It's finally over! Cleaned out my truck and moving on.

Well guys and girl, its official! No more driving for this guy, EVER!

I already had one foot out the door, but what really put it over the edge was A) Researching fuel companies, REALLY showed me how ####ed things are (yes, even more than van/reefer) and B) Dump truck is now a poverty/absolute lowest bidder job. For 2026, no excavation contractors will be adjusting their Sub Contractor rates. I don't know when the last rate increases were, but 2026 was definitely the time to be raising them, esp with how busy things are (or how busy they keep saying things are). But nope, get ####ed, better learn how to steal fuel and tires.

So anyway, truck is cleaned out, my cart in the shop is cleaned out, I'm paid out, wished them well. (I honestly have no idea how they're gonna survive. I told em to sell everything and run, start a hotdog cart(s) or landscaping company, anything that doesn't involve trucks or drivers).

Feels Good, but also kinda sucks to toss away 9 years of hard work and effort, trying to make a career of trucking (the office is just as bad, for anyone who's wondering)

I can't say what I'm doing right at the moment, other than its trades, in Calgary, 5 days a week and home every night. (more later)

 

Appreciate it, I will definitely keep posting. Esp to let everyone know, what industries value trucking experience.

 

I hate to say it, but dump is even worse than Freight. The undercutting and bottom feeders make up 90% of the industry now. The Excavation Companies, actually LOSE MONEY on their own dump trucks/Truck and Pups, but make up for it being the General Contractor. So unless you own an excavation company, there is no way to make money with trucks, unless you have 30+, which the scrap metal scabby companies do. 30+ trucks, 60+ drivers, 20+ mechanics running 24/7 to keep their scrap metal rolling. They go through drivers like crazy, sometimes swapping them in and out of a single truck 2-3 times a day, as they get fired. They constantly go to the Excavation companies, trying to undercut, as long as they get used exclusively. Which is crazy, since the rates are so low already, no idea how they could do it for less (rumor is, most don't actually pay the drivers, its all a PR/Housing scam).

Everyone wants to be Mike Veil, but all that iron is paid for, his shop is paid for, and he has contracts with the City and all the Aggregate companies. He also aggressively pushes into excavation companies, forcing smaller sub contractors out of business. The majority of his company are all Driver Inc, so shady AF and a constant revolving door. Not to mention DANGEROUS! Dump trucks don't run logs or ELDs. One DVIR on paper a day (maybe) and lets roll. Scrap metal to the extreme, maybe a license. I had just as many dump trucks almost take me out, as 4 wheelers.

Also, don't even get me started on insurance, its such a gong show, we had 2 brokers quit in the past 12 months.

 

I just couldn't do it anymore, then I got laid off so, wasn't really the plan, but it was definitely a push out the door.

 

I would start hitting up the rental companies. HERC, Hertz, Sunbelt, United Rentals, Rogers Rent All, Home Depot etc etc etc. They're all flat out busy, they need drivers, heavy duty mechanics, mobile techs, etc etc etc. Even if you have to start as a Yard Guy, it wouldn't take long to move internally once they get to know you. All hourly pay, full benefits, RRSP match, etc etc etc. As for trades, Heavy Duty Tech, Plumbers, Mason's, Iron Workers, HVAC, Sheet Metal, they're all hiring. Forget about Carpenter, Electrician, Drywall, Painter, Machinist, they're all oversaturated and the pay isn't there.