If you had to start over...

I either would'be started out hauling cattle or hauling local fuel.

 

I'm just fine hauling milk as a rookie. I'll keep a pack of Double Stuff Oreo's in case of emergency.

Respect to fuel haulers, especially considering the stupidity i have witnessed by John Q. Public at gas stations.....
In one of my forensics courses we dealt with accelerants. It's why investigators put materials in sealed paint cans when arson is suspected. The off gassing even after the fuel is exhausted tells the investigator what type of accelarant was used through gas chromatogrophy. People just don't realize how explosive those vapors are or they wouldn't smoke at the pump let alone go up to the driver with a lit cigarette when he has the #### tank open.

 

if I had known tanker was so easy I would have started company flatbed or reefer for a couple years first so i'd know that freight and lanes for later when it comes the time you want to get your own rig and go make $$$$$$$, there's a reason all the old/oldest dudes are pulling tanks, but starting out with tanker all i know about trucking now is how to plug hoses in and lick windows. shortcuts to the top u miss a lot

 

I just nudge my wife over, just keep nudging, no problem........unless you're skeered.

 

I had 6 years when I went to Eagle. The only thing I can think of with decent overall value for a rookie is 950 a week w2 dedicated home every night with a non-union mega.

I've never done agricultural pneumatic or dump w2, so there might be something there too.. They definitely have better people at the shippers and receivers.

 

what is the company thinking??? A NEW DRIVER, driving Tanker, and FUEL !!!! Not a good idea at all. the guy needs to get experience in the yard, SPOTTER. very high risk for the company and public. Just look whats driving on the roads today. young kids driving recklessly down the road. just drive down and up I65, young dumb idiots. i look at them and can see there faces. these kids drive out of control. way too dangerous for the roads. and most of them are driving RED sleeper tractors. yes RED sleepers, making $0

 

I just finished reading this whole thread. Awsome stuff from the generally positive folks, thank you! I got my CDL about a month ago. I am going to be looking for work in about a month. I am 43. It's a second (ish) career for me. I am aware I need to pay my dues one way or another. I am in Northern California. I am trying to gather as much info as possible before I start applying for jobs. Not sure I want to do OTR at this point. It doesn't seem like it pays enough more to make it worth it.

What I have learned from this post is:
I shouldn't drive refers for more then a year or 2 and I should get to driving tankers asap, after getting some experience, because that's where the money is at. Home time is more important then I realize at this time. Try not to bounce around jobs too much but stay aware of what's out there at all times. Choose who I work for wisely. "It's just business". Keep my overhead low ( which is a lesson I have already learned from experience).... Am I missing anything? Lol

 

@Truckingdaytrader.........Depending on who you go to work for your first year might be challenging. What part of Northern California are you in?
Are you looking for strictly local work? Have you decided on a particular type of trucking.? One good thing about your area is that there is so much to pick from.
The seasonal agriculture companies will be hiring soon, same with the rock haulers. They like to have their hiring lists in place before the busy season starts.

 

I'm in Guerneville right now. Are you hiring? Lol
Either way, what kind of work do you do?