Retiring Early To become a Trucker... Should I Yes or No???

@tcurtsinger, it would probably be best to figure out which company you would like to drive for, first--then backtrack from there, & find out which driving schools from which they like/prefer to hire. Some even have these schools listed on their website.

Based on the other replies posted here--you can see that it's probably much wiser to start off as a company driver, first--especially in the near future.

Make sure the driving school(s) that you consider are also on the list referred to in post #42 of this same thread (thanks again, Chinatown!!! ).

To bypass otr work--look at the LTL companies near you; some will hire for LTL "linehaul" driver positions--IF you finish their in-house CDL school (if they do have one), or go to one of the CDL schools they list/prefer.

"Linehaul" is not otr work--it's home daily, in most cases. Very good money too, usually.

If you should decide that "linehaul" is not really your cup of tea (and for many, it's not)--then you can look for jobs in your area with the larger fleets--Schneider, Swift, Knight, and/or JB Hunt.

I recommend these larger companies now because, with the threat of a recession looming, these larger fleets will be much more likely keep you busy & running if/when the economy does in fact slow down & freight volumes really tighten up then for the smaller carriers.

Some of these jobs will be otr, some regional, and some....local.

To keep things as simple in the beginning as possible--try to look for jobs that are "dry van" loads, and mostly (or even completely) drop-and-hook--& also, "no touch" freight.

As a beginning driver--avoid any intermodal-type work (i.e., shipyards, &/or railyards).

These above companies all hire beginning drivers. If you first go to a CDL school on your own--you can then choose who you drive for and for how long--you're not beholden to any particular company, later (unless you sign a contract, of course).

Schneider has a load board that many owner-ops like using. It may be wise option to start off there as a company driver, and work your way into the owner-op world, later (if you then decide you still want to)--after start-up costs come down from their current insane levels, & after you've learned the trucking business, & all the operating expenses/regs involved.

Also: stay far away from lease-purchase programs--especially as a beginning driver.

--Lual

 

Didn't know Swift had a flatbed division. Have never seen them here in Tennessee. Have seen many Walmart flatbeds though. Might be worth a look.

 

Good luck

 

Sure ! If you dont want to wait til 60. Have some adventure. The market is slow right now but it will pick up sooner or later.

 

Nothing wrong with Swift. Run far away from Western.

 

You do know that there are states that you could move to that don't play those games.

Polk County, Florida with Sheriff Grady Judd would be like heaven compared to what you deal with out there.

I think you'd still enjoy the education business here.

 

Like already stated, many of the better paying trucking jobs starting out will absorb your whole life, especially OTR trucking. However, you do get to tour the ‘piss soaked’ truck stops of the country!

And, at age 57, unless you have great discipline and take extraordinary measures, trucking could take a SERIOUS toll on your health over a few years span. You can exercise; but, you will have to do it in unusual places, or unusual ways, or with an irregular schedule.

It is possible to stay in somewhat okay shape as a trucker; but, it is not easy. Some of the jobs where you touch freight yourself (for the exercise) do not ratchet up in pay like others. Maybe you can find one that does.

Even harder than getting exercise is eating well. I have a plan to convert my bottom bunk to refrigeration and storage space. But, without this or some other plan, healthful and convenient/quick food options on the road are severely limited.

If you like a regimented lifestyle where you can predict things or plan things you might struggle. If the Internet or streaming is a big part of your lifestyle you may need to plan a system unless you don’t mind doing many things on your little phone screen.

Having listed some negatives, I will say that if you can work as an o/o or get with a company that doesn’t micromanage, it is a bit like being your own boss. So long as you can make customers happy (mostly delivering undamaged freight on time), you can pretty much make your own schedule.

The only rub is that it isn’t good to rely on your equipment to always be reliable. For example, if you are sharing trailers at a large company, things will go wrong with them, or other drivers will leave them in yards or at customers with problems. This makes it important to try to get close to your destination earlier in case of mechanical issues arising en route. You will not always detect all problems even with a good inspection. Planning and driving this way can squeeze/restrict your schedule freedom. But, it is important in a market that is declining and favoring customers.

 

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