On the ropes about becoming a trucker... Looking for advice.

stillayoungman · Jan 14, 2011

Jonny1 said: ↑

It's too bad your not closer to Grants Pass, the program at Rogue Community College looks good......and much much more affortable. I would check with all of the state community colleges in the Portland area, I would assume you will find a better, cheaper option. I would also spend sometime reading more about the companies that hire students.......so you can make a good choice when that time comes. I have heard Gordon has a good over the road training program.
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The school is actually in White City, not in Grants Pass. I started Monday, got the CDL permit on Wednesday and would be driving next Tuesday except for the Monday holiday next week. Next Wednesday we will be out on the streets!

Allow Me. · Jan 14, 2011

My only advice to the original poster, think this through, really think this through. For some odd reason, people that are in dead end jobs or at an age crisis, think trucking will be their saving grace. And the first question out of their mouths is "How much can I make"? Do not for one minute think that all you do is plunk down $4500, go to school for 3 weeks and get a truck job and live happily ever after. One of these days I'll write a blog on here about trucking and the LIFESTYLE, which no one ever tells you about. It's the LIFESTYLE shock thats sends most newbies packing. So, go down to your local truck stop, warehouse etc. and ask questions about the LIFESTYLE, not how much $$$ you will make. Good luck and think about what I said.

ac120 · Jan 14, 2011

Allow Me. said: ↑

My only advice to the original poster, think this through, really think this through. For some odd reason, people that are in dead end jobs or at an age crisis, think trucking will be their saving grace. And the first question out of their mouths is "How much can I make"? Do not for one minute think that all you do is plunk down $4500, go to school for 3 weeks and get a truck job and live happily ever after. One of these days I'll write a blog on here about trucking and the LIFESTYLE, which no one ever tells you about. It's the LIFESTYLE shock thats sends most newbies packing. So, go down to your local truck stop, warehouse etc. and ask questions about the LIFESTYLE, not how much $$$ you will make. Good luck and think about what I said.
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This is absolutely some of best advice ever posted here. This post should be a sticky.

72MGBGT · Jan 15, 2011

Allow Me. said: ↑

My only advice to the original poster, think this through, really think this through. For some odd reason, people that are in dead end jobs or at an age crisis, think trucking will be their saving grace. And the first question out of their mouths is "How much can I make"? Do not for one minute think that all you do is plunk down $4500, go to school for 3 weeks and get a truck job and live happily ever after. One of these days I'll write a blog on here about trucking and the LIFESTYLE, which no one ever tells you about. It's the LIFESTYLE shock thats sends most newbies packing. So, go down to your local truck stop, warehouse etc. and ask questions about the LIFESTYLE, not how much $$$ you will make. Good luck and think about what I said.
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Well, I have went on a few OTR loads with my dad when I was younger (The most recent being in 2004), so I know a little bit about it. Right now, I am running Courier work (Finding my own small loads and hauling them in my car.. Usually dogs, But I hauled a chicken last week.). I know it's not really the same, But I do drive for days, and I usually end up sleeping in my car in truck stop parking lots and using their facilities if needed. I enjoy doing it, and kind of figure trucking is like doing it on a larger scale.

I also read this book twice, if that counts for anything: http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Dr...6169/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295072824&sr=8-2

chompi · Jan 15, 2011

VERY, VERY, VERY GOOD STUFF ALLOWME!!!

I was trying to reiterate that on another thread but for some reason the newbies just don't get it.

Props to Rerun too! Good advice man!

Skeet, as far as the school you looked into that's about the norm. Actually maybe slightly on the cheaper side. Really though, don't put too much thought in choosing a school. They are just there to get you your license and prepare you to go with a trainer. However, take your time in choosing a company!

universal10 · Jan 15, 2011

are you american drivers only making 40,000 a year? Thats it? Move to Canada..as a company driver i am making close to double that.

Rerun8963 · Jan 15, 2011

Allow Me. said: ↑

My only advice to the original poster, think this through, really think this through. For some odd reason, people that are in dead end jobs or at an age crisis, think trucking will be their saving grace. And the first question out of their mouths is "How much can I make"? Do not for one minute think that all you do is plunk down $4500, go to school for 3 weeks and get a truck job and live happily ever after. One of these days I'll write a blog on here about trucking and the LIFESTYLE, which no one ever tells you about. It's the LIFESTYLE shock thats sends most newbies packing. So, go down to your local truck stop, warehouse etc. and ask questions about the LIFESTYLE, not how much $$$ you will make. Good luck and think about what I said.
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ac120 said: ↑

This is absolutely some of best advice ever posted here. This post should be a sticky.
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i have said many of the things "allow me" said......but i get a tongue lashing because i am "too direct" with what i say...HHMmmmm.....

universal10 said: ↑

are you american drivers only making 40,000 a year? Thats it? Move to Canada..as a company driver i am making close to double that.
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Nah...ya's all'a talk'n fooney up thar".......ey...???

besides, i can't spell Kanadah.....i have enough trouble spelling USA....

chefbob2 · Jan 15, 2011

Energy,healthcare or agriculture.
The gov. is really making trucking tough.
Any of the training companys are the same, pay you peanuts in exchange for experience. Bottom line pay your dues to enjoy the 14 hour days later.
Go to school, get an education....you are still young.
I did career change 6 years ago. 6 years experience CDLA XT.
I paid my dues. But its still a tough but rewarding job.
If you were my son or daughter I'd say go back to college.
Cheap labor is on its way to trucking. Just a matter of time.
Doctor, lawyer,nurse, wind tech, solar tech, geologist, farmer.

Allow Me. · Jan 15, 2011

72MGBGT, You asked for advice, and you're getting it. The decision is still yours, right? I said to really think this through. Of course you can go through with it. Just don't make snap decisions. I think PAM trains in Ohio or Arkansas.

Allow Me. · Jan 15, 2011

RErun 8963, a tongue lashing ? Come on now, I'm as direct as I can be, but, hopefully not offensive. You are usually right on with your posts, but, you know, there's always someone who wants to one-up you.

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