Rookie Getting Ready

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by UrbanCowboy67, Mar 10, 2014.

  1. UrbanCowboy67

    UrbanCowboy67 Light Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2014
    CHICAGO, IL
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    Hello Everyone,

    I would like to say hi and welcome myself to a dream come true. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to drive Big Rigs. The end of this week I will be enrolling in driving school and after will be signing on with Schneider or Werner, haven't decided yet. I have always had the up most respect for drivers and I am proud to finally be a part of it. You men and women truly make this country run. I'm leaving a 9-5 job and taking a pay cut, but I just can't stand being off the road. Coming from a family that looks down on the trucking industry after high school I went to college and got a office job. Worked there for 5 years and now my fiance is supporting me in my leaving and going to trucking school. If any of you drivers or driver spouses have any words of wisdom, tricks, or relationship advise it would be much appreciated. Look forward to seeing you all out on the road.


    Very Eager to start

    -UrbanCowboy
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,753
    184,570
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Welcome to trucking. Don't limit your search to just Schneider or Werner. There are dozens of other companies that will hire you. Research carefully so you don't make poverty wages. Get all the endorsements. With the endorsements, TWIC, and a passport you can make $55K - $65K per year as a new driver. Put your location on your profile so we know the hiring area you live in.

    You want to give that future wife a high standard of living, so here's some companies that will provide that & they all hire new CDL graduates:

    SVTN
    Superior Carriers
    CTL Transportation
    Trimac
    Schneider Bulk (tanker)
    Melton Truck Lines
    System Transport
     
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  4. UrbanCowboy67

    UrbanCowboy67 Light Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2014
    CHICAGO, IL
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    Schneider Bulk is my top choice right now. I appreciate all the help. Have any relationship advice?
     
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,753
    184,570
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    The big stress point is financial. That's why it's important to start your career making good money from day one. Some drivers destroy their relationship with girlfriend or wife when they make $30K, then deduct road expenses which leaves poverty for the family. With the tanker companies I listed, including Schneider Bulk, you will make good money after all the training is complete at the company you choose and then they send you out on your own. I know a driver that makes $60K plus with Superior Carriers & you should be able to achieve that with most hazmat/tanker carriers after a few months or one year. If you're making good money, your fiancee can plan for the future because she will have reasonable dollar figures to work with.
     
  6. UrbanCowboy67

    UrbanCowboy67 Light Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2014
    CHICAGO, IL
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    I really appreciate all the advice. She works as a nurse so that helps a lot with this transition. And before I hire on most places want me to have hazmat. So I went and got a TWIC card.
     
  7. BoogieMan

    BoogieMan Bobtail Member

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    4
    Mar 13, 2014
    Maryland
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    I have a similar story. Except i come from a background of Truckers. I have a degree and worked in the office in finance. But trucking is where my heart is. Good luck out here driver.
     
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