want to become a trucker, think its a good fit for me?

The Pain Killers could be an issue, as well as your back.
It's hard on your back sitting/driving 8-10h/day.

 

I have had two micro discectomy's in my lower back. No problem driving a truck. Get a good air ride seat. Spend sometime finding a company that has decent trucks. No day cabs.

 

I agree that the medication MIGHT be a problem but not 100% sure only way to find out is going for your medical card at a clinic that does D.O.T physicals. Which they will ask u about your medical history and any medication that your taking. If you pass your physical and get your medical card your good to go. i guess your only problem is gonna be finding a decent company that will hire you with your record and the fact that you are a "no offense" rookie. as far as your driving record goes i have the worst one i bet. too long of a list to get into details. but i never drove or even applied to any major company (ex: swift, schneider, werner) cause i know my record would most defenetly keep me from getting hired. i actually started of driving for owner operators that had a few trucks they ran. Doing flatbed, most owner operators that have small company dont care about driving records or drug test as long as their trucks are running. I dont know how much trucking companies you have where your from. but i guess wasnt too hard for me since im in houston and we have this huge port of houston where trucking takes up half of the city. u see flatbeds and all kinds of trucks all over the place. so it wasnt that hard finding a small company somewheres in this industrial city. Im actually an owner operator now and have been for the last year or so. doing flatbed still. but like i said youll never know until you try. so hope this answered some of your questions and good luck.

oh and some cltches are pretty tough and some are not. shouldnt be something to worry about since after a while you wont even need it once u learn how to FLOAT your gears. u wont need the clutch only to start off or to back up i guess.

 

Go to a good CDL school & then go with a company with automatic transmissions, such as TransAm. I think TransAm hires lumpers for most of the unloading. Start a new thread on the "Questions from New Drivers", and you will get more input.

Start your career as a company driver, not a lease to own driver.

Something else to consider, with the back problems, is driving a cargo van with a company like Panther Expedite. Easier to stop & park if you need to get out and walk or stretch.

 

Truck driving is not good for the back either lol, as far as clutch most are all different but if you learn how to float gears u wont need the clutch besides stopping/starting that's it.. if you start out in a big company remember don't do it for the money u wont see too much of it, but once u get the experience ull be able to find a better job meaning smaller company and you are known as mr.... or ur first name. That's where the money is also thing to keep in mind is its not how much you get paid per mile its how much you drive.

 

Do you have a Class B CDL.? You've been driving a box truck, did it require a Class B?
First thing, figure out where you are going to relocate. Then look for companies that hire in that area. Most companies websites show their hiring area. Careerbuilder website will show most of what is available in the area where you will live. Your options will narrow, if you move to Florida; but, on the positive side is Florida is one of the 9 states with no personal income tax. One driver on here, I think is "pokerhound" recommends a school in NY called C-1, if I'm not mistaken. If you're unemployed you can get free CDL school through the WIA program, if funds are available.

 

If you like driving 8-10 hours sitting in a big truck. Than yes