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Questions about starting a driving career...

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by nascarchuck, Jan 19, 2010.

  1. Jan 19, 2010 #1
    nascarchuck

    nascarchuck Road Train Member

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    I have always been around trucks. I understand the being on the truckers lifestyle, etc. I enjoy driving and traveling. I am fine being alone.

    I am drawing unemployment at the moment but seriously considering going to school and driving.

    I realize that I wont make near the money as I was making, but I'm ok with that as well. As long as I can make $35,000 or so I should be fine.

    What my thoughts were is to go OTR for a year or so to gain the experience and then come back and drive regional or local.

    I am thinking that Stevens school then driving for them may be the way to go. I am also looking into a Community College nearby and maybe go with KLLM. But Stevens is probably the route I am looking at.

    I have a couple of questions if you dont mind.

    1) While out with a trainer, are you both sleeping at the same time or does one sleep while the other drives?

    2) While in school, are there usually several to a truck?

    4) Is it realistic to drive OTR a year or two then go regional or local? We also have the Barnett Shale in my area. I know it's declined but I still see alot of trucks driving local.
     
    nascarchuck, Jan 19, 2010
    nascarchuck, Jan 19, 2010
    #1
    JustSonny Thanks this.
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  3. Jan 19, 2010 #2
    JustSonny

    JustSonny Big Dummy

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    Welcome to the forum Nascarchuck! I joined the forum several months ago and have learned a tremendous amount about the ins and outs of getting into trucking. You've posed several very important questions. Navigate your way around the different sub-forums and you'll find a lot of info about Stevens, KLLM, plus many of the other companies. Good luck to you!
     
    JustSonny, Jan 19, 2010
    JustSonny, Jan 19, 2010
    #2
  4. Jan 19, 2010 #3
    Hubcap

    Hubcap Medium Load Member

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    Rhome Texas
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    1. It is a team operation but most training trucks have two bunks in them. Your trainer will know how far he can trust you when it comes to letting you go on your own.

    2. Usually there are three or four students per instructor but usually keep the same instructor all the way through unless it is your instructors day(s) off. That is usually when you spend time in the backing yard.

    3. The career starts with the biggest need and right now that is OTR. But you can go regional or local after you get the OTR under your belt, even specialize going to liquid or pneumatic tankers.

    The trouble with the oil field is they promise that it is going to last forever and it never does. I drove oil field in the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma and operated crane for E.W. Moran Drilling in Wichita Falls Texas.

    You just can't count on it long term.
     
    Hubcap, Jan 19, 2010
    Hubcap, Jan 19, 2010
    #3
  5. Jan 20, 2010 #4
    hoogabooga

    hoogabooga Bobtail Member

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    Jan 3, 2010
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    1) No idea
    2) That is how I did it at the school I taught at.
    3) Try to get on at some companies as a switcher or, if you do not mind real work try US Foodservice or something like them.

    I ran local for 11 years before going OTR for 3 ms. I came to my senses VERY fast. There are some companies that pay WAY more than $35,000 a year IF you keep a good record. Especially with the CSA 2010 this year.
     
    hoogabooga, Jan 20, 2010
    hoogabooga, Jan 20, 2010
    #4
  7. Jan 20, 2010 #5
    The Bully

    The Bully Bobtail Member

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    May 4, 2009
    Sterling Heights,Michigan
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    1. when you first start with your trainer you will only be driving 4 to 5 hours so you will be sleeping at the same time. As you progress you will drive longer and longer. And end up sleeping opposite scheldules.

    2. When I went to school (6 years ago) there was 4 to a truck and about 15 in the class.

    3. You can start driving regional or local right away but those jobs may be a little harder to get.

    Also DO NOT let a company pay for your schooling. It is a ripoff.
     
    The Bully, Jan 20, 2010
    The Bully, Jan 20, 2010
    #5
  8. Jan 20, 2010 #6
    Rug_Trucker

    Rug_Trucker Road Train Member

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    Near Nashville TN
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    If you are on unemployment check into WIA funding. They will pay for your school, permit, endoesements, and give you gas money to get there.

    That is how I did mine.
     
    Rug_Trucker, Jan 20, 2010
    Rug_Trucker, Jan 20, 2010
    #6
  9. Jan 20, 2010 #7
    nascarchuck

    nascarchuck Road Train Member

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    Sep 2, 2008
    DFW, TX
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    Thanks for the replies guys!

    I was on unemployment a year ago and checked into WIA. I was told that I had made too much money the previous year. I made less than $40,000 then and this last year made closer to $55-60,000.

    I am trying any way to find some help in getting the training as I just cant afford to pay for it at this time.
     
    nascarchuck, Jan 20, 2010
    nascarchuck, Jan 20, 2010
    #7
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