trying to get started but failing miserably

Correct. Your making less than minimum wage driving a truck. I grew up in the cab of a truck for the most part. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I don't hate my job I love what I do. I have heard this from a lot of people exactly what you're saying now and 98% of the people that have said the exact same thing are gone in the first 6 months. I went to 1 day of truck driving school and quit got my cdl on my own. Of the kids in that class I'm one of only 2 that are still driving. I wish you the best however you are going to find out for the pay you receive and the hours you work you'll be lucky to make minimum wage or a little above if you get the miles.

As for your first statement yes there are many jobs that are a lot better than driving a truck. I know a lot of people who work for the railroad. I absolutely hate the railroad but they offer better employment than driving a truck. My brother in law is an engineer for BNSF makes great money, has great benefits is gone less than I am and loves his job. And doesn't deal with half the idiots we do out on the road. You say its all worth it in the end. If you make it a year talk to me then and see if you still feel the same way. I hope you do and wish you the best. However I have seen many people say the same thing and they find out its not what they thought and its not the miracle job they thought it would be or that youre making it out to be. Why do you think the old timers are getting out of it? Why do you think the turnover rate is almost 100% might be back at 100% now havent checked. There are reasons for this.

I wish you the best of luck and hope it works out for you but I have a feeling you're in for a very rude awakening. Good luck.

 

There are a lot worse things to do than truck, to me being in an office or factory dealing with all the backstabbing, drama, way too sensitive co workers and watching the colck all day would be as bad as jail.

Find a good company that doesnt micro manage everything like mine, when im empty i let them know, when they have a load they call me, all i have to do is load on time and unload on time and not break anything. If their timetable isn't realistic i let them know. I wont push myself beyond what i know is safe.

Ive been with this Company for almost 8 years, I have my truck paid off I only work 2 to 3 weeks a month and take 2 or 3 1 months off and several 2 weeks off.
If i stay busy i can take home $3 to $4K a week.... tell me where else a guy with a GED can do that with all the freedom I have in my work week?

Basicilly my job is to load and unload sheet glass a couple times a week and drive around listening to audiobooks and watching the women that pass me.

How hard is that given my compensation?

 

I have to take issue with your statements. If you are making less than minimum wage then it is on you and not indicative of what everyone should expect. A poor paying job is an indication of poor research by the applicant. So many times I read on here where people are sitting on pins & needles hoping they get accepted by a bottom feeding company when they should be the ones deciding if a company is worth their time and effort. You should be interviewing a company as much as they are interviewing you.

Perpetuating the myth that a new driver must suffer and go through hell for a year or two while "paying their dues" is a load of crap. Quality jobs at quality companies exist, even for new drivers. All you have to do is put forth the time and effort to find them.

 

Exactly..!!!!...My one cousin started in the ''warehouse'' for 1 year at a union at the Big Wegmans..He was paid 19.00 an hour and union scale while in the warehouse.He then wanted to drive a truck.
Wegmans trained him and put him in there trucks..First year he grossed 75,000 home every night.Last year,his 2nd year he did 91,000...

 

You sure are in a pickle,lol.Anyway does'nt matter if you attend school or not,does'nt matter what school you attend,when it comes to the hireing process,companies are not going to cut you any slack.If your mvr does'nt meet their requirements then you're SOL.One accident,your fault in 3 yrs may not seem like a big deal to you but to companies it is a very big deal.Based on your post i'm guessing it'll be a few yrs before companies will give you a chance to redeem yourself.But keep on looking I could be wrong.

 

When I went to driving school I filled out an app like I was applying for a job at a trucking company. Employment history and they pulled my MVR. If you did not meet employable requirements you were not enrolled. We also had to pass a drug test and physical. This was in 1996 and I doubt anything has changed. I don't think a reputable school will enroll you if you are not employable in the chosen field. This should be especially true with government paid tuition.