Thinking of Getting into the Trucking Industry (AZ)

That’s just what I was thinking to myself during orientation. What am I going to do with my higher brain functions for 11 hours per day.

You’ll recall that they sent me home the morning of day 2 because of a 12 year old hernia mesh surgery. The one guy who was getting up an hour early to do crossrope in the parking lot gets sent home, but the overweight, Big Mac eatin’ M-Fers who nearly popped brain aneurysms toting a tarp got to stay, along with the guy who didn’t say anything about his two hernia surgeries.

But I’m not bitter.

I did go back to kitchen remodeling, but my son is doing my installations now, unless we’re under a time crunch, then we team up. I’m making up that income by doing some project management for a contractor friend of mine.

I’ve had the opportunity to partake in cannabis-related recreational activities, but have refrained because, who knows, I might be a trucker one day. Obviously I’m sticking around on this forum for some reason.

 

I've been through two recessions, as a trucker, and no effect whatsoever on my paychecks.
I pull reefers, so nothing to worry about. Those of us pulling reefers ask, "What recession?"
Even if you work for a trucking company that is affected; simply go to a temp service, such as Trillium and you will stay busy, non-stop if you wish.

 

MericanMade is talking about one particular company in Florida.

 

Get you a year otr, and all your endorsements. Makes you more marketable. There are companies where you can get home by the weekend but do your research. Some companies will tell you they will get you home every weekend but they try to keep you out. Not for your benefit, mind you. Put your foot down, companies will do what you allow them to do. I learned quick, the more money you make on 1 paycheck, the more taxes they take creating inconsistent checks, I did otr for 10 years then got a local job here in Atlanta doing intermodal. Would never go back otr. But I am starting with an LTL company next week. Hopefully I can retire there.
Happy trucking my friend and be careful out there on the road. Remember 4 wheelers hate you and frankly, these days some truckers even hate you too. Different world out there these days.

 

I used to stay out 3 weeks at a time but that was because I wanted to, I was'nt married. no kids so I didn't have to rush back home. I had the option to get home every weekend if I wanted to though. Depending where you are located you can find something local though. LTL is a good choice and you can make really good money but as with any company you will have to start at the bottom. I have been driving 17 years and I won't go for a job I don't want. Plenty experienced drivers on this forum will think the same way. But there are some drivers who actually like OTR and make it work for them.

 

Many OTR companies nowadays are home weekends. You may even find a dedicated opportunity that will come with a predictable route and or schedule. I’m not familiar with what companies operate in your area so I am not much help there.

OTR life is only miserable if you want to be miserable. Plenty of happy drivers out there, just look around. Go to a truck stop and look for the company trucks that are clean and well maintained. Most likely those are happy drivers who work for a decent company. Don’t be afraid to approach a driver and strike up a conversation.