Just getting started

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BNPTransport, Sep 14, 2016.

  1. BNPTransport

    BNPTransport Bobtail Member

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    Sep 14, 2016
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    Hi folks,
    I just wanted to say that I'm excited about starting my truck driver training on the 19th here in Kansas City, Missouri. I have owned my own business now for twelve years and have decided to do something different. I have always had a great appreciation for truckers and love to travel the open road. I passed my DOT physical and my permit test for General, Air Brakes and Combination. We have a good community college here with trucks on the grounds to train in. I hope to purchase a truck soon and get started. Wish me luck. I'm always pulling for you guys. Be safe!
     
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  3. Puppage

    Puppage Road Train Member

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    Best of luck to you. Keep us updated when you can.



    Pete
     
  4. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    Detroit, MI
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    Might wanna drive for some one else for half a year or so before buying a truck
     
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  5. KriegHund

    KriegHund Medium Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2015
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    Second what dune said. Buying or leasing as a new driver is a recipe for failure. Just like hvac, you didn't start as an owner, you worked and learned under someone else.
     
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  6. Flatbedder73

    Flatbedder73 Medium Load Member

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    Dont lease.....and drive for at least one year before you make the plunge into owning your own rig.....read as much as you can on here, for this is the same advice you will see over and over.....and truckers dont agree on much!
     
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  7. BNPTransport

    BNPTransport Bobtail Member

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    Sep 14, 2016
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    Thanks Guys. I appreciate all of the advice. I'm a little excited to get started. I'll just have to go slow for now. Jeez. I haven't even been to training yet.
     
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  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    It's just that one of the most common paths for failing in this industry is buying/leasing from day 1. Even with YouTube & message boards it's very hard to know what this industry is like until you start working in it. Nothing gives you the experience of being cut of by cars 150 times a day while you are lost?/looking for a customer in a strange city, and you haven't had much sleep, and if you are late, you might not get home this weekend, AGAIN.

    There are several companies that depend on getting the most inexperienced entrants to sign a contract before they know what is customary & normal. They keep your head full of "see the country & be your own boss" so you won't notice you just agreed to work for slave wages and assume all financial risk while they agree to send you settlement/invoices by email, and little else.
     
  9. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    I like your post. You're a winner. I need you to do me a favor...Stay a Winner.

    1. You will find that many of the people that will be sitting next to you in class will be losers. Theyve never accomplished anything in life, but now want to drive a truck so they wont be homeless and out doors. Avoid them. Avoid their negative talk.
    2. The goal isnt to get a trucking job, the goal is to be good at what you do. Youre a winner, remember? If you struggle at a particular backing, ask for help. We can help. We WILL help.

    Luck in battle.
     
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  10. BNPTransport

    BNPTransport Bobtail Member

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    Sep 14, 2016
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    Wow. Best thing I've heard all day. I'm very blessed to have a wife that supports my dreams. We started with mostly nothing and built a successful hvac business. I'll bet we can make a go of it in trucking. Knowing there are people like you in this forum only confirm that. God bless you.
     
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  11. Winnyf1

    Winnyf1 Road Train Member

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    Evansville, IN
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    Spend time on YouTube checking out those who post daily vid's about their trucking life to get an idea of the style of trucking you might be interested in.

    People like Allie Knight can give you a great insight on what it's like to live in a truck on the road. Enjoy the journey and never be afraid to ask a question.
     
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