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How does this journey begin??

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Rodriguez, Feb 23, 2011.

  1. Feb 23, 2011 #1
    Rodriguez

    Rodriguez Bobtail Member

    13
    1
    Feb 7, 2011
    florida
    0
    I had a couple question when I first started on this website, but there was not really a clear answer. So forgive me for rewriting, I am just trying to get a clear picture of what to expect or how to get into what I want.

    I'm 21 in August, and soon to be married. I want to become a REGIONAL driver. Gone 5-7 days home for 2-3. I feel like that is really ideal for my lifestyle and wanted to do it for a couple of years before going local. I live in South Florida and have been researching and finding out about carriers in Orlando, all the way to Jacksonville.

    I am choosing between becoming a barber vs truck driver, 2 totally different lifestyles, so any answers would help a confused guy out A TON!

    Can I do regional work off of the bat without going OTR. I have heard some people tell me you can, schools have said yes I can, but on here I have seen people say no. So there is a little confusion there.

    Thank You in advance, This is a big life decision I am about to make, so I'm trying to research everything through and get things started
     
    Rodriguez, Feb 23, 2011
    Rodriguez, Feb 23, 2011
    #1
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  3. Feb 23, 2011 #2
    rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

    4,246
    5,231
    Feb 25, 2010
    SoCal
    0
    If you get on regional you may get home every 7-10 days, but time off might be only 2 days. If you don't mind being away from home then trucking might work for ya, but it can be rough on a new marriage. You might want to be a barber, probably make more money at it. Alot of companies want you to go OTR when you first start, but not all.
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2011
    rachi, Feb 23, 2011
    rachi, Feb 23, 2011
    #2
  4. Feb 23, 2011 #3
    leannamarie

    leannamarie "California Girl"

    3,499
    1,708
    May 1, 2007
    Wishing I was somewhere on the road...
    0
    Living in south Florida will work against you as well.
     
    leannamarie, Feb 23, 2011
    leannamarie, Feb 23, 2011
    #3
  5. Feb 23, 2011 #4
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

    10,555
    5,747
    Oct 22, 2010
    32179
    0
    Unless you want to haul, sugar, produce, flowers/plants,

    or tourists !!!!
     
    123456, Feb 23, 2011
    123456, Feb 23, 2011
    #4
  7. Feb 23, 2011 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,678
    12,230
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    Lets clarify the difference between "regional" and "otr". In theory, regional means you run a certain area of the country, such as S.East (Fl,Ga,Al,SC,). OTR, you run most states. Some companies only run E. Of the Mississippi, and are considered OTR. So, lets say you live in Jax, Fl. and run "regional" S. East. Yeah, you won't be far from home, but, that doesn't mean you will get home either. You could be running Atlanta-Mobile-Chattanooga and be close but not quite there. An OTR guy could run Atlanta-Fresno and return and be home in 5-6 days. (running team). You could run S. East regional and only get home every 21 days, maybe. Food for thought.......
     
    Allow Me., Feb 23, 2011
    Allow Me., Feb 23, 2011
    #5
  8. Feb 24, 2011 #6
    Infosaur

    Infosaur Road Train Member

    3,611
    5,207
    Oct 21, 2008
    Berks County PA, to NYC (Daily?)
    0
    If you want to be around your new family, I'd say go with Barber.

    (oh wait you said "married" not "expecting a kid")

    In that case, why not see if the new Mrs. would be up for some cross-country time? Both of you can get CDL's (or she can be your navigator/secretary) and you can live on the road instead of getting that "first apartment"

    Now that we have little kids, my wife kinda misses the trips we'd take in the company truck.
     
    Infosaur, Feb 24, 2011
    Infosaur, Feb 24, 2011
    #6
  9. Feb 24, 2011 #7
    Bankrobba

    Bankrobba Bobtail Member

    43
    3
    Feb 12, 2011
    Lubbock Texas
    0
    You will have to learn how to Bulll#### and lie your ### off if you want to be a barber....on the other hand it will be not much different if you choose truckin...only not home as much..Just redneckin ya.....trust your gut.....you will most likley be happier as a barber at home with a young family.... How does your soon to be wife feel about it??...I would try local driving first if you really want to drive.........:biggrin_25520:
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2011
    Bankrobba, Feb 24, 2011
    Bankrobba, Feb 24, 2011
    #7
  10. Feb 24, 2011 #8
    CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
    18,734
    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
    0
    Good barbers are hard to find. You can go regional after your 6-8 weeks of training. But most companies allow 1 day off for 7 worked. Home weekends might mean getting home on Saturday and leaving Sunday. Florida is limited on freight because everything goes there and not much comes out.
    You're young enough your choices are unlimited. There's trade schools, apprenticeships, government jobs, etc. There's a Marine Institute, MTI, MIT or something like that down there. Big money and plenty of boats down there. That's something I would consider if I was young and living in FL.
     
    CondoCruiser, Feb 24, 2011
    CondoCruiser, Feb 24, 2011
    #8
  11. Feb 24, 2011 #9
    Rodriguez

    Rodriguez Bobtail Member

    13
    1
    Feb 7, 2011
    florida
    0
    My wife is originally from Louisiana, so she has some family that are truckers, and knows what to expect.

    I am originally from New York, so I grew up around a barbershop, and have always just wanted to be in this atmosphere.

    But one thing I always have loved was big rigs. When we use to drive from New York all the way down to Florida, I always had dreams of driving one how you guys do.

    My wife is cool with it. As a matter a fact I asked her, "If it was up to you which one would you choose for me, if you had to make that decision?", and she told me drive trucks.

    I have looked on and off at trade school, but nothing catches the eye or heart, like barbering or trucking. Plus, I realllly don't want to be in South Florida that much longer. I was hoping to move to Orlando, Va or NY in the next 2 to 3 years.

    This is the biggest decision of my life!!!!!!
     
    Rodriguez, Feb 24, 2011
    Rodriguez, Feb 24, 2011
    #9
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