Trucker Lifestyle Questions

See the bold, BAD idea...
Boiling water while driving, don't do it! Sure as ####, some 4 wheeler would cut you off and cause a panic stop which means hot liquid flying everywhere. If you're going to want tea while driving, brew it up and dump it in airpot it thermos. Then you can handle it safer and easier. Rice takes no time to cook so you're not really gaining anything by trying to do it while driving.
I carry a Dell 630 laptop and it normally sits between the mattress and the cabinet. I haven't had an issue with it yet. Cooking wise, I use a George Foreman multi-plate grill, I can bake, grill, and saute with it. It handles all my culinary needs on the road. I mean who doesn't like a NY strip steak ready in 7 minutes?

@Chinatown what about Roehl? They might be good home for him yeah?

 

Thought about Roehl, but I don't think they have APU. Otherwise, they're ok.

 

Unlike my fellow truckers/owners here, there is something that isn't mentioned - this is a service industry, just like IT and being a service industry, there are people who demand you do things that many don't tolerate. One such thing is micromanagement of the driver, you get this in both mega companies and mom and pop (I think from practical experience it is the mom and pop setups that are the worst of the two).

That being said, my level of tolerance is really low, like I don't and many times ignored the "request" of the broker to call and give status checks, I feel that it will be there on time, the customer isn't paying for just in time hauling so it isn't important to stop, call and then go back on the road.

You will have time for audio books and such, not gaming but those other things that you can listen to, it isn't an issue for most of us, I did it when I was working local.

The difference is that IT is more stationary demanding work, trucking is ... well my fellow truckers/owners may not agree with me but it is more demanding safety work in a moving vehicle with the biggest threat to you is other drivers. By the way, this is dangerous work, people have died from being stupid or having stupid things done, where as IT, what's the worst that can happen? network cables becoming animated and choke you or have a server rack fall on you.

That said, I see mentioned the myth of the truck driver shortage, there isn't one. Don't fall for that BS, please.

AND as I said treat it as a profession and you will go far, treat it as a job and it will always just be a job.

 

IT work can lead to an early demise also from a sedentary work behaviors which lead to heart attack, prostate cancer, stress related illness. I'd take my risk in trucking any time.

 

People handle stress differently. Some can handle more than others, it just depends on your personal makeup. For me, stress is being a meat department manager in a busy place: you have customers, upper store managers, regional managers, and sometimes childish drama from a crew but there is always drama.

This is why I want to drive. Yes, you have people on you about this and that but for the most part you are responsible for yourself. That is what attracts me.

I have a friend who is head of IT for a big hospital and his stress level is very high at times. Calls at 3 am saying something crashed or along that line.

At 52, I am tired of retail but not too much else interests me.

Good luck, you will do fine.

And listen to @Chinatown. He is the local savant here.

 

The mouse in your avatar seems to be handling stress well.

 

After I left the POS Sprouts, yes, better.

Back north of Boston.

 

@Starting Up I think your plan is good. Having a CDL and a clean driving record and background is guaranteed employment, or more.

Trucking is a funny industry. With many OTR companies you can work as much or as little as you want. You hear folks complain of low paychecks at company terminals, but they are the ones that don't want to run hard. Getting fat miles is a self fulfilling prophecy. Planners and dispatchers at large companies track performance on a number of parameters, so the guy that likes to take his sweet time doesn't get the long haul JIT loads.

Get Verizon. It's more expensive, but has the greatest coverage. A good data plan with Verizon is worth it. I never use Wi-Fi at truck stops. Verizon allows me to stream video or do anything I want.

I got back into trucking late in '12 after a thirty year career in offshore sourcing. I got my CDL using my brother's truck to take the skills and road test and teamed with him running dry van for three months. After three months we realized the company he was leased to wasn't a good fit for teaming. I decided to go with Swift to gain experience. They took three months recent experience in lieu of school and I did the full training program.

I worked for Swift for two years. That was the minimum requirement of experience to get into my current gig, my dream job. I run flatbed to the oil patch. In two years I have tarped a total of three loads, one oil customer load and two broker loads I volunteered to haul.

I recommend in your situation to commit to OTR for at least a year. Sell everything that doesn't fit in a truck. Even with low income at a mega carrier you can bank most of your income if you pay no rent on a place you rarely visit or have car and insurance payments on a vehicle you rarely drive. Budget hotel and rental cars for when you need to take a break.

See the country. Save money. You may fall in love with a place that isn't Ohio. I know several drivers that saved up and paid CASH for a house and/or land.

Higher pay in this industry means higher responsibility and challenge. Driving a tanker with its surge issues is not for everyone. Flatbed means physical labor. Both are much more financially rewarding. Throw in running on dirt and it gets better and the fun factor increases.

If your company doesn't have a refrigerator in the truck, get a 12v cooler. Plan on stopping at a Walmart a couple times a week to restock your fresh food. Eating at buffets and other fast food is a sure fire way to burn through your paycheck and ruin your health.

 

China, there is no comparison, the work behaviors in IT can be offset by lifestyle changes but in trucking it is hard to avoid being hurt on the job or killed, especially in an accident.

Your risks increase with the number of miles you drive, there is no way around it.

This is far more dangerous work than IT could ever be.

By the way, I am retired from driving, I can't qualify to get my DOT card to renew my license and that was caused by an accident which my quick thinking lessen my injuries and avoided my death.

As I have been called a negative nancy a few times, I have to point out that I want the OP to succeed in this and not be one who is a problem by considering this a job - they need to look at this as a profession and career.

Being prepared for the crap is what this is all about is better than hearing all the fluff and thinking it is a joy ride to do the work, when it sometimes becomes a nightmare. So I have a reason to post what I post, I want this to be a good profession and drivers to be treated well and paid good - as I do for mine. I have drivers who tell me nothing has changed, the companies are the same, the truck stops are still filthy places where they feed garbage to people, and the customers are still demanding idiots who want to pay nothing to move something. A good driver/professional will always remain positive, bad drivers are the ones who complain too much (complaining is good but some are just cry babies).

 

Not all companies micromanage. As long as i am on time for appointments I never hear from anyone at my company. I think the longest has been 2 weeks without any human contact from them.

It would have been longer but I chose to go see the dispatcher for a load when I got back to company hq.

Many companies out there won't require team driving., so beyond the initial training where you are in a trainers truck (yes, it was hell), you won't have to be in close proximity to anyone you don't want to be.

Most truck stop parking lots are filthy and reek, but once in your truck with doors closed and curtains drawn all that won't matter...until the next time you need to get out of the truck.

Most truck stops give a free shower for every 50 gallons of fuel purchased. If you are running properly you should accrue 10-12 showers every week. Basically, more than most people will need. I have so many, that I will sometimes use one just so i can take care of toilet needs in privacy and comfort.