Is it really worth it?

Hi Chinatown, we need optimists like you, to help balance the world out. Of course, a quick ride on a bus where you are, would bring out the optimist in anybody. I know, I bash trucking a lot, but the truth is, it was a good job years ago, and I had a lot of fun. Today, it's just a different story. HOS reg's, distracted drivers, expenses on the road, receivers and shippers with no sense of humor, companies watching your every move, parking nightmares, believe me, if I had to start all over again, there's no way I'd do it.

 

Personally; I wish people would stop using the terms "dream", "dreaming", and/or "dreamt" when it applies to trucking. Once the honeymoon is over (which takes less than a year by the way), trucking is a miserable JOB. It is not a fantasy. It is not glamorous. It is not exciting, happy, or dreamy in any way, form, or fashion. It stinks. It sucks. It's taxing, unhealthy, and lacks reward and respect. In short; trucking offers nothing to "dream" about...nightmare maybe...but no dreaming.

Now with that out of the way, you left 2 things out of your post: 1). What kind of construction are you involved in? and 2). Where you live?

I ask, because in Iowa...there are several, if not all, types of "construction" out-fits that get laid off during the winter months---and you're forced to accept unemployment at about $300 to $400 a week during that time. I know I can't live on that (even for a few months)...and is precisely why I have avoided construction myself (other wise, I'd be all over it).

Believe it or not, I started out in construction directly out of trucking school...and I liked it...but those were different times; my rent was less than $200 a month, and it was much easier to make ends meet during the winter on unemployment. But like a fool, I "dreamt" of the open road...and now I feel stuck in this miserable, miserable, miserable industry, because the cost of living is so much higher and the decent paying non-trucking jobs are far fewer.
I missed everything in my kids lives. EVERYTHING. Try calling home, and have your kids crying to you on the phone asking when you're coming home---and see if THAT doesn't completely crush your heart. Yep; grown man walking out of a truck stop (land line, no cell phones then) wipe'n tears from his bloodshot eyes all the way back to the truck. It sucks!

Now I have grand kids. But, after 20 years, I have put myself in a MUCH better position, that I can be home more often to watch them grow up and actually be part of their lives. But it took nearly all of those 20 years to get myself into that position.

So I say; if you are gonna "dream" about trucking....dream about if from home amongst your loved ones. Stay out of trucking!

 

The first year in trucking can be challenging. Most new drivers will earn between $30-35,000 (gross) the first year. There may be some exceptions, but this is the norm with most drivers. Your second year could find your income in the $35-40,000. Most over the road carriers will get you home about 1 day for each week out. It is highly doubtful than any of them will be able to get you home for 2 days per week, especially starting out. Once you get the first year or two behind you, more options will be available. If I had a small one on the way and could earn a decent living and be home every night, I would probably do it. You will miss out on much of the little things involved in watching your kids grow up. There are some local positions, but most require some otr experience. I don't recall where you live, but there are some oil field jobs in different pars of the country. Hours are long, but you could be home daily. Fuel tankers should be able to get home each day and the money is decent. There are some LTL carriers around and most of them should be able to get home nightly. The catch with most of these is that they often require at least 1-2 years of otr experience. But, there have been those who have posted that they have started in both these areas. It will take some leg work on your part. Unless you can deal with being away from home for 1-3 weeks at a time, then this might not be the best career choice for you, at least over the road. Consider extending your education or learning a trade. If you like construction, then there are many opportunities available where you can earn good money.

 

The question is are you willing to be away from your family as an OTR? MAybe after a few years you can land a good paying local route and be home every night or on weekends. I have that now but now that my nest is empty I am considering OTR as an option. Home time is not important to me now. As a man starting a family hometime will be important and with the economy sucking, companies will not care to route you home when you want to. Only when they want to. Margins are getting tighter every year.

Or you can, As I did, Work for a big conglomerate DSD company and they will pay you while you learn. But the beginning pay sucks. But after a year or so you will get your CDL for Free. Then you work your ### off a truck doing DSD for years until you make it to the more cushy jobs once your joints start breaking down. Two knee surgeries three back rehabs and two shoulder rehabs later they finally got tired of paying for all that and put me on an easier local route. The pay just 5 years ago going that route has dropped below previous levels. The companies know the economy still sucks and every full timer who leaves now is replaced with two part timers.

My advice, Stay where your at but if you want. Get your CDL and heavy equipment operator license. Watch your kids grow up til at least to their early teens. Then go for it later. Like the Journey songs says, "the road ain.t no place to start a family"---Faithfully

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMD8hBsA-RI

 

I did construction before getting into trucking. .. and trucking is a lot easier. . Even when I was pulling flatbed I fou d it easier then construction. ..

I do make over $900 a week, with good benefits and am home every weekend...

 

LTL P&D drivers at most all companies are home everyday and they bring in boat loads of money.
and some will hire noobs

 

Unless you get a good LTL job I say stay away from trucking..

 

Wife and I have been teaming for almost 2 years now. Thanks to this forum we have made $$,$$$. People like ChinaTown offer great advice. Its not easy when you start but if you want to succeed and listen to the great advice your given here then you will.

 

I'd suggest staying where you're at,if just for the fact you've got a child on the way. They don't deliver them for free at the hospital,so if you have health insurance at your current gig, keep that in mind. If your he!! bent on trucking,you don't have to go over the road,even as a newbie. For example,R & L carriers hired me fresh out of school as a driver/ dockworker. (I never once worked the dock) If you don't mind physical work, which I'm assuming by your current job you don't, LTL is a good gig. You're paid hourly for every minute you work,with OT after 40,you'll get good bennies,and you'll also be home every night to see your family.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do,and congrats on becoming a dad!

 

Like others said, stay put and save yourself the headaches.If you can manage a local gig with Ag(riculture), waste or whatever, then fine. Stay away from OTR. That goes especially for mega-parasite-carriers.This forum and other sources out there on the Info-bahn are your best weapons against being exploited by the rogues in this industry. As they say, Knowledge Is Power.