Tons of newbie questions

The thing that would keep him from getting a job is the fact that since December 20,000 -30,000 jobs have been lost in the trucking industry . This doesn't stop CDL schools from taking the money from thousands of applicants that have little chance of getting and keeping a decent job . Do a little research on Department of Labor Statistics and industry reports . Things are still going downhill . This is not an industry to be seeking a career in . http://bulktransporter.com/management/tank-truck/forecast_continues_deteriorate_0209/

 

First off, Good luck to your husband in Trucking if he decides to go that route. Being a truck driver can be a very rewarding job if he enjoys this sort of thing.

The short answer to your question is, Yes, he can get a job in trucking. In trucking, people's educations range from highschool grad to doctors, and (so-called) professionals who simply dislike their jobs and want the freedom that trucking offers. I have an associates degree in Hospitality Management and I love my job as a trucker.

Unfortunately, your hubby faces some hurdles. Currently, many companies are not hiring due to the slowdown of the economy, so he'll have to do some searching to see who's hiring and where. I know the company I work for (Swift Transportation) is only doing limited hiring and they are well known as a "starter company" in the industry. There are other companies too, just check the internet and see who has a terminal in your area.

As far as getting paid goes, many companies don't pay all that well in the beginning, with .26 - .31 cents per mile being pretty much the norm, but with two years of experience, he can easily make .35 +.

Good Luck to you both!
Russ

 

Current market conditions make it very difficult for new drivers...However if your husband has his mind made up that he wants to drive a truck more power to him, and I wish him the best...I am an o/o owner meaning I own a truck... Operator meaning I have my own operateing authority...I say that because lease contractors are not really o/o... I would only add after 25yrs in this business...Your husband needs to realize this is a life style not just a job...There is a lot of money to be made in this industry but he needs to understand that it will take time for him to reach his goals...No job gives top pay to a rookie...

 

Your husband is getting around $10 an hour . For 40 hours a week that's $400 . Now you know drivers get $.26 to $.30 a mile . Browse the forum and you'll see drivers getting only 1000 - 1500 miles a week . Do the math . He will not be bettering himself trying to be a truck driver .

 

I beg to differ on the statement that O/O that are leased on to a company are not "real" O/O...

If you are refering to "lease purchases" then I do agree.. Then all you are is just a glorified company driver with no benifits and a huge truck payment...

On the other hand I am leased on to a company (Mercer) and concider myself a O/O. Just because I do not have my own authority does not mean I am not a true O/O.. It all depends on where you lease on.. There are benifits to both having your own authority, and to leasing on to someone..

To get back to the original question.. Are their jobs out here.. Yes, but the good ones are the ones that are hard to find.. Depending on what you want to do, flat, stepdeck, tanker, reefer, car hauling, cattle / livestock, hopper bottom, end dump, RGN, ect. will dictate more if there is work for you.. Living in Omaha.. Werner is right around the corner from you.. They are a training company that a lot of people use to get their foot in the door and gain some experiance.. You realy can't just jump into hauling "high, wide, and heavy" for instance with no experiance..

The education level isn't important.. Not initially.. anyhow. Later if you plan on owning your own business or somthing then it'll play more of a role in areas like book keeping, bidding rates, insurance, contracts, and the like.. As long as you can read and write & understand English, you'll do fine..You should be in fairly good physical shape, have vision that is correctable to acceptable limits, do not have heart problems, stroke, diabeties, or other serious illnesses.

Polk around in here.. use the search and read some past posts for a feel of what you want to know.. There is a lot of usefull info here.. If ya don't see what you are looking for.. Don't be afraid to ask !!

C ya!!