I need good advice about becoming a trucker.

What fascinates you? The rig? The drive? The lifestyle? All of the above?

For me, its all of the above, and the challenge. Every day, theres a challenge. This morning, it was starting off in Joplin,MO at the right time to get to a receiver in Davenport,IA, get empty, run 75 miles, reload a dozer, get OSOW permits before the states close for the weekend, have everything ready to go before my 14 was up, find somewheres where I can eat with a fork and flirt with a cute waitress and go to sleep, get up and be in south Texas by Monday. Dont know why, but I enjoy what I do.

 

Trucking is a career. It is a career that you can start after only a few weeks training and earn as much as many college graduates in only a year or two. It is difficult to advise someone what to do with their life when you have little knowledge about them. Trucking is different than anything else you could do. In order to be successful in this business you must be a good planner and manager of your time. We work irregular hours, for the most part. In a typical day, you will drive 500-700 miles and run 5 or 6 days before taking a break. You will be away from family and friends from 2 -3 weeks at a time. Starting out you could be away from home 6 weeks at a time until you get through training. Being on the road can put a strain on a troubled marriage and be stressful on any relationship. But, it can also be good for some. I have known some who have told me that they would probably not have been able to stay married had it not been for their spouse being away from home so much.

Driving otr can be a good way to see the country, but sometimes it is dark and the only thing you will see are lights from oncoming traffic. I have seen sunsets that fill the sky and sunrises that can take your breath away. You can see things that you would never have imagined and get paid for the experience.

It can also be one of the most frustrating career choices you could make. Truckers are not aways appreciated. Often we are considered a nuisance than a help. Few people understand or appreciate the role truckers play in our economy. Look around sometime. Everything you see, drink, eat, wear, drive or use is brought to you by a truck. It is probably the most intrical profession in which you could work, but is one that most give little thought. There are carriers that don't appreciate drivers and others who do.

If you do decide to pursue trucking, you should understand that you may not make it home for some holidays, birthdays or ball games. You will be alone much of your day, so you should appreciate being by your self with your own thoughts. Some of us enjoy the solitude. It forces others to leave the profession and go home. It isn't for everyone. You sleep in a small bunk and work 3 feet from your bedroom.

For those who stay in the business, it can be a great way to earn a living and build a lifelong career. It sure beats working in a cubicle or a factory.

 

As you will find in a bunch of different threads, it depends on what you run & where you run. HazMat on the East coast would be the highest probably, dry van will be the lowest. Most companies give NYC & east coast bonuses. Just depends on where you are, but there are a lot of people on here who have made & are making a pretty #### good living. Im just getting started, so Im no expert by any means, just sharing what Ive seen on here.

 

Trucking is a career, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's a very solo life, but if you can hadle it, it can be a good one. All it takes is doing whatever you can to have a normal life. When you're not driving or sleeping, get out of the truck, find out whats near by. Go to the movies, the mall, a sports arena. The more you do than just sit and stare out the window when you're not driving, the better it will be!

Oh and I make the same amount my brother-in-law makes in IT after getting his Bachelor's degree.

 

wasn't as interested as you when i started out but figured lots about it i liked untill i found something better, and or good for something to fall back on

next thing you know .. ~30 years goes by

 

Well, that made sense.

 

first you have to get a cdl. there are many companies out there that will train you, and thats the first hurdle...finding one that will ensure you have the best chance of finding a job afterward. i opted NOT to go to a local school because i heard people had problems finding work after graduating. found c1 in indianapolis, which guaranteed that if i graduated id get a job with my choice of 3 different companies (pam,roehl, or usa truck). cost 4 grand i think, but they would finance the whole thing if you didnt have the means to pay. only had to have money for eating dinner which was not provided (breakfast and lunch were). was a decent school i guess. no complaints. will you make a fortune as a truck driver? generally the answer is a resounding no. you CAN make a decent enough living (50-60k+) after a year or 2, but unlike the IT brotherinlaw... you will work at LEAST 80 hours per week as an otr driver. when you figure in all the time you DONT get paid for, it can get disheartening. you will be alone most of the time, so youd better like yourself..you are the only company you will have. its a good job most of the time, and sometimes a great job. but its not for the faint of heart.

 

G/man..couldn't've said it any better..great post thanx