How many newbies back-out?

I'd say of the 20, 15 probably quit or move on to another company within 6 mos.

 

I'd think 3 out of 20 would still be around by end of year one.

 

It's unfortunate that so many new drivers do leave. But driving isn't for everybody. Drivers give up a lot to do their jobs, from being on the road for extended periods of time, to dealing with increased regulation, to the lack of respect they are shown by the general public. You really got to love what you do to make it in this industry, and that ain't no lie. I love being a driver, but I have given up any semblance of a normal life. My friends are typically drivers I meet at the truck stop, and are only seen once or twice. I have no social life at home, cause I have difficulty in understanding people who don't drive for a living. They have issues that just don't occur to me, since I don't have a boss standing over my shoulder during my entire work shift. My love life has been largely non-existent since 1998, since most women can't seem to handle being away from their man for three to four weeks at a time. Heck, I still live with my mother at age 34, cause I can't see spending rent money for an apartment I'll see maybe once a month. With all this, I still prefer driving to any other job. Why? I view it as an addiction. What other job is gonna allow me the chance to sleep in a different state every night? Where else am I gonna meet as many interesting people on a day to day basis? What other job is gonna give me the challenges that drivers face on a daily basis, from getting to the shipper/receiver on a timely basis, to keeping the truck loaded and rolling, to finding a decent parking spot to take my break, so on and so forth? I thrive on the challenges I find on the road on a daily basis, and use the stress to my advantage. I love the feeling I get when I pull off a tricky backing maneuver next to a million miler safe driver, and get a thumbs up for a good job. I love the feeling of treated as the professional I present myself to be. But more than anything, I love getting up in the morning knowing I get to drive a BIG TRUCK. Deep inside, I'm actually six.

 

HERE! HERE!

 

The company I worked for, we had a high rate of turnover. It wasn't due to poor pay or no miles, it was the opposite. There were alot of miles and we didn't have alot of time to waste. Some would want to sit in the truck stop and play video slots or poker, others would get drunk, (we'd get hotel rooms once we got near our pick-up location and a few would go find the nearest bar).

Once I had charge of a crew of my own, I worked out a system to where there was some free time amongst the work. It kept the morale up and made for a more productive employee.

I'd place turnover around 80% back then. I ended up getting that down to a more respectable 4% towards the end.

 

I read somewhere that it was like 80 percent. now that may be high. in the school I went to of the 12 guys in the class 3 were still driving after a year. one we new would never make it at school and the instructors kept pushing. the rest just fell away for various reasons mostly family. I had to stop for a time, but I'll be back on the road Monday the 17th yeah! mine was medical H1N1 is a ##### and can cause many other problems so be careful. it cost me a year off the road, passed my DOT yesterday! good to go.

 

I read 86% do NOT last a year, and I can believe that.

At least that many DON'T belong out here !!!!!!!!!!!

 

Good question, I am starting school on Monday kind of was wondering the same thing. I guess everyone is different we all have the family or medical issues. I think alot of people get into driving thinking it is some cake walk. And how wrong is that. It is a complete change of life. It is in and of its self a lifestyle. I have done a great deal of reading on here and gone to truck stops to make sure this is what I want. But my kid is grown and the wife is know the ex so I should be o.k

 

When I was at England the drop out rate was pretty high, Some got sent home because they didn't get it, and others went part way through and then failed something; while others decided to go to another company.

Out of a class there only about 5 or less really make it and stay on with the company. By a years time most are long gone!!!!

That is why they say england stands for: Every New Guy Lasts About Ninety Days!!!!

I am sure it varies from company to company but in trucking you either get it or you don't.

And they don't give you much time to practice you got to do that once your out on the road and driving, which is why the first year or two is so difficult for many drivers out there that are just starting out.