Ok, guys should I become a trucker?

go for it, and if you don't like it you can go and do something else. I have been at it 4 years now and I still like it.

 

Get a book (Amazon, if not other places) titled "Becoming a Trucker: The Raw Truth" by Brett Aquila.

I've been driving for almost 20 years, and he tells it like it is, both the good and the bad. Should be required reading for anyone thinking of getting into truck driving.

 

I dont know why I becaome a truck driver I guess I thought it was interesting. I jumped into the deep end of the pool feet first and now I cant get out

 

Been doing it for 26 plus years myself on and off the road(local hauling), my advice to you would be do some major research and homework. Then don't believe everything you hear and read.
From my perspective is if you have no ties to a home or a homelife then go for it. If you're some factory type, 9-5, or suit looking for a career change then you have a lot to learn about trucking.
First thing to know is that you are a number to almost every company, a 2nd class citizen to most cops, DOT, and 4 wheelers. But the image of truckers was self inflicted by some and we all have to suffer.
Second you have to consider training, in the old days you could use your buddies truck play around in a parking lot go to the drivers license facility pass the easy written test and a short road trip. Nowadays it's quite different with the CDL's and endorsements which were suppose to weed out the bad drivers etc.
My best advice for you is to find someone you know who drives and spend some time with them in a truck and see how it really is.

 

You won't have as much freedom with use of the truck as you might think. If you think you'll have opportunities to go around and explore with the Bobtail forget it.

At most maybe you can visit Walmart for supplies.


Admittedly though I somewhat romanticize the job in my own way. I see this as the latest version of one of the oldest jobs in the world; Transportation. The way I look at it trucks are just the new link in the supply chain.

I suppose when I have to much time on my hands I sometimes ponder how far back into history people have picked up jobs hauling crap from point A to point B in trucks, trains, ships, wagons, or even camels. People have always needed "stuff" and needed people to bring it.

Oddly enough I don't think the people doing it have changed much. Many still resemble cowboys or pirates.

 

I was in a dead end job looking for a change. I have always loved driving. I was also working some hours on weekends at a local truck stop and talked to a LOT of drivers. In other words, I did a lot of "parking lot" research. There are some people who would not be happy no matter what. But the key is to talk to people who are doing the job now - a lot of them if you can, so you can get a broad picture. Research this site as well. You DO get to see the country, and even though as someone said you are usually pressed for an appointment, there is still something to be said for watching the sunrise over the mountains, moonlight on the frosty trees, etc. You get to pass the exits for all the tourist attractions. But you do get to see the country, if you go over the road and don't mind where they send you. I have driven a truck in all 48 continental states, as many others here have done, and enjoyed most of it. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

OK, you asked, "should I become a trucker?" Well, I don't dance around trying to be nice, so I'll be blunt. Do you WANT to be a driver? Do you want to be out on the road for weeks, sometimes months, on end? You're nowhere close to your family. All you have is maybe a book of CDs and the CB radio to keep you company. This is a decision that only you can make. If you want it bad enough, sure, make the leap. But I'm not the only one here who's telling you this.... Be prepared to give up a lot. You won't be home much if you go OTR. If you've got kids and a wife, prepare for your phone bill to skyrocket. It's an overly-used comparison, but you really are a lonely cowboy, riding that steel horse, working to draw a paycheck and keep everything you've got. No, you're not totally alone. There are other drivers out there, but rather than talk to one driver for a while, you'll talk to a bunch of drivers in a short period. If you like to travel, great, but you won't get to get out much, if at all, to sight-see.

Somebody mentioned LTL.... GREAT suggestion. Drop and hook, terminal to terminal. Pretty good days work. And you're most likely going to see home most every night. I'm divorced with no kids. Trucking caused that. I came home one weekend to find two pairs of another man's shoes under my side of the bed. I'm engaged again, but I got lucky this time. Her dad and her brother are OTR. She knows what it takes. I like to be out for a couple weeks and be home for 3-4 days, but I make the most of what hometime I do take.

There's a lot to consider. But, in reality, only you can answer the question you posed before us.... Do you WANT to be a driver? Whatever you decide, make sure it's best for everybody. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

I 2nd that,and there are other informative books there as well. At the end of the day,will it Bother you that it was never tried?- If you think you will like it,TRY it...what the hell... P.S.- IF I had read that book 7 yrs ago,would I be looking at a load to tarp in -20 degree weather now,...,probably NOT!!!!!!!!!!

 

If you love to drive and travel, give it a shot. The first year is great seeing the country, then it starts turning into a job. Sunsets never get old though. Like any job, you need to love what you do to be happy. We can paint a picture but you need to walk or drive that mile before you know what it's really like. More new drivers fail than go on to a lifelong career because it's not what they thought it would be. You have to be thick skinned and calm by nature to put up with alot of stress at times. But stress does come with any job. The first year is always rough with low pay and earning your stripes.
OTR you have to be willing to work different shifts at the drop of a hat. You will be tired at times and learn to deal with it.
Your friends at home tend to forget about you as time goes on. Your friends are on the road and truckers you meet.
Even if you don't like it, a CDL is a valuable tool to have. Especially with all the unemployment nowadays. There are many aspects of trucking that if you don't like one kind of driving, there might be another kind you do like. The money is in LTL. OTR everyday is a new adventure.

Who knows, you might come home and find yourself two brand new pair of shoes!