Living OTR

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by HELLBlLLY, Jan 11, 2012.

  1. HELLBlLLY

    HELLBlLLY Light Load Member

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    So, I've taken a long hard look at my life and decided I need a MAJOR change. A lot of things have happened in my life lately which have led to this decision, and I've decided the lifestyle of an OTR driver is right for me. Yes, I've done the research. Yes, I've talked to OTR drivers and yes, I've watched the myriad videos on YouTube depicting life as an OTR trucker. As a side note, check out the documentary on YouTube called "Big Rig". It's an hour and a half but WELL worth it. Anyway, I've been thinking that I want to get rid of about 90% of the "crap" I own, put the other 10% in secure climate controlled storage and get rid of my apartment. I figure I can stay at my dads on my down time and basically live OTR. I don't have much family or friends and not a lot to tie me down. I figured even when I earned a weekend after 8 weeks, I'd just ask for another load. My question is whether this is a good idea. I don't have a problem working longer than 2 months straight, but I don't want my employer to become dependent on this. I want to know that after working for say, 6 months straight, I can take 2 days without them complaining. Like I said, home time is not a big deal to me, but I want to know I'm not going to get hassled if I want 2-3 days every 6 months or so.
    Any thoughts?
     
    allniter and scottied67 Thank this.
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  3. gravelhauler

    gravelhauler Medium Load Member

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    I'd say once you're off and running explain your desire to your driver manager if you have one or to your dispatcher. I'm sure they could live with those terms.
     
    HELLBlLLY Thanks this.
  4. Jarhed1964

    Jarhed1964 Road Train Member

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    What is your profession now?
     
  5. sharp.dressed.man

    sharp.dressed.man Heavy Load Member

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  6. HELLBlLLY

    HELLBlLLY Light Load Member

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    @gravehauler-thanks for the advise. I've seen a few of your replies to other people and you seem like you've got a head on your shoulders. Keep up the good work!
    @Jarhead- I currently work in a machine shop. Not as an operator, so I basically have no "skill set". However, my job is pretty secure. I've been there 4 1/2 years, made it through at least 5 layoffs (maybe more. I stopped counting) including 1 where we went from two 12 hour shifts with 120 people to one 8 hour shift with 40 people. And when the economy crashed, we ramped up from 40 hr weeks to 66 hr weeks. Like I said, it's not horrible, but I've already hit the ceiling there and at 27, that's way too young. Plus, there were a lot of promises made. I held up my end of the bargain, but I was the only one.
    @sharpdressedman- thanks for the encouragement, hope everything works out for you too bro!
     
  7. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Big rig is my favorite documentary about the industry. I watch it every chance I get, especially on my 34 hour resets lol
     
  8. HELLBlLLY

    HELLBlLLY Light Load Member

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    That's a good time to watch it drty.
     
  9. AZS

    AZS Honk if anything falls off

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    you have the right prereqs to make it, no rent and being able to leave your stuff with someone else is a huge plus.
     
  10. thehornet

    thehornet Medium Load Member

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    great attitude,, do your research to see who is going to compensate you the best for your committment..

    as far as the few days a year you will be requesting time off,, as long as all your ducks are in line, any company hiring rooks will offer you a job.

    best of luck driver
     
  11. RAGE 18

    RAGE 18 Road Train Member

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    You are the dream driver for any major OTR carrier and your days off will be gladly given to you. If you want this career to get "away" from everything then this is it. With that said search some of the starting out salaries for the first two years and compare to what you make now you might make less than you make now. Good luck and keep us posted.
     
    deviltalk Thanks this.
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