I have a question

Where abouts in fl ???

 

Winger, basically, you don't. At least not when you are starting out. Perhaps later, you get on with a local company, that has you home every night, or only gone a night or 2 at a time. Many companies will do their best to get you home on the weekend, but that might be only real early Sat. AM till Sun. afternoon or evening.

Lots of people refer to it as a lifestyle, but I think avocation would be a better label. You have to love the basic job, and be willing to do without a lot of what people consider a 'normal' life.

I loved being out there (I did flatbed) and am looking to get back to it. For me, reading is what filled my time.

 

If your a single guy, it could be a lot of fun. Just be aware, the first year or two you will pretty much be tied to the truck. You'll be learning, and there's a lot to learn. You'll learn how to drive a big rig in ALL conditions, how to get loads, how to get loaded and unloaded (and all the paperwork), how to hire lumpers, get pallets, do logs, get through inspections, cross borders, keep yourself and your clothes clean, plan a trip, toll roads, and much, much, much more. So, as I say, the first year or two must be dedicated to learning trucking. If you do this, then, as you gain experience, you'll learn how to have fun on the road. You can plan days off in different parts of the country. You'll make friends all across the USA. You can also save a lot of mu-la if you live out of your truck and just stay in a motel once in awhile, when you absolutely need a break. Trucking, like everything else in life, is what you make of it. I think running 48 states and Canada would be a blast for a single person. I did it when I was married and a lot older, but I still had fun. Just a couple more things, make sure you get good training and make sure you start out with a good reputable company. Good luck whatever you choose to do.

 

That's the deal breaker there . Ain't none of that gonna happen for a newbie .

 

I am in mmid 40's and more relaxed and settled now than in my younger days...
I don't think I would have enjoyed trucking as much back then as I do now, because I would of been restless and felt I was missing out on things... That is actually why I waited till I was older and more suited for the solitude and life on the road as a trucker...

However, there is also fun to be found... you just want to be careful and wise about your choices...

 

I think his question was ...How many girlfriends can he have in all 48 states including canada...lol

 

I always respect where you're coming from RickG but disagree a little - my Con-way Freight terminal has a couple guys that are 21/22 that were hired with no experience. I took one through his first stretch of snotty road a few weeks ago and think he'll be fine. He was nervous but followed me and did a good job on some roads I didn't care for. It can be done - you just have to look around and think outside the box. I understand it was years ago and it's rare here, but there are Con-way million mile drivers that had no experience previous to working here.

 

you don't. I never did anything but "regional" (home every weekend.) that worked out OK for me. but being gone 3 + weeks? no thanks.