This is discouraging, is there any hope for me?

What gets me is that you think this is the industry of second chances. Maybe it was yesterday, maybe it was two days ago--I'm not sure since I've been starting my days around 1am--but I was picking up a load in Canada (have I ever mentioned I hate being in Canada?) and the wind was blowing enough to rock my truck. I got my load and even putting on the straps was hard with the wind. I lay out my first tarp and go to stick a bungee on it when the wind blows it off. I keep trying of course, move my truck to somewhere less windy, all-together dragging that tarp on my load at least 5 or 6 times. Finally someone came over and offered some help--with a large loader to put the tarp in. He said "I bet you wish you stayed in school, now." I mentioned I had a college degree and he was quite surprised. I wasn't offended, just disappointed that people seem to think we're the rejects of every other industry. If there's a load I could haul instead of someone else, I'd rather it be on my trailer. I'm not a trusting person and each and every load is one that isn't being hauled by some random person I don't know. It makes me feel better knowing I'll do it in a safe manner and that the chances of someone's family bighting the dust are pretty low. It could be your family, or mine. These cars on the roads aren't just some prick that's tailgating you or leaving his/her brights on. While it may upset me, just remember it's someone's son, daughter, sister, brother, father, mother, husband, wife... you get the point.
The terrible 5 don't get the point, but apparently their insurance companies have some common sense. These companies have to trust you with loads where you're going to be driving down the road at 35-40 tons valued at $250,000 or even higher. How are they supposed to know you're a good driver or that you've changed and aren't going to let someone borrow your fuel card or let it slip that you have 45,000 pounds of copper (currently over $4/pound I believe) sitting on your trailer? Perhaps we should go to the prisons and ask the inmates if they've changed and deserve a second chance? It sounds as ridiculous to me as it does to you. Most of these guys who "change" in prison end up in the same cell within a few weeks.

 

Opi,
Sorry, I will stay out of this one from now on........
I am not the best one to give advice to someone as young as you who has had difficulties.
I am currently a teacher.
I teach young men (16-19) who are one of three things: 1) emotionally disturbed 2) dealing with a "conduct disorder" or 3) juvenile deliquent. Some are all three....
All have had lousy childhoods.
I actually like my job and my boys............
But I would not want any of them in the seat of a truck.

I am a parent of children who drive......... and I personally would prefer that my children not be on the road with a truck driver who says:

"Needless to say I've had more than my share of fights in real life too, took jeninkan, krav maga, brazilian ju jitsu with the hopes of it calming me down, and it worked, but i always have been quick to get irritated when people are close minded"

I will try to take the lighter side and ask.......... does the above quote mean that you won't get irritated and upset at a stupid driver as long they are "open-minded"? I think my own kids are pretty open-minded so I guess they will be okay............

I'm done.
Good Luck.

 

Yes, but driving your car down the road is a whole lot different than driving a big truck. Your driving your car to get somewhere for an appointment, going to the grocery, whatever. You're not driving that car as your living. It is VERY much easier to get frustrated, irritated, and down right pissed at idiot 4-wheelers when you're driving a big truck. And using martial arts as a way to calm yourself and control your anger? That sounds, on the face of it, as not so good a way. See, you've effectively learned how to whip someone's butt in high style, and the average joe won't have a chance. So if you just get beyond the point of holding back, how has that "helped you calm down and control yourself"? Now I understand what you're saying about it, because of the discipline involved, the fact that you should not under any circumstances use it except in self defense, and how the discipline helps you gain control of yourself, learn to detach from your emotions and put them aside so you don't react to them. But you've got a distinct advantage over lots of people with it. You could push someone to the point of angry till they attack you first. And all the while knowing you can beat them.

I can't say I truly understand YOUR frustration, because I am not you. Yes, we were all your age once, and most of us have made mistakes too. Some as bad or worse than yours, some not. I think what some are objecting to, and trying to make a point about, is that you are coming off as "I'm entitled to everything even though I messed up royally". I don't think that anyone wants to say you aren't entitled to pursue a job in trucking, just that you are going to find it hard because of your past. And that you might have to wait a while to get a job OTR.

Another thing to consider for a job, look for local farmers to haul grain for. Check with the local grain elevators to find out who has trucks that run and get some names. Check with local seed and fertilizer companies as well. The do alot of field spraying for the farmers and might know who has multiple trucks that the folks hire drivers for. Call them up and see if they need any drivers. You run your butt off during plant and harvest, but otherwise it isn't really super long days.

 

T Wilson... that is exactly what Opi is looking for, i dont think that it hurt you so much to say the truth, and give some job idea/adivise.

 

opi, some words of wisdom for you and anyone else experienced or inexperienced. I don't care who you are or how long you've been trucking, sooner or later your going to make a mistake. whether it be a traffic citation or an accident it's bound to happen. always try to stay under 10 mph over the speed limit, they usually won't bother you if you stay in that range. if you do get pulled over for speeding, be NICE AND RESPECTFUL to the officer. they know you are trying to make a living just like they are. i'm sure this varies from state to state but in GA anything under 10 mph over doesn't go on your mvr. ask the officer nicely if he will do a speed reduction, if he won't, take the ticket and go on your way. wait about a week and call the solicitor/prosecutor and ask for the same thing. if that don't happen, hire a lawyer, a good one will get it taken care of for you. there are pre-paid legal services out there that you just pay a monthly fee to that will take care of these sorts of things, i highly recommend it your first 4 or 5 years behind the wheel. as far as the felony goes, try and get it expunged and sealed from your record. then, keep your nose clean and keep on truckin'. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

You're just as bad if not worse. Most of the posts came back to you with good advice but you didn't like it. You come off on one post claiming the guy doesn't know you then you insult him. It shows you're very hypocritcal.