One month on my own.. need some advice

roadmasteri69, look at Maverick, as well. Their flatbed training is also excellent. And they aren't quite as anal about their trucks. Unless, that is, you really have a thing for those shiny Petes.

 

Computer generated load dispatches...if you have short hours you get short loads. Which is a lot of work for a little money...

Get the restart and keep things rolling smoothly...

 

JimF, I am in trucking because there is nothing else in my area that pays even close to what I need to make to live comfortably. I am not a career trucker and never will be. I happened to have my CDL when my family's trucking company closed after 55 years, so here I am for the time being. RickG, I don't mind risking my life and being gone all the time, I'm just sick of doing it under the iron fist of TMC and for so little money. 39k a year doesn't justify around 36 hours off a week, sorry. I am not looking for sympathy, rather I am looking for a career I can take seriously. I too have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone who serves, won't disagree with you there.

 

Granted a reset is nice but being at the consignee with a full clock on Monday is a must.One time I left Monday morning,90 miles and chased that hour and a half all week.Reset aside,do whats possible to get to the consignee that evening,if that means forgoing a shower or that cup of coffee,get as close as you can,i.e. on the ramp 5 miles away.Get a laptop,learn google maps,find malls,lowes,home depots nearby to park.Im with Carter,Im doing this cuz nothing at home pays anywhere near what I make here.Dont get me wrong,I enjoy the hell out of flatbeddin'"Flatbedding aint for sissies".Bottom line,be there in the morning!!!

 

Sometimes it works out that way.You caught some good loads.I would love to cut out # 3-4 a.m. and stop early...........peaceful driving.I forgot to mention,that will play hell with getting you home at a decent time on Fri. though.Save as many hrs on Fri. as possible.

 

As I said in my post, my question really was curiosity, not dissing you. Understand about the local pay thing. I just started a non driving job yesterday, 2nd shift. Told my wife I'd give this a try before going back on the road. Company is one of the better employers in town, has great benefits, but, pay is $10. hr (that includes shift differential). So for me to make that same $39K, I'd have to put in 23 hrs. OT per week. There is OT there, but not all the time, and not consistent. So, if I went back on the road, and only made $20K+, I'd at least be doing something I enjoy.

As for other careers that involve being away from home, nothing is like trucking. The military should even be listed, as it's a whole different ballgame. As for sales people, their travel isn't dictated by HOS rules, they usually can eat at decent times, and stay in motels. railroad crews are generally away from home no more than 2 nights, and are put up either in a motel or a bunk house. And their pay makes it well worth it.

And if anyone needs sympathy, it's me! Of all the apps I've submitted to flatbed companies, and all the fb companies I've called, the only one that I've found that will take me on without me having to go back theough school is Swift

But, if that's what it takes, that's what I'll do, and get my time in.

 

I was under the impression that trains are a team operaton?