New CDL class A with lots of questions

Yea, I've driven a couple. Sitting in one right now. Much nicer... all the veterans take them hands down.

 

To be honest I totally prefer standard shift over any of the autos I drove. I did drive an almost brand new Peterbuilt for a short trip and it was nice... it had about 200k highway miles on it but it was a 2022 or 2023. It didn't jerk like the one I drove the other day. But still, stick is king imo. I thought I'd like auto more but I just don't.

 

Finally got my own rig at work. It's a 2013 with 760,000 on it. 10 speed standard. It runs great and it's comfortable so I love it!

That being said it's amazing to me that they make us drive worthless junk. I mean, you could probably buy this truck for like 20k or less.

 

Yup... I get that. However, all of the other LTL's have better equipment than us. I have kept my eyes on it. ABF and UPS, both LTL Teamster outfits have much better equipment (and better pay and a pension) then us. But neither hire green drivers so...
I talked to a guy driving a fuel double tanker last night when I went to grab a drink. I asked him if he liked his job... He loves it. He was 65 and had over 2 million miles otr. He told me he works 5 twelves and makes $144,000 a year and is home every night and I should get into doing it as soon as I am eligible. I'm at about $101,000 so I'm fine for now but if there isn't a big labor rate increase in the new contract I am probably at least going to get with a higher paying LTL or maybe even Cryo if it pays as much as I have heard it does.