Is Part Time or Seasonal Driving Possible?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MrAffinito, Aug 20, 2018.

  1. MrAffinito

    MrAffinito Bobtail Member

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    Correct, and then you guys advised me to get some experience and see how it goes. I don't mind taking that advice. I'm terrified a little but it's just because I don't want to hurt anybody. A friend of my family made a very painful decision once. He was on a bridge and some weird thing happened (I was young so I don't recall the fine details). But he had to make a split second decision to A) hit the car in front of him, thereby killing a child that he saw in a car seat or B) veer and risk his own life. He died that day because he couldn't risk killing an innocent child. I was affected by that and although I really see the potential in trucking, I remain fearful of having to make a similar decision. Please don't criticize me. I'm here for a peaceful dialog about an industry we all love (and I'm a kind person).
     
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  2. MrAffinito

    MrAffinito Bobtail Member

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    This is what you say now and that's what I thought before taking my job; however, I've got to tell you it's a boring existence. I'm not much of an explorer so I don't travel much. When I'm off, I sit here and read etc. I think some light driving could be cool.

    Yes, this is a great idea - except the oil / propane delivery. No matter what I decide to do, I will never pursue HAZMAT.
     
  3. MrAffinito

    MrAffinito Bobtail Member

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    My original idea was to own a truck and make $ while other people drive it, but I was advised to maybe try a little driving to get more familiar w/ the industry. That's all.

    I have no idea what this says or means...

    ALSO: Be nice, dude. Stop being skeptical and cynical. Nobody's hurting you or your family, so why go on the attack for no reason at all. I'm a cool guy just asking questions based on your areas of expertise. If you were seeking info that I could help with, I'd share with you without second-guessing you. I know you're full of testosterone and all pumped while being on break from your heavy truck driving, but please don't target me.
     
  4. thelushlarry

    thelushlarry Road Train Member

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    No way I am working for less than 120k with four months off!
     
  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    YOU CAN'T get experience from being a part time driver, it takes a few YEARS to gain experience.

    ON TOP OF this, you will be hard pressed to find some company to hire you on a part time basis without road experience to begin with, most can't afford the new cdl driver with their insurance.
     
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  6. MrAffinito

    MrAffinito Bobtail Member

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    Oh boy! So, i guess the game is that newbies work full time at low rates so that the rest can go toward offsetting the higher insurance rates.
     
  7. Fold_Moiler

    Fold_Moiler Road Train Member

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    You can easily make 100k and take a couple months off in the winter in construction.

    I don’t know about your wages in Virginia but us seasonal guys make 80-120k here. Depends how much you want to work.

    You also don’t have to follow hours of service. I don’t like to work more than 12 hours but I could work as much as I want if I felt like it.
     
  8. larry2903

    larry2903 Heavy Load Member

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    Truck drivers are in demand, even part time I would think. I’m just not sure you are going to gain the experience you are looking for by driving part time. And yes newbies do normally work for a lower wage.

    You have a desire to learn, so don’t let people on a forum that don’t know you at all stop you from doing something that you have an interest in.

    May also find a local company that’ll give you work in the office where you can see a bit more what goes on behind the office walls. More than one way to learn about something.
     
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  9. larry2903

    larry2903 Heavy Load Member

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    But you do need to learn about this industry before diving off the deep end and buying a truck for a hired driver to drive.
     
  10. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    why there for the #1 spot.