Is it really worth it?

For some, driving otr works out well. With others it can drive a wedge between the driver and their family. I have traveled most of my life in one way or another. I don't regret any time I have spent on the road. When my wife and I met I was traveling. She is at a point when she would prefer that I come off the road, but I still spend time traveling the roads. However, I now only work about half the time I did only a few years ago. I have always done well in this business. I never really considered it as making a sacrifice. Life is a trade off. For everything we gain, we will give up something. From a financial standpoint, the first year will be the greatest challenge. Once you are past the first year your opportunities will increase, as will your paycheck. Most people who are high earners sacrifice time with their families and friends, regardless of their chosen career field. I think that people should work at careers that they enjoy. However, when you have a family, especially one that is in production, one must sometimes postpone their wants for what is best for our family. If you choose to make the change, you should understand that your income will usually drop for at least a short time until you get through training and gain some experience. After that, you income should rise over and above what you stated you currently earn. I would recommend that you sit down with your wife and discuss with your family about what will be needed if you make this change. Being away most of the time will create some strains on your relationship. Some manage well and others don't. You will miss some birthdays, anniversaries and school events when you are on the road. I have been fortunate running my own company, where I have been able to make most of the important holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. I think that I have only missed one of each. It isn't always easy for carriers to get drivers home when needed. I think that most try, but can't guarantee that they can always get you home every time you want to be there. Keep in mind that when you do get home that you will be losing income.

I would not want to discourage anyone from pursuing their goals in life. But, when making life changing decisions, such as yours, you need to make an informed decision. Only you can decide what is best for you and your family.

 

I don't regret anytime being away either. Otr was fun. I'm
told I'm a little different than most. I don't require much maintenance. I'm a loaner and like the a lone time on the road. Those days are over for me tho.

 

Truck driving is a fun job but unless you find a local run you never get home. If you have a baby and wife, you should really think about them and why you have a wife. It because she likes to see you and to have you home. Unless your wife and baby don't want you home. Their are local jobs like with Sysco delivering restaurants food but you have to hand unload truck and they work like 3am-noon. So kinda crazy hours.

 

Dude, you can make almost $900/wk and still be home every night. Look into grocery delivery. No need to be away from your baby.

 

There's a company near me that pays well. McLane in Athens Georgia pays good. Over a grand a week. If you have a good back and broad shoulders, they'll be licking their lips while your filling out the app. They pay over a grand a week. Publix supermarket has drivers that make big money. $80,000 annually (all daycabs). They touch nothing. First fleet out of the Choo Choo does real good. They haul stricly Kroger. Don't think they touch anything. Atlas hauls Kroger. They do pretty good also. There's some good companies out there.

 

Same here, I have no wife and kids.. I enjoy OTR as I have no real need to be home all the time.
However I feel dumb doing OTR when I know I could make a lot more money doing other type trucking work.
If it paid the same I'd want to stay.. even if it did pay the same LTL drivers sleep in a hotel as I in a truck.. even that is a big difference in itself.

 

Right! You can run wild with most ltl companies. It's the same as otr only you bobtail to a nearby motel and it's all terminal to terminal with 100% drop and hook. They also have sleeper trucks. Some drivers prefer to stay in the trucks even though they don't need to for some strange reason.

 

Fyi I am no wannabe ever heard of humor I have nothing to prove on an internet forum!!!!!!

 

Mclane is OTR. They got three guys in a cab sometimes.
Publix? They hire from within. start at a warehouse and work your way up and in about five to ten years you MIGHT make it to the big leagues. Kroger? union. Good luck with that. Been in that business in one fasion or another for 25 years or more.