New grad - try hotshot, or go tractor-trailer?

ABF may have a dock to driver program. Teamsters benefits.
ABF has a terminal in Phoenix.
Click here for info > Apply On Company Site

• If you have less than 1 year experience, you may be eligible for training.
• A Class A CDL with doubles/triples, tanker and HAZMAT endorsements are required.

 

I'd make a trip to the terminal and have a face to face talk with the terminal manager.
Clean Harbors Company Overview

 

Checked this one out, they only have clerical positions in Phoenix - closest Driver job they have is in Sparks, NV

 

Good point Steer Tire...but, I don't recall reading that Fry Daddy was looking to do both his computer job and drive at the same time...FryDaddy, can you elaborate?

If you are, SteerTire is right, that would be a bad idea. DOT HOS rules limit you to driving after 70 total hours a week on duty, and, you can't drive after 14 in a row without a 10 hour break. Technically, any job you do, even though it is not DOT related is considered "on duty" time that you are technically supposed to log as such. And, you need to take a 34 hour "break" to reset the clock when you reach 70 hours. You might either find yourself very limited in the hours you can drive legally or find yourself in a trick-bag should you abuse the rule and find yourself in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. You can bet, whoever it is coming after you legally, they know you are a commercial driver, they smell blood.

My big question for you is, if you are a computer guy, why do you want to do this? Why aren't you trying to find ways to make more money as a computer guy? I used to be one. Long ago and before trucking. I still know plenty who are and am married to one. You should be able to do way better than earn $500 a week. No offense!

I made an extremely decent wage even back then (1980's to mid 1990's). Over 6 figures. Today, it is completely gone up for grabs.

My wife is still in IT. She has been doing it for over 30 years, so, she deserves every penny she makes, but, she is trying to hire an assistant...she is finding people with only a FEW years experience and not enough in the specific areas she is looking for and they are demanding close to $100k in salary plus full benefits! She is so desperate to hire SOMEONE, she is considering getting a recent college graduate, paying them $55K a year plus full benefits and spend the time and money to TRAIN them.

I have a friend who is 57 years old, he was let go 3 years ago from a cushy IT management gig making over $180K. He sent tons of resumes for 3 years. He was convinced that nobody wanted to hire an aging out of work computer professional...he just got a good job as an IT manager, full time, benefits, making 6 figures. Granted, the work is beneath him, but, there is no stress, he can do the work in his sleep, he doesn't have to worry about how he is going to pay for his kids college tuition's and retire.

I have cousin who has a degree in math. He didn't want to teach or go to any more school, so, for 9 years after graduating he worked as a porter at O'Hare airport pushing people in wheelchairs through the airport. He went to night school, learned java and some other web building tools in some crash-course and after a few months when class was over, immediately landed a good paying job with benefits.

Yes, you are 53 years old, but, again, depending on where you live, you should have better opportunity than $26,000 a year, which was my first salary out of college in 1985. At 40 hours a week, that is $12 hr! Even computer help-desk people make way more than that, usually, starting positions only requirement is that you can fog a mirror.

Please understand, I am not trying to put you down, I just don't get why you are doing this?

But, if you are deadset on CHANGING careers....here is my advice.

While the hotshot sounds tempting, what does your "friend" who wants to invest in a rig really KNOW about running a transportation business? If you had your own accounts and your own authority, I'd say MAYBE it is a good idea...finding a good, steady full time driver is the biggest hurdle in any transportation job, but especially running hot shot.

The biggest problem with hot shot work, it typically requires you live in your truck, be available to go at a moments notice. Hotshots are best run as a team, so, that while one person is driving, the other is resting and, you can take turns, run the vehicle from coast to coast without stopping. It is called a "hot" shot, because the loads are HOT, need to be there NOW. Not after you get a nights sleep, go grab it in the AM, and maybe get it somewhere in 2 or 3 days by yourself. It needs to be there in less than 24 hours, and, unless you know how to work a log book (or 2 or 3) and are an insomniac, you will be lucky to net $500 a week. I have friends who do it, they run ratty uncomfortable old 1 ton vans. They sleep in them, live in truck stops when they aren't driving. It is a LONELY existence. Granted, a 1 ton pickup, depending on what it is, might be really nice, comfy, heated leather seats, AC, nice stereo. But, where are you going to stretch out when you need to sleep?

It might be slightly easier to drive a hot shot, I wouldn't know, never having driven one, but, I have driven one ton 4wd pickups pulling heavy trailers in all kinds of weather, mostly icy conditions heading north to snowmobile. I have to tell you, they can scare the snot right out of you given conditions, scenarios and how it is loaded or empty, icy roads or dry. A semi handles MUCH better fully loaded (properly), stops better, handles the wind better. It stops better, more in control.

If you have a knack for it and your friend is willing to invest, once you have your CDL and a bit of experience under your belt, you might even want to consider being a "partner" with him on a rig....he buys it, you drive it! However, I will point out, insurance companies don't want to touch you if you have under 2 years of verifiable Class A CDL experience (assuming you want to own and operate a semi). It isn't that you CAN'T find one to insure you, it will cost 2-4x what it costs a seasoned professional. Rates are based on the lowest possible operation costs. You will spend the first few years digging out of your extra insurance rates, assuming you buy the hotshot to start.

Alternatively, riding in a semi, depending on what it is, is a comfortable experience. You have room to stretch your legs, it might have plenty of room for a fridge, microwave, coffee maker AND a comfy bed you can get a decent nights sleep in, all so important if you are going to work as a driver 12-14 hours a day.

So, you might just need to bear down, do what you need to do for 2 years to get the time past. That might be as a hot shot, or, be a company driver in a semi.

Then, once you do, it is very possible, if you work hard enough, are in the least bit mechanical and maintain your vehicle, depending on where you go, what you are willing to do, you could easily see well north of $100k, maybe even $150k in PROFIT from having your own truck...now, you have to SPLIT that with your friend. As an alternative, you could even save enough money, do it yourself!

Whatever you do, under NO uncertain circumstances, get yourself involved in ANY "lease to own" situation whereby the outfit you are leasing the truck from in control of where you get your work from, like, from THEM. That is a recipe for disaster and a almost certain bankruptcy. Now, that is NOT to say every single operation who offers it is going to rip you off or screw you, but, there are plenty of them that are notorious for it, and, have some very common known names.

Your doing the right thing asking here.

Good luck, let me know what you were thinking and all of us, how it goes.

 

Wow, 07 KW - Thank you so much for taking the time! Your advice is spot-on, and the wealth of info you provide will cause me to reread your post several times. I have definitely considered what it might take to make my business more profitable, I have customers who love me and don't want me to get out of the business. BUT . .. I have been doing computer repair and IT tech support for over 20 years now. I am looking for a change of life, and I am not sure how to go about it. I was thinking about trying to do both the CDL hrly job and my business,and have my bench tech/part time helper fill in for me where needed while driving.

No offense taken in regards to my business - I should be able to make closer to 50K+ if I went about my business more methodically and competently from the business side. I have an appt this morning for Contract Driver Services, will post more feedback on your post once I get back. Thanks again - making this kind of life decision is a big step, and I don't want to be too rash

 

Well, went into Contracted Driver Services today, gave them a pee test, filled out the paperwork. The lady who oriented me had never had talked with someone signing on with them with no experience, they usually expect everyone to have at least 1 yr. The position I applied for lasts for 3 months, so that might get me over the first no-experience hurdle.
I liked the company, no forced dispatch to various customers needing drivers. They seemed to have all sorts of companies they work with, so hopefully can get some entry-level experience with them, and maybe more.
I even got some swag, including

-a CDS keyfob
-a CDS handtowel
-my first logbook

Will let you know how it goes.

Reread your post again, 07 KW - knuckle down for 2 years may be the way I go, and quit trying to nurse my computer business, and just jump in. I still have a pre-CDL school application pending for Freymiller, that I have not followed up on - @Chinatown recommended them.

 

OP if you’re able to make a go of it. You’re going to be surprised at the actual level of education and expertise out here.

Most of the people I’ve developed long lasting relationships in this industry, came from another that would make the average person question their sanity.

Nurses, teachers, law enforcement, just to name a few.

And of course, a few that would barely pass as homeless or a sub species of human.

 

Found out more about the CDS position today, it is for asphalt hauling as part of a road construction crew. They will train me, and hrs were 5 PM - 5 AM. Not sure if the recruiter misspoke, craigslist ad indicated 10-hr shifts.
I'll post my next step, maybe as soon as next week! Egads, I hope I'm ready for this . . .

 

I did IT help desk support and a bit of programming for 10 years. I love computers! They are my favorite past time by far. But, I hated the work. I moved over to trucking and haven't looked back. Making more my first year then working on computers for 10 years with the state. Once i made almost in a single week what took me a month to earn refreshing computers, messing with printers, and conducting end-user therapy sessions.

One tech to another, if you want to make a change, go for it. Its a great job for an introvert, and youll make a lot more.

Just go straight into semi driving. Its not that bad. Be a company driver. Just drive, let office personnel handle the paperwork, pass up the 1099. Just get on the road.

 

I was in IT years ago. It sucks and it doesn't pay nearly as much as people seem to think on it would.