Is this a good or bad time to get my CDL?

I totally understand and agree with your feedback, it’s a complete guess at this point how the next month let alone the next year will turn out. To be completely honest this is totally for a friend, I spent a long time asking these types of questions and a lot of great feedback was given by many of the members on here. I think my friend is slightly concerned that he will make a change from a comfortable job while supporting his family to something that can change so drastically. The one thing I have learned being on here is that trucking is more about finding the right job and company which will make life a lot easier and successful. I can’t count the amount of posts I have read that mentioned the importance of quality of the company over the pay. I do think my friend might be chasing money to be honest, nothing wrong with that, I say anyone should totally take advantage of that since we don’t know how long it will
Last. I think the increases in pay that some companies have been offering are here to stay, it seems like these companies that once offered a new driver 38 cpm have shifted that strategy. People are being picky and I think that’s a great thing for this industry. I’m sure many will disagree but I really think hourly is the best way to go for this industry, that way companies will fully understand not wasting peoples time with all the nonsense. I have truly learned a lot and have a new respect for the people in this industry, for many it is a way of life and not just a paycheck. It’s a lot to ask someone to be away from family for weeks at a time. I have a lot to learn and am glad I have found this forum for that guidance. Stay safe out there.

 

The thing with switching from cpm to hourly in OTR type jobs is that the companies will use their numbers to average things out, and then deduct another 10% or so.
That would probably mean a 20% wage reduction.
That is because their miles and times are always short of what actually happens, and switching systems will never be in the drivers best interest.

And this can not be stressed enough...
People that need to be with family often should not, NOT be an OTR driver!
!!!

This is not a regular job, so you should not expect it to be.
You are living in a truck, with a few days at home each month. You visit home, but you do not live there.

 

So So true! At least for OTR drivers, which is where most drivers tend to start with..... because OTR drivers are usually the highest in demand.
Really need to think about that and if it will fit you before you find yourself miserable out on the road. Thanks to this forum, I was well aware of that before I started. I love to travel and comfortable in my own company for long periods of time. I knew this about myself before I started and was one of numerous reasons I thought I'd have a good chance of making it in this career. With the high washout rate for new drivers, I assume anyone looking at becoming a driver questions if this will fit them or not and if they can do it. I certainly did.
Anyway, recently realized it's more accurate to call me a traveller who drives a truck so I can travel than to say I'm a truck driver who travels.
Been OTR over 2 years and still really enjoy it. But, it definitely isn't for everyone!! Almost all my worldly possessions are sitting in storage, where they have been since I started and will remain there till I come off the road some day. It's hard on me at times and so much of my life is like paused. But, I get to see and experience and travel that I wouldn't otherwise be able. Part of taking the good with the bad I guess. Fortunate for me, I do have a retire date. April 2027. So, I'll be able to get back to things then (In example, I have 2 late 60's vintage juke boxes to tinker with. I love music, mechanical stuff and the old analog electronics of that general time era. So, tinkering with them is a trifecta for me). But, I really think once I come off the road, I'm really going to miss it!!

 

Long hood, chicken lights, big radio, belt buckle, diesel, reefer humming,-the good life. How can anyone get tired of that?!

 

I got all of that except the reefer unit (tanker for me). And, you’re right. It’s the fine life, baby. Of course, it didn’t start out that way. It was hard making it. When I think of all the wormins I had to sleep with to get to where I’ve got….