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New...really new!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Rhinoc69, Jun 3, 2012.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Jun 3, 2012 #1
    Rhinoc69

    Rhinoc69 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 3, 2012
    Bradenton, FL.
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    I was a paramedic in the Tampa Bay area for 25+ years and retired as the Chief of the Department overseeing 140 paramedics running 40K calls a year. I developed and monitored a $14MM zero-based budget. Definately not trying to impress anyone, just kinda giving you an idea where I'm at. I have a retirement check coming in, however, I still owe the last two years for my two kids college degrees and would like to see that through. However, the retirement check is not enough and am looking to supplement it. Can't find work but am interested in the trucking industry. What do I have to do to see about $50k a year? Even though I sat behind a desk for the last 12 years, I do not shy away from hard work.

    I do not have a CDL but Roadway Trucking School is 45 minutes from my house and I could attend without problems. I have driven fire engines and aerial platforms in the fire department plus FL 60 & Sterling ambulances.

    Anybody wish to opine on which direction I need to go? I also have a BA degree but don't know if that would apply. My kids have also become used to eating and I'd like to continue to feed that habit. Thanks for your time. Mark
     
    Rhinoc69, Jun 3, 2012
    Rhinoc69, Jun 3, 2012
    #1
    SheepDog Thanks this.
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  3. Jun 3, 2012 #2
    Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

    11,149
    22,850
    Dec 15, 2007
    Northern Indiana
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    50 large is going to be tough in your first few years as a driver. Plus it can be hard getting on with a decent company living in Florida.
     
    Lonesome, Jun 3, 2012
    Lonesome, Jun 3, 2012
    #2
  4. Jun 3, 2012 #3
    Rhinoc69

    Rhinoc69 Bobtail Member

    9
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    Jun 3, 2012
    Bradenton, FL.
    0
    Understood. If I relocated would it be achievable?
     
    Rhinoc69, Jun 3, 2012
    Rhinoc69, Jun 3, 2012
    #3
  5. Jun 3, 2012 #4
    SheepDog

    SheepDog Road Train Member

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    Nov 30, 2008
    Sand Lake, MI
    0
    Yeah, $50K is going to be really hard to aquire in your first 3 years, not saying it cant be done but just your average over the road truck driver starting out is not going to make that much NET. If you don't mind hard work like you say, than look into flatbed. You can make some good money starting out, not $50K, and work your way up to more money pulling different trailors. If you looking at $50K gross,,,,thats doable.... Good luck and God bless
     
    SheepDog, Jun 3, 2012
    SheepDog, Jun 3, 2012
    #4
  7. Jun 3, 2012 #5
    Rhinoc69

    Rhinoc69 Bobtail Member

    9
    4
    Jun 3, 2012
    Bradenton, FL.
    0
    Thanks Sheepdog for your response.
     
    Rhinoc69, Jun 3, 2012
    Rhinoc69, Jun 3, 2012
    #5
  8. Jun 3, 2012 #6
    Gizmo_Man

    Gizmo_Man Road Train Member

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    Aug 15, 2011
    Hardly around
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    with your education/experience, you may end up management. in fact, you make very well make a dammed good dispatcher/load co-ordinator
     
    Gizmo_Man, Jun 3, 2012
    Gizmo_Man, Jun 3, 2012
    #6
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  9. Jun 3, 2012 #7
    windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    Sep 2, 2011
    NEPA
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    He'd be a shoo-in for a safety director position.
     
    windsmith, Jun 3, 2012
    windsmith, Jun 3, 2012
    #7
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  10. Jun 3, 2012 #8
    Larryparker

    Larryparker Medium Load Member

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    Jan 23, 2010
    Boynton beach, FL
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    I also beleive you would have a better chance of making your goal on the other side of the truck. Many companies would be looking for a man with your management skills to work inside, Safety, dispatch, load planning. There are many options, and you would be able to skip TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL.

    I wish you the best of luck,

    Larry
     
    Larryparker, Jun 3, 2012
    Larryparker, Jun 3, 2012
    #8
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  11. Jun 3, 2012 #9
    dave26027

    dave26027 Road Train Member

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    Sep 10, 2009
    Dallas, Texas
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    If I had your resume' I would start my own school- to train Emergency Vehicle Operators. You can think for yourself and you're probably really good at it. (You're the exact opposite of what a trucking company wants for an employee). You'll find quickly that you can outthink everyone you're working for and the punishment for not doing things their way will probably be harsh.

    Don't be a victim, be a boss and make some real money- fifty thousand a year is shooting really, REALLY low with your background.
     
    dave26027, Jun 3, 2012
    dave26027, Jun 3, 2012
    #9
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  12. Jun 4, 2012 #10
    Rhinoc69

    Rhinoc69 Bobtail Member

    9
    4
    Jun 3, 2012
    Bradenton, FL.
    0
    I appreciate the direction and ideas. I do have a consulting firm that I am trying to get off the ground but with the economy the way it is and politicians really not knowing which side to please (employee or taxpayer) it is real difficult to find agencies wanting to spend their budget on a consultant.

    I'll keep searching. Stay safe out there.
     
    Rhinoc69, Jun 4, 2012
    Rhinoc69, Jun 4, 2012
    #10
    SheepDog and dave26027 Thank this.
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