the future is uncertain, and not only that, most of us tend to think we've got too many drivers and not enough freight. The only reason I'm going into it is because I'm obsessed with it. As the son and grandson of truck drivers, it's always been a passion for me and all I ever really wanted. However, I'm still not leaving my steady paycheck just yet. I want to save money for training and have enough to live off of during the transition period, and I'm also planning to start at a time of the year when freight is typically at its highest volume.

The big unknown is the economy. As much as I want to drive, I can't help but acknowledge that the industry has changed and will continue to change in the coming years. It's doubtful it will be what it was when I was out with my dad. Nevertheless, I certainly respect your desire to get into it, IF you've done your research and have the right attitude.

Andrew

 

So you've been hauling equipment and driving a 33,000 lb. garbage truck without a CDL ? If you had been caught and cited that violation would kill any chance of being hired by a carrier .

 

I'm pretty sure Prime is still training people and putting them in trucks. That's Prime Inc. in Springfield, MO.

 

If you really want to drive then apply to the companies that will train you. It won't cost you anything except that you will sign a contract saying you have to stay with them at least a year, if you don't you will have to pay them for the cost of school. I don't think driving a garbage truck or hauling equipment locally is going to count as experience for driving an 18 wheeler otr. There really is no short cut to going otr.