I would like some advice

i think this would also probably be your best option tbh, the grass is always greener, it’s great to plan, your young, you can afford to make mistakes (it’s what your 20’s are for). That being said, if I was willing to live like I do now 8 years ago, I’d probably be a millionaire. Stack cash, throw it in to a high yield savings account, see how much you can save. It’s harder to do when you are home tbh, on the road I’ve got nothing to do but drive, the opportunities are there to blow money yeah, but I find it easier when I don’t have social obligations/temptations. Also, I know this is way easier said then done when you don’t already have connections, but consider your states DOT, talk to guys, make connections, you really would be shocked what you can accomplish by BS’ing with guys, at the very least you’ll get solid advice

 

If it were me, it would depend on how satisfied I am. If you like where you work, I'd say stay there. This isn't the right time to be moving around. Trucking jobs are at a premium right now given the freight recession and low consumer spending. That's a pretty good job you have there seemingly.

You would need that 1 year experience, plus your endorsements...that said, it's not a foregone conclusion that youd be able to go right into hauling fuel after getting your year experience. Being in the south, you're in fierce competition with so many drivers who want local work, and you've lucked up to be able to get a good paying local job so early in your career.

If you go OTR, you do run the risk of having to stay OTR longer than you may want to. I have a buddy that was trying to go local pretty much right out of the gate, and it took him 14 years to finally get a job thats local and he's happy with. When it comes to career paths in trucking, drivers don't control their own destiny as much as they think they do. Unless you really want to OTR, think long and hard about it.

Me personally, I have no problem if you went OTR....in fact, I'm in the minority of drivers that prefer OTR over local jobs. By the same token, I understand the temperament of people, at least I'd like to think so, and most aren't equipped to do a whole lifestyle change, and that's why I'm just offering some things to consider. OTR is a different animal, and it takes next level mental toughness and resilience to make it out here. That's what forces the high turnover. Fortunately you've got some time to think on it, and make a well-informed decision.

 

You haven't listed any cons bout the current gig

I was making $12 less than you are currently making doing Ready-mix/Sand Hauling in Southeast GA (9 years ago) and I was in my late 20s at the time, man. I'd have never left if I was getting that much money hourly. Since you're young, there will always be a desire to pursue "something better", but as one of the drivers mentioned earlier: the grass ain't always greener on the other side. Do your research, weigh out your options and live your life in mean time. A year worth of living in a semi to get where you think you want to be isn't a bad trade. But make sure it is what you REALLY first though.

 

What would your long term goal provide you with that you don't already have, other than doing something different?
Different is not always better, and as others have pointed out the grass is not always greener on the other side.
You would take a pay cut going OTR for that experience, almost never be at home, have to adjust to a totally new lifestyle (have you considered how you would even cook and eat or shower while on the road?).

Your job might be considered a dream job for many OTR/local fuel hazmat drivers.
Decent money, better hours, more time at home and less stress.

 

Your goal is to become a fuel hauler?Why you been watching you tube truckers glorifying their great job? I haul fuel it’s a job if you’re making 27a hour hauling concrete why go thru the expense of getting your tractor trailer exp. For basically the same money.You can get more than 27 a hour but it’s going to take several years of getting your experience of several years then most likely starting at lower paying fuel hauler jobs b4 having the experience for higher paying fuel jobs that really aren’t paying much more than you are making now.Seems to be a lot of work for a few dollars more.

 

I'm pretty sure that he gets time and a half after overtime on his job during weeks when the assignments keep him out. He could be fantasizing just to put himself in a position that won't make him as much as he's currently getting. The Ready-mix where I live definitely doesn't pay as much as he's currently making. I really wish it did

 

As a fuel hauler myself....I can tell you -- the competition (right now, anyway) for fuel jobs...is incredibly fierce...in most cases.

And that's an understatement.

Anytime you start to fill out an application -- you will most likely be competing against other drivers who already have several years of highly relevant experience -- along with the requisite safety records to match.

These people are some of the safest drivers in the transportation business. Think about it -- they HAVE TO BE!!!

Even if/when you do finally land a fuel job -- you will work "graveyard" shifts (nights, weekends, holidays)....most likely for YEARS -- waiting for a decent daytime shift to finally open up.

Don't even THINK ABOUT filling out a fuel application -- with less than 2 years of class-A experience.

Why?

Most mistakes in/with fuel are usually pretty unforgiving.

"Fuel haulers don't have accidents -- they have DISASTERS"



-- L

 

Don't listen to all the naysayers! Job satisfaction is a proven way to live longer because of less stress.
It's easy for those that are satisfied with their jobs to tell others to not do the same.

 

I haven’t read all the post in here so I will guess you’re right about some naysayers. I personally was curious why.For a lot of truck drivers it seems jumping jobs on a whim is common most will even stay in the same segment of trucking thinking it will be different and are mad when it isn’t.There a lot to be said about building seniority at a job with come more benefits Choice of trucks,choice of vacations better starting times etc.Starting to get experience for a tractor trailer doing that for most likely 2 years b4 you in reality have a chance at getting on at a entry level fuel job working nights weekends holidays until you get again seniority to move to days at that entry level job or move to a higher paying fuel company and start all over again on nights,weekends and holidays is really something he should consider since he’s making now pretty close to what some fuel companies are paying