How to become something?

Well, i hate to sound harsh, but i feel i must say it because it's too important not too:

1) One of the problems with society is that the son can NEVER do it as good as the father; i mean look at all these great companies that are being run into the ground.
OK, there are exceptions, but generally not.

2) If you have to come on here and ask "what's next?," this proves you don't know what you're doing and #1 applies to you.

Do you want to drive trucks because you like it, or are you doing it because you think that's what dad would want you to do?


Sorry kid, but i believe in telling it like it is.

 

Sorry that jerk had to be first one to reply. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. This is a tremendous forum full of experienced men and women who I'm sure would be more than happy to offer you CONSTRUCTIVE advice. Not everyone on here is an insensitive,self absorbed ####!

 

I started when I was 18 and it was tough but if you want it bad enough...It's doable!

You'll need to find a carrier to leases to that'll take a youngster with an older truck, They're out there but they're few and far between.

Good luck youngster.

 

Ok, in your shoes... my 1st step would be to find a local company to work with, can haulers, flatbed work etc. That's just to see if anyone would be interested with your older equipment, age, and experience (or lack).

As an alternative, do you have a good (cheap) place to safely store the rig? If so, you could complete your licence via the methods on the board, roll with a company rig for awhile and if you like doing it make your choices then.

I'm sure that many of us look forward to hearing about your journey. I know I do.

Pal

 

Andrew,

My old man was a successful O/O as well, he also died of a heart attack (while on the road nonetheless). I was a kid (11) at the time, so I missed out on the opportunity to learn from a great trucker. (Thankfully there are a few more on this board) I understand where you're coming from and what it takes to deal with that kind of loss at an early age. I've got a similar dream as you, so I'll be watching this thread and wishing you luck. You're probably way ahead of the guys and gals getting their start with one of the "starter" companies.

I would look into how you're going to set up your business- Incorporated, LLC, Sole Proprietorship, etc.; as well as operating authority.

Did your father have his own authority, and can you transfer it to your business? If so, you might be able to avoid some red tape. Not to mention the pride of continuing what he started.

 

Sounds like you have some good ol' fashion driving force in your life. Things maybe a little different now then from when your father drove so you will need to make adjustments as they come along. Maybe hold on to that Mack for some truck shows in the future. A newer fuel-effecient truck is a must if you are going to make it in the industry these days. DOT will eat you alive too! Downtime spent fixing the truck means your wheels aren't turnin and that's the name of the game as you well know. Take your time, as you are now, and do your research. Combine this with your fathers teachings and the asphault in your veins and you should do just fine. Good luck to you! You are driving with purpose! Oh yeah, welcome to the forum.

 

ANDREW:

my friend you don't no me but i was asked to contact you buy one that thinks a lot of you so here goes.
i am truly sorry about the lose of your dad there is no greater loss then the lose of one so close to your heart and a lose that you never forget so don't even try and when you think about it would you really want to.

your dad gave you the mind to think for yourself to know right from wrong,to decide for yourself what you want to do with your life so why would tyou want to forget in the first place he was probably the most important thing in your life and my friend as long as he is in your heart he is always there he wont go away he will be there beside you as always.

now you will hear a lot offer help and some even have a smart mouth that make hurtfull remarks people that offer help mean well and they think a lot of you or they wouldn't try to help when you get the hurtfull remarks before you let it bother you just stop and think and ask yourself a question WHAT WOULD DAD DO OR SAY and you will get your answer and it will be the right answer every time because he is still here in your heart and mind and as long as you remember him he will always be there deep in your heart and he wil never leave.

as far as you following in his footsteps you could not honor him more and in spite of all the woe is me about trucks and trucking you can do it after all your dad did it and you are your fathers son he taught you well so just go for it and don't look back you will be a success dont pay any attention to those that find a thousand reasons why you can't YOU CAN those that say you can't really mean they can't there is a difference.
the best of luck to you my friend and if you need some hep along the way just drop me a line and ill be more then glad to help you anyway i can.

my very best to you and your dad. southernpride

 

I'd also like to extend my heartfelt condolences to you. My dad is my BEST friend and he's very close to the end now. I try to prepare myself as best I can but I know it's going to be a far harder hit than I can imagine. Like others here have said, he'll ALWAYS be right by your side, watching and loving you as he always have.

So, obviously you need to get you CDL license. Now I'm going to assume that your dad was a very good, professional man that took what he did very seriously. This shows in his son (YOU) by the steps you're already taking. The fruit never falls far from the tree. So it stands to reason that he had good contacts in this business and hence, was successful.

In your shoes, I'd start there. Call these folks and honor the relationship your dad had with them. If you're humble, honest and hard working I'm sure they'd be happy to help you carry on in dad's footsteps. That kind of respect from a son to his father is sadly lacking these days and if I were one of those contacts he has, I'd be so thrilled to see it in you I'd go out of my way to help you. WAY out of my way!

I'm a newbie myself and looking for work now. I've found this is simply a GREAT forum filled with great folks. Don't let the few rotten apples you'll undoubtedly have to deal with get in the way.

Stay focused and true and I have no doubts you'll do well.

God bless, God speed and all my best wishes for you.

 

REMEMBER WHEN SOME ONE IS TELLING YOU WHAT YOU CAN'T DO IT REALLY MEANS THEY CAN'T DO IT , THERE IS A DIFFERENCE , YOU CAN.

southernpride