Thinking of changing careers

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Shamstead10, Jul 22, 2025 at 10:35 PM.

  1. Shamstead10

    Shamstead10 Bobtail Member

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    Hey all I'm 38 yrs old really intrigued by the driving life. I don't have a CDL and am just overwhelmed by all the companies online. What is everyone's advice on starting out?
     
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  3. Lonwolv54

    Lonwolv54 Light Load Member

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    Man there's so much to tell I could write a book. I started in my early thirties after a 10 year stint working in defense contracting, nice, boring and predictable job.. I got tired of the office drama and being a paper pusher.. needed a change. I don't regret it but I took a substantial pay cut the first few years. It was worth it for me. Just be prepared to take a pay cut, you're looking at roughly 55k your first year.

    Make a five year plan for yourself if you decide to get in the business. You need to have a vision for yourself or else you may drift, what type of trucking interests you, where do you want to be in five years.

    Do you have more specific questions? That'd help a lot. The market for new truck drivers is tough right now. So if you've got a decent job I'd keep it for now. Alteast take time to research, make your five year plan..
     
  4. Shamstead10

    Shamstead10 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the info, I have a decent job right now, I've been in the boating industry in the parts department for 12 years now. I'm just a little bored and kind of tired of always being around people in the office. I have just started researching this so not ready at all to take a jump. I do have a family and I know that OTR is a possibility but that would be a conversation with my wife before making the move. I can't think of any zeroed in questions right now.
     
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  5. Lonwolv54

    Lonwolv54 Light Load Member

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    You're welcome.
     
  6. Shamstead10

    Shamstead10 Bobtail Member

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    Do you have any thoughts on 2 of the companies I have been looking into. Steven's transport and TMC?
     
  7. Lonwolv54

    Lonwolv54 Light Load Member

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    I'm not a big fan of reefer and I've tried it for two years. You have to flip your schedule quite often. Stevens is decent to start I suppose if you want to do reefer. KLLM might be the better choice though.

    TMC would be a good place to start but you must be in decent shape to do flatbed. Flatbed experience is good experience to have, highly valued in the industry . Physical work though, bright side is you'll get some exercise.

    I'd choose TMC over Stevens with the caveat that I'm in good shape to meet the demands of the job.
     
  8. Shamstead10

    Shamstead10 Bobtail Member

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    Sweet good to know. I will keep looking into other companies. I have also looked into CR England and US xpress. Just researching all around.
     
    Lonwolv54 Thanks this.
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I used to haul ProCraft boats, early in my career.
    `
    Where is your location?
    If we know, we will try to help you find a good paying company to get the new career off to a good start.
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    I'm gung-ho reefer trucking, but of those two, Stevens or TMC, I think you'll make more money with TMC.
     
  11. Shamstead10

    Shamstead10 Bobtail Member

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    I'm located in central TX, so I know there are hubs north of me.
     
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