Trucker's Dilemma: Breaking Free from Traffic Jams and Routine

Hello all, could use some advise.

So I have almost 20 years driving experience, I got my CDL in 2004. I have tankers, doubles and triples, no hazmat anymore but I could get it again if necessary. Currently working for a foodservice company where I’m home daily and I get two days off. I make $90k+ a year, so the money is great and I don’t mind working hard. I’ve been here going on 12 years now.

My main issue is that I’m bored, and I’m tired of dealing with insane traffic on a daily basis going into Orlando. Florida has experienced a population boom over the last couple years and driving past Disney lately is essentially hell on earth. I’ve gotten to where I am completely miserable day in and day out.

I don’t mind sitting in traffic sometimes, I know that as a driver, it comes with the job. But when I know that I will be dealing with a 10-15 mile traffic jam each and every day, no matter what time of day it is, I feel like just parking the truck and going home. I’m pretty much done with it. I’m a beaten, worn down man. I’m basically just here for the money at this point. I actually used to enjoy it here. I like being a trainer and I for some strange reason enjoy the unloading. I just can’t deal with this route anymore. I’m spending an hour and a half of my total drive time per day just basically being parked on I-4, for no extra money since I’m paid mileage.

I would like to make a change. Most local jobs I’ve seen in the central Florida area pay dog ####. I’ve seen local drop and hook jobs here advertising $21 an hour. I checked into all the LTL companies around here many times, and they literally never even hire. Even if they do, you have to like be best friends with the manager to get in. Went on an interview at R&L carriers a year ago for a driving job, had a good word put in with my friend who works there as a driver and I didn’t get the job. Hiring manager told me there was like ten other drivers being interviewed for the one position. I have 20 years, perhaps another driver had 30 years and I lost the job to him.

I could switch to another food service company since they pay well, but I kind of just want to do something different and maybe travel the country with my wife. So I’m thinking I want to expand my horizons to OTR. I did do that back in 2011 with Werner but I quit after 8 months because I spent more time waiting on a load at terminals and truck stops than I did driving. I think I averaged $400 a week take home back then. So I want to make a change but I don’t want to be in the poor house either.

A lot of reputable companies want to see OTR experience and the only OTR experience I have was many years ago. Does it even count? I am thinking about Shaffer/Crete, ABCO, Marten. But I’m curious what your opinions are. I saw Davis hiring OTR drivers in Lakeland and their ad says “up to $65k”. Yeah you can miss me with that #### pay, especially after two decades of driving.

My must haves for this career transition to be worthwhile

$1800 gross per week minimum
Dog allowed
Wife allowed
Company truck with benefits package
Newer truck
No NYC


I don’t care how long I stay out, since I have nothing to come home to. I potentially could stay out 4-5 months at a time.

Thanks all for any suggestions