I need some help with a decision!!!!

Why not go to an IT school or something along those lines other than trucking?

In order to make any money at this game you are going to find yourself having to stay out for 6-8 weeks. I've been in your shoes before man and I'm only trying to help you from making the same mistakes. Right now this path is going to lead you to either divorce or quitting after a month or two of driving and being stuck at home with no job and a $6000 loan for trucking school. I highly urge you to do a little more research in some other careers. Have you talked to a career consultant? They maybe able to help you find something a little more compatible with your life. Besides the being away from home, are you completely aware of what all this career entails?

Like I said man, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but you came on this forum for a reason. I have been in this game for 16 years now both as a company driver and an owner operator and I can personally tell you that it is tough. Even with my experience I sometimes wonder why the hell I do this. My relationship with my son and family is highly strained and I have missed out on him growing up and my family going on without me. I'm on my third marriage and the only reason that was successful was because my wife actually got her license and we drove together.

Take some time and think about it...

 

I will, I have gone to college for an IT degree and all that ended up being was realizing I would always have someone over my shoulder and always having to continually be trained and those costs add up. My plan would be to get my experience and find something local where I can be home every night and weekends my step kids are teenagers and to be honest with you I dont think that they would miss me nagging them about responsibilities ( it gets annoying me hearing myself talk about it, its like a broken record) but I will be applying to some of the LTL companies close by home to see what I can come up with.

 

I do appreciate your input chompi

 

Just remember now....and keep on remembering....that the wife will continue to struggle with this, as will you. Don't discount her feelings...many of us have made that mistake to one degree or another. The big picture is sometimes a very difficult one to see clearly all at once. But in time, you will adjust. Be sure to discuss goals (monetary, time-at-home, even a timeframe as to getting something local or regional for more home time).

I drove for SNI...I still recommend them, though I am no longer with them. Never done flats, but I too hear that Maverick is a good place.

Good luck to you!

 

Thanks that is my goal to get my experience and then get into something local or at least better home time.

 

I myself am in a similar position. I finally made my decision and went with Schneider. I recently applied for Regional driving and just waiting on my phone interview tomorrow. I have been applying for local jobs but EVERYONE is looking for OTR experience. Im planning on going on the road for a couple months just for experience and start looking for local jobs. You could always try that. That way, you will be home every night and your wife will be happy.

 

yeah its in the front of my mind, I have heard that schneider is a good company for drivers just starting out. How is it at schneider?.

 

I actually just signed up to Schneider this morning and got a call back saying they wanted to schedule a phone interview for tomorrow. I've been doing a lot of research on different trucking companies and Schneider just feels like its the best. They have local job openings also but you need the experience first. They have this program im trying to get into where its Regional 11 western states where your away 2 weeks and home for 2 days. It still sucks being away from family but it sure does beat being away a whole month before you get home.

 

That sounds like a good run, I heard from the one recruiter that came into our class that they offer something similar in my neck of the woods but then again you need to have the experience to get it. I might give schneider a little more consideration. thanks and good luck!

 

Thank you..Good luck to you..