Looking for some suggestions.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by TommyTrucker88, Jul 29, 2026.

  1. TommyTrucker88

    TommyTrucker88 Light Load Member

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    Nov 16, 2016
    POCONOS, PA
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    Hello, Not sure if this would be a good place to post it or elsewhere, but i figured maybe others with who know the trade or have been on the road long enough can give some thoughts.
    Ive been driving truck for the last 10 years now and got terminated earlier this year for clipping a disabled car parked on the shoulder of a dark non lit road. I was tired and was dozing off a bit that night and instead of pulling over to recover a bit i kept the wheels turning. I was only 5 minutes away from the terminal i was really disappointed in myself. This was my first accident of my career.
    Anyway that was the past, and im not really upset or looking back in the rear view mirror. Im looking forward and seeing whats out there.
    I will say i am grateful for the job opportunity i had. It allowed me to save and invest and at least i have something contributed to my future.
    I worked for a good paying company, I was at 83cpm and and 38hr. just for reference.
    I been thinking of switching careers but still interested in driving truck for the right company.
    I feel like maybe thats been harder to find, maybe i been spoiled or im not looking broad enough.
    Ive limited my searched closer to home but decided to come here and see if anyone had any suggestions.
    Ive came across a few companys paying in the u $45-55hr range but its in Alaska. And to be honest if thats what it takes i might just do it. Something new might be exciting.
    Then again one reason i did not mind getting terminated was the long hours and job was wearing me down.
    Ive been thinking if i really even want to work that long.
    Im really open to anything, do i buy a truck, is there any good companys still out there that can match my pay. Or lower pay but season work. The sky is the limit. Im just here to hear some thoughts.
     
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  3. Banker

    Banker Road Train Member

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    I guess you worked for an LTL driving nights and were worn out from the grueling schedule. I drove nights for 10 years on tight schedules and it sucked. Hopefully you can find some company to give you a chance besides a bottom feeder company. Maybe try some of the lower paid LTL companies since you likely have that experience.
    You probably already know this but a professional knows when he should pull over and take a brief nap. I am not judging you because I have driven too tired early in my career. I personally can spot the several various stages (3-4 for myself) of fatigue and I haven’t driven past the first one without a brief nap in years. It just isn’t worth it driving fatigued. Good luck in your job search!
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Construction trades are usually union and now there's trade schools for those jobs. The big trade jobs coming available fast are for construction of AI Data Centers and new home construction for the employees that will work at those data centers.
     
    TommyTrucker88 Thanks this.
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    AI Data center construction projects:
    [​IMG]
     
  6. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    What's your general location?
     
  7. TommyTrucker88

    TommyTrucker88 Light Load Member

    166
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    Nov 16, 2016
    POCONOS, PA
    0
    Thanks i appreciate those suggestions. Ive been thinking about different apprenticeships. I have been spreading out my applications and emails to company's of interest. Still debating with myself what i actually would like to do. If i would still enjoy a career as a truck driver. Or join a union and learn a new skill. Both have there trade offs i have to weigh.
    I live in the Poconos of Pennsylvania.
    For the right company i may be willing to travel to another state.
     
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