So Many Questions That'll Determine My Future!!

I do otr, the amount of home time taken depends on net pay, budget and goals

 

Nope my father was just a deadbeat towards me, left my mom while she was pregnant with me to start another family, he tried to get back in my life once and this is when he took me over the road with him when I was 12... As a kid it was amazing man and it was then I knew that someday I'd be in a truck.

 

Great info, I'll definitely check these all out and do more research on them, I appreciate the feedback.

 

Thanks Miss Elvee Ive been lurking on ttr and reddit's trucking sub forum and I've seen plenty of the of the questions I've asked, I just wanted to get all my questions answered in one thread but thanks guys I really do appreciate your help. And yes family is very important to me but them being financially secure if I happen to pass is a priority so it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

 

These are based solely on my opinion. Nothing is in concrete and it's different from driver to driver and from company to company.

You'll probably get a more rounded education at a private, college or tech school. The company paid one's will be geared to that companies methods, routes, customers, etc.

You'll be sending out apps while in school. Generally, if you show promise while in school, you'll get a bunch of what they call pre-hires before you graduate/pass. Then it's a matter of picking the one you feel is best for you.

Talk to anyone who is divorced and only gets to see their kids for 2 days every other weekend. Trucking CAN be a lot like that (depending on who you drive for). Or worse.

IMO, Regional will get you to the house more often (not always). Regional, overall probably pays a little less.

Covered above.

While it's not a NECESSITY, it is highly recommended. 6 months is the absolute shortest time.

OTR, home not as often but for more days at one time.

You'll do fine. You have no bad habits to break. You'll grind some gears. But you'll get it.

Let's just say you're going to rely on cell phones and social media a lot more than you do now if you want to stay in contact. And when you're home, you'll want to spend all your time with your family. And don't forget the Honey Do list.

You can drive 11 hours within a 14 hour span. Then you are required to take a 10 hour break before you can start again. 10 may seem like a lot. It's not. If you sleep for 8, you only have 2 left for shower, food, communications, etc. Some days you'll be able to take more than 10 depending on the load you're hauling and delivery schedule.

Nobody can really answer this. We all deal with things like this differently.

Most companies will pay your travel expenses and put you in a hotel while training. You just have to be willing to be away from home for however long that training takes. Could be 3 weeks to a month or more. So, don't limit yourself to the Springfield area.

Depends on a wide range of variables. If you are hired by a more reputable companies, $45k is not unheard of. I've "heard" of some making the $50k mark on their first year. Never saw proof though.

Nix the 50k SUV and look at something more practical. Especially in the first few years. Kids get expensive. Homes aren't cheap. And no matter what you make, the typical person/family will live to what their income will allow. IF you can continue to live like you make 20k, then the other things can happen.

Your company will keep you motivated. Or you'll be looking for another job. lol

Are you wanting to do flatbed? Reefer? Dry van? Tanker? If you want to get out of your truck and do something besides drive all day, I would suggest flatbed or tanker. Otherwise, reefer or dry van. Each type will have it's own "best".

Won't be much difference in rain. You're elevated which helps reduce the wash coming off of cars but not other trucks. As for temperature, as long as the heat and AC are working and the truck will idle, you'll be ok. Wind is a major concern. And don't try to ride out a tornado in one. Although, if the olny options are the truck or in the open, stay in the truck.

Never let anyone tell you to drive on roads if YOU don't feel it's safe. Your company can't tell what the conditions are sitting in an office chair. Just don't pull onto the shoulder. Slow down and get to a safe place. Truck stop, rest area, etc.

If you can see it from the highway, then it's a site you're seeing. You do get to see some breathtaking scenery in this world though. But don't think for a moment you're gonna pull that rig into Yellowstone and go see Old Faithful.

At least, you're doing your homework. If you put as much effort into CDL school, you'll do great.

 

I didn't think anyone was going to answer them all, I mean this with all my heart, thank you! Your post helped me alot!

 

@RustyBolt don't mean to be a pest but can you give me a brief breakdown on the different types of trucking such as flatbed, reefer etc. If you don't mind.

 

No biggie. Just got on a roll and went with it.

What exactly are you wanting to know? The differences are somewhat self explanatory.

Flatbed - Flat trailer. No walls or roof. Loads sometimes need tarped. Really need to know load securement.
Dry Van - Big empty NON climate controlled box. Haul anything and everything to anywhere.
Reefer - Climate controlled box. Usually haul food stuff from warehouse to warehouse or to a store or restaurant.
Tanker - Haul fluids. Gasoline, diesel, milk, water, you name it.
Bulk Tanker - Don't know a lot about them. Guess they haul mainly dry powders (cement, flour) and other materials like plastic pellets or sand.

Those are the main ones. There are many others that are a bit more specialized. They all have their pros and cons.

 

Good job RustyBolt. It's just like a brochure.

 

You've answered your own question about sacrifice, just think how your kids will feel with you gone as you felt with your own father gone.