To the Wannabe Class of 2010!

In my mind, these are things that should be automatic. For example, when I go on interviews, I wear a suit and tie. I am punctual, honest, and I if I don't know, I say "I don't know.

In respect to the 'level playing field', there are opportunities that come about each day. If, and when, you are prepared for that opportunity will dictate how level your field is. If I have two ticket for doing 27mph over-the-limit, then I have just tilted my playing field. That's on me. It has nothing to do with the lack of opportunity. It would be different if I were being denied opportunities for some seemingly unjustified reason (your ears are too small). But if 'Big D' asked me how to move the tractor tandems forward and I started to "um, uh, well I, um", then shame on me.

I hope I didn't rant. This is a nice discussion.

 

You can do all the preparation in the world, have drive and desire, a clean record, and still not make it. It's not the behind the wheel part that causes people to leave this industry in droves, it the unreal amount of time and ancillary things when you're not behind the wheel. Looking back, I certainly had drive, paid for school out of my own pocket, and even devised an business plan to buy one, and then multiple trucks. Problem was after about a year I knew it wasn't for me. If I had not found my LTL gig after a year and a half, there is probably no way I would still be driving a truck - I would have been a 2002 newbie that didn't make it.

By all means give it a shot, just be advised that there is no amount of research or school that can teach you what you'll learn about the industry or yourself once you're out there.

Good luck to all of you.

 

Okay Allow, I see what you are saying now, and those are good points.

I agree with Walt that this is a good discussion we have going here.

 

My main reason for trying to get into this industry is the potential autonomy.
That autonomy comes a ton of responsibility. But, again, the worst that can happen is that it doesn't work out. The Risk v. Reward is a relative thing. Some people are only comfortable with a certain amount of Risk.

 

This is a great thread! I know I will succeed for the same reason others have mentioned. I want to do this job.

I don't permit others to hold me back and I never have mentally fixated on troubling issues (If you can't fix a problem at the moment, forget it and focus on what you're doing and your larger life's goals).

Also I may be naive, but I don't see a transport driving job as just a 'driving job!' To me it's about being on time. About knowing that when I'm asked to do a run, they will know I will get there safely and on time if it can be done at all.

For me, that's what I'm hoping for; a challenge where I get to say "OMG I did it at the end of the run.

 

This is a good thread, several view points, plenty of examples to verify the point. However, one thing I noticed is being left out...YOU, THE INDIVIDUAL!

No matter what school you attend and get your CDL..no matter if a "mill" school froma big company, a welfare participating school, a community college backed school...no matter. The point is that you received the education and documentation that made it possible for you to pass the BASIC FUNDAMENTALS. Now the second stage of your learning begins, finding a company, or an O/O to train you in the rules, traditions, rights and wrongs of the road, the shippers and receivers, and the most important part...how do you manage all this information once you get out on your own.

Here is where the playing field moves out of level (flat land) and into bumps (mountains and valleys). You can just be satisfied at being a steering wheel holder and drive for a company, or you have dreams of owning your own, perhaps even running with your own authority...now comes a new pot of information you will have to manage and understand, this wasn't covered in school, your trainer might not have even mentioned it...also when you go solo you have to ask yourself if your training was any good, was it complete, what was left out?

Once you are a solo operator of an eighteen wheeler, it is time to humble down and be honest in your own self evaluation, and where are you going to go with your new found freedom. Now it is your decision again to continue your education by asking questions, finding answers (correct answers, not just a bunch drivers telling stories) about whatever it is you want to go with your new career.

From day one, the whole future was in your own plans, but where, or how long, or how big do you want become. What are you going to do with the rest of your life? Are you a steering wheel holder or a seeker of a good future? LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT....WITH YOUR OWN INITIATIVE AND DRIVE!

Now get out there and make yourself what you want of yourself!

 

For the most part, this thread should be required reading for newbies and potential newbies.....

You guys are on the right track and I admire your drive and determination. There's lots to learn and lots you'll "hear" while out on the road.

Although you didn't ask, the absolute best advice I can give you guys is to surround yourselves with positive people. If driving a truck is a goal and a dream for you, live the dream!

There's too many out there that say everything is bad, trucking is in the toilet, you must be nuts to want to drive, etc... Stay away from these people!

I've got no time for these actors. You get out of things what you put into it...that's how life is. You know that.

My hat's off to you guys, I admire your resolve, wish you the best.
Give it your best, commit to it and there will be no regrets. We all were where you are right now. I remember going to school to drive, my first time behind the wheel, my first job, trip, everything.

I'll be around to help if I can, just drop a PM.

 

Hey there Gears...nice picture!, except for the fudge in the middle..LOL..so are they your grand-daughters or did you shell out some cash for a photo-op?