Seriously Thinking about training to become OTR long-haul driver

I have driven them all, and I prefer Flat and dry vans to Refer.
You cannot drop refrigerated loads as much as you can dry vans. This can mean allot less time sitting at shippers and receivers.
On Flatbed it is different, depending on the contracts.
Some shippers are slow, like in other sectors. But many of them are pretty quick. Better work ethic at the plants, and they want to get you loaded/ unloaded and out as quickly as possible.
Pay goes with the work. The driver is responsible for more with tanks and flats, thus they get a higher rate. But more hours will be used also. So the pay will actually equal out to about the same when all things are said and done.

 

most companies have a age limit due to insurence, i've seen some drivers haul a bike straped to the back of their tractors. if you have time after unloading, call a cab & see the sights in a city that you have never been to.

 

If your starting out, OTR is fine to gain experience; but its no career at all. Look for an LTL position as soon as you can. Also, be prepared to stay gone for one or two months at first, then average about 2 to 3 weeks out with one day off for each week worked. You'll also have plenty of time waiting without pay nor the ability to "take off" and tour the town or get drunk, etc. You are a slave to your truck most of the time. After, you put in one year start applying with UPS, Fed Ex freight(not ground), ABF, etc. Never sign up for a paid in house company sponsored school and never lease or buy a truck. You'll be a slave for sure, and stuck in a debt trap.

 

If all your looking at is money; you're likely gonna be very sad as a trucker. If you have few bills, no family, and can stand alienating your friends to go find yourself and a little adventure. Then this is the right mindset to get into trucking. It's sort of like a last resort, last ditch career for divorcees and bankrupt people to get into -- sad to say. It's like your changing your name and joining the foreign legion or some cult! Some people stick out the tough parts and genuinely enjoy much of trucking though. The right job and the right part of the country make all the difference. But, if you want to build a portfolio of lifelong friends and have a big retirement party in 20 years. Go work in a factory or find a government job.

 

Driving record: You should be OK since they should fall off after 3 years. Just keep the DUIs and careless operations away. That's a no hire for life. Also, check your criminal record, no theft, assault, or felonies.

 

If you're not sure of whether you're hireable by a company, call the recruiters and ask specific questions. For questions concerning driving records, dui's, etc, they are usually pretty honest.
Now promises of new trucks, high pay, home time... they all lie.

 

I started in school 2 weeks ago. What an eye opening experience. I've been researching the trucking industries and companies for 2 years while I was in the military. It seems really cool, but its more than I ever imagined. Start off with getting your permit first before you even think about getting in a truck. That was work, to learn that. Once your behind the wheel, you realize then than driving that 80,000 pound truck isnt all that easy. Straight line backing, offset right, offset left, getting on the road the first time, if your butthole doesnt pucker up then something is wrong with you. You gotta know how much fuel to put in. Read a map, scale the truck, PRETRIP, POST TRIP, slide tandem's slide fifth wheel, trip routing, etc. It was nerve racking for me and its a hell of alot more than holding a wheel. Better have your nutts screwed on real tight and follow directions to a "T". Good Luck though. Also, if you quit you owe them the school fee.