Newbie Questions...

I'm interested in a starting a trucking career, but the only truckers I know recommend against it. These are the main categories of complaints as I see them:

1. Interpersonal abuse by the industry when picking up or delivering
2. Hassles/Dangers with worn vehicle and trailer equipment
3. Poor sleep environment in the truck bunk--and no showers
4. Unhealthy or expensive road food
5. Dangerous/Brain Dead personalities on the road
6. Too much time away from family/No control over scheduling

For those who really like their job, can a hear some responses to these complaints about truck driving?

Thanks in advance

 

I'm surprised no one chimed in here, so I'll put in my two cents...

First off, Stocktonhauler, I need to tell you that I am NOT a trucker nor, aside from a close friend, do I have any ties to the trucking industry... so anything I say here may be way out in left field. And if so, I'm sure my fellow posters will set me straight. LOL

What I've read here, though, is probably true in many jobs -- your attitude can make or break you. Things you listed are, indeed, negatives in trucking. But in most instances, they are not insurmountable negatives. Face it -- in any job, you're gonna have the bitter with the better. It's up to you to determine how much you are willing to "suck up" to be successful in your profession.

1. Interpersonal abuse: This isn't limited to trucking. Ask any waitress, tech support person, or collections person. There are some just plain nasty folks out there, but it's been my experience that many (not all) will respond in kind -- meaning, if you can put aside their initial surliness and respond rationally, politely, and pleasantly, you can turn what would otherwise become a confrontational issue into something more tolerable. You won't win everyone over, but that's not the goal. The goal is to resolve any problems so that you both can do your jobs effectively and as smoothly as possible.

2. Worn and dangerous equipment: From what I read here, most (if not all?) trucking companies have safety departments to which drivers can report potentially dangerous situations. But I'm also hearing that it's a Catch-22 for new drivers because it can label you as a complainer, which could then be reflected in the loads you are assigned. (Meaning, you'll get crap loads and poor mileage and not seen as a team player, so to speak.) It shouldn't happen, but I think -- unfortunately -- it does. I can't say much here.

3. Poor sleep/no showers: That's a personal issue for most. Me? I'm not a trucker, but I can sleep anywhere and under just about any circumstances. I close my eyes and I'm out. Other folks have set routines they follow before bedding down... and if you have trouble sleeping at home, chances are you'll have trouble sleeping in the truck. But there are a heck of a lot of truckers out there, and aside from an occasional beef about parking next to a reefer (refrigerated unit) or bullhauler, there doesn't seem to be much complaining about it once you're past the initial period of adjustment.

Showers don't seem to be a problem, either, for those who like to shower daily. Evidently you can get free showers at the major truck stop chains simply by purchasing your fuel there. And some of the drivers carry baby wipes for quick clean-ups.

4. Unhealthy/expensive road food: Yep -- eating out is expensive for anyone who would do it regularly. A lot of drivers (most, I would think) have inverters in their trucks that allow them to install a small fridge and microwave. Pack as much as you can and grocery shop along the way and you can save bundles on food expenses... and eat a lot healthier than truck stop food.

5. Dangerous drivers: Oh yeah... being the token four-wheeler here, I take plenty of heat (not directed personally, thank goodness) about my fellow four-wheelers. You're gonna see a lot of people cut in and around you... people who do not understand the physics of motion, speed, and weight. They'll fry your beans... as will some of your trucking brethren... with their antics. Face it -- we all deal with idiots on the roads, but it's many, MANY times worse when you're in an 80,000 lb. vehicle doing 65 mph. I have no answers.

6. Family time/scheduling problems: There's no getting around it -- your time with your family will be greatly curtailed. But that's the nature of the beast. You sign on to be a trucker, and you KNOW it's gonna happen. If you can't live with it, then trucking isn't the job for you. Even those who get home at night generally put in long days, cutting into those after-school outings with the kids and nice meals with the spouse. As so many have said here, it's not a job -- it's a lifestyle... and your whole family needs to be a part of it. You'll need a good cell phone plan and most have a laptop to keep in touch with those on the homefront... and however much you'd like to think s/he can, your spouse isn't going to be able to lean on you when household problems arise. S/he'll be pretty much on his/her own.

As far as scheduling? Some drivers seem to do okay with it, while others struggle. I think (and I'm not certain) that a lot of that depends on your relationship with your dispatcher. I know with my buddy, he and his dispatcher work very well together -- it's a give and take thing -- and if he needs a certain day off, he generally gets it. But others aren't as fortunate. In fact, probably most. There seems to be a real problem between dispatchers and drivers... and not being in the trucking community, I can't say why.

Hopefully, I've given you something to gnaw on 'til the others pop in here. And like I said, I'm speaking only from what I've read here. Experience is huge, and in trucking? I have none...

If you decide to go into driving, make sure you approach it with a positive attitude. It'll make ya' or break ya'!

 

Pay backs are hell. And we occasionally get that chance It's worth it sometimes

A simple refusal to drive/pull said equipment is all it takes. They can't force you. If they do, a stop at a set of scales will cost the company MORE than it's worth.

It's the price you pay. A small one in reality. Where else can you work without "The man" breathing down your neck?

That's why many of us use a refrigerator.

Fortunately, killing these people is against the law. Our highways would be a real mess. You either deal with them, or go home.

Not if you get with the right company.

Overall, trucking can be a pleasant job. You just have to get in with a GOOD company. Most the heavy advertisers are not good in my opinion.

 

Still pretty new at this myself, but here is what I have encountered so far. I drive a (well actually 3) dedicated route delivering parts to dealerships. Haven't had any abuse, my operations manager works well with the drivers, may not always be well liked but i think for the most part he is fair. I have no hassles with worn equipment, since it is all leased and if any problems occur, I simply write it up on my DVCR and have Ryder fix it. I run a team route, and do sleep in the tractor bunk some. I too can sleep anywhere and tend to get good sleep in the truck. showers arent a problem since i'm home, but if they were I could shower at Pilot since i get a free one every time i fill the tanks. The food thing really isn't any different than if you were working an office job. chances are if you live close to the office you might go home and fix something, but i would say most people go out and eat the food that is way overpriced and unhealthy (fast food). I pack a lunch daily and try to eat healthy. Like Ducks said, you can put a fridge and microwave and whatever else you want into your truck. My thought on food is if you want to eat healthy you can, it just takes more effort and time. The brain dead drivers are something you face everyday, whether your in a truck or not. you'll be surprised how much more safety conscious you will become when you start driving a truck. My wife says I've improved immensely as a driver. Family and home time I think is a choice you have to make. There are jobs where you can be gone months at a time and there are jobs where you drive locally and are home every night. If you want to drive but you want to be home, then find a company that fits the parameters that you need.

I like my job, I'm only gone 12 hours a day, run the same route( I-80 is the most boring route ever) and get plenty of time to do what I"m doing now, Snuggling my 3month old daughter. Trucking is definitely a lifestyle, but you just have to figure out what you want and factor that into your job search. Good luck and see you on the road someday??

 

Hello every one I'm new to this site so please be patient with me. I'll be getting my CDL 1st part of FEB-08. I'm looking at Crete,Roehl,West Side,Transport America,USX which will be the best for a newbie to start with? I live in Day,OH looking at solo dry van Midwest Regional thanks for your input!!

 

Stocktonhauler, I still enjoy driving a truck and will miss it when I retire in a couple of weeks. However, the complaints you listed become more important as you get older. The life-style of a long-haul or team driver may affect your health over a period of time. Still, trucking was the right choice for me, but I am glad my son found another career. Many old-timers still love the trucks, but hate the industry.

 

Just remember it's on how you precieve yourself, be nice to your driver mananger (no you don't have to kiss butt) and do your job and I am sure the rest will fall into place.
Many drivers feel they have the call on everything and want to complain about everything. Well do what is asked (just as we are taught we should do when the boss ask something of us) and don't be lazy and everything should be fine

 

As long as you eat that road kill within the 1st hour it's still healthy.

 

the trucking industry has alot of up and downs in general...then again every job does...,but do atleast think about this..,what job can you get paid to drive 3000 miles a week burning someones elses fuel sleeping in their bed and writing off everything you actually spend money on. Heck if you find something better let me know please.

 

please do yourself a favor..,which is while your reviewing those companies as possible jobs ops.....really research those companies: talk to some of their drivers, check them out on the internet.....but most of all you are gonna have a cdl in your pocket come feb-08 that thing is gold right now...,after you get 1 year experience under your belt you can go anywhere you want! With that said remember while those companies interview you.., flip the script you interview them....get them to give you what you want: tuition reimbursement (no longer than 1 year contract) have them tell you when your hometime will be (out 7 in 2) stuff like that. Bud your future is in your hands you can make alot of money out here but only you can manage your career not us only you. But I do wish ya good luck and welcome ya to trucking.