Looking for advice / gut check

Marvin Keller does 4 days on, 4 days off. That’s probably the closest you’ll get without your own truck. All the OTR companies will only give you 1 day off for every week worked and force dispatch you.

OTR won’t get you nowhere near $80k starting off (I’m a recent grad). The miles just won’t be there and the pay will be in the 50 cent range per mile. Local will get that $80k range but you’re still not getting a week off every month.

 

Transport National
Springfield, MO
Hires new cdl school grads.

 

Transport National

 

To be honest if i had decent driver close to Chicago i would entertain an offer with flexible home time , i have one spare truck/trailer sitting and i use it when my truck in service and have anything getting done to it

 

@blakjak --

You're not anywhere near ready for these guys....they want a minimum of 2 years OTR experience...but it's still an interesting read, and a good example of "go big--or go home":

Careers with us - Keen Transport

They've been advertising for drivers in my area.

--Lual

 

None of that will give you more time at the farm. Actually it will more than likely be less time. A local gig will work from can to can’t at best 5 days a week, very often 6. Best of luck

 

Like you, I have a family and a farm.
I'm also A Marine vet.
I haul gas.
Local.
Home every night, very good money, and none of the baloney of being gone weeks at a time.
I went to the local community College and got my class a, went and got me tanker, Hazmat, and double/triple endorsements.
I tried working with a construction company, but starved.
I tried cryogenics, but that wasn't for me.
Best money, hands down, is tankers.
Many drivers want nothing to do with them.
Yes, it's dangerous.
Yes, it's challenging.
The driving rules of physics are different with tankers than anything else.
I find it to be the most rewarding experience, and easy money.
I haul fuel tankers, chemical smooth bore tankers, and dry bulk.
All with the same company.
If I'm feeling burned out on one, I can ask to run something else for a bit to get refreshed and focused.
Like you, I looked at flatbed and heavy haul when I first started looking.
Then I figured out that I really didn't want to work that hard anymore.
With tankers, the hardest thing I do is paperwork.
I run 3 to 5 loads a day.
I load, drive to the consignee, connect the right hose to the right compartment, ensure it fits, and pull a handle.
Easy money.
Toughest load I do involves connecting 2 hoses to reach the drop. OoooOOOOoooo... Big deal.
I laugh all the way to the bank every week.
I can't believe they pay me what they pay me to do this.