Wanting some advice, have some questions

I'm hoping to use this thread to ask questions, so that I can figure out if I want to get into trucking. And, if I do, to help me prepare/deal with the transition.


My biggest concern about this is if I'll be able to game as much as I want on my down time. I primarily play Online games. That means I need an internet connection. I don't have much experience with traveling, so I don't know how well America is doing when it comes to wifi outside of the areas I live. Do any of you game using wifi from fast food places/motels/hotels/whatever else can provide a connection? Or even just surfing the web, watching things on netflix, etc... How reliably can I expect to be able to play a game whenever I'm not driving and am waiting for a load? Not all the games I play require an amazing connection, but most do require a decent and steady one.

I'm also interested in driving primarily at night, starting after night has fallen and a majority of people are tucked safely away in their homes. This is partially because I'm a night owl - my sleep schedule always ends up turning into a "wake up at 3-5PM, stay up until 5-7AM or so" type cycle. Other than that, reducing the chances of getting into a wreck that could wreck my new-born career would be nice. My only experience at a long-ish drive was with the uhaul when we moved. I drove overnight and it was one of the better experiences in my life. There was no stress and it was an over-all relaxing experience. So, I'm wondering, how much freedom do you have when it comes to choosing when you actually drive?

I have a basic idea on how to drive a shift, but not much real experience. I did previously own a motorcycle, but not for more than a couple of years, so I have an understanding of the principal of it. However, how exactly (if at all) would that translate to driving a truck? Are there any good youtube videos or written guides? I'm guessing that if I decide to get my CDL, I'll get proficient training on the matter. However, I'm the type that likes to read up on something as much as possible before actually trying to learn it.


I'm reading a lot of the "docked" threads on this forum, so I'm learning a decent amount and answering a lot of my questions that way. However, those are the ones I haven't been able to find recent, reliable information on. I'll post more along the way.

Edit: Thinking on it, I'm wondering if I can get some specific information about trucking jobs within the State of Kansas, in or around the Hutchinson/Newton area. I don't live to far from Wichita, either. As I said, I'm interested in OTR trucking. Is there anything specific to the area (CDL training or jobs) that anyone is aware of?

Thank you for reading, and thank you in advance to whoever takes a stab at answering my questions.

 

Yeah, I agree with you on giving to much information. Let me edit it for you.

To be clear, the reason I originally provided to much information was because it seems like a majority of the interest in trucking shown on these forums is met with "What's your current lifestyle like? Are you sure trucking is for you? Will it fit into your family life?" etc... So I wanted to save everyone the hassle.

And yes, if I do decide to get into a trucking, I will more than likely end up working at a mega where I'll spend half my away time sitting in my truck with nothing to do. Staying out for 4-6 weeks at a time with 3-4 days at home. Making $0.25-0.30 per mile.

 

Thank you for the reply,

Yes, I edited my original post to cut out the "my life story" BS out. I will say that I do have prior work experience. I've worked Mattress/Large appliance delivery, stocking in retail, and in a chemical plant. So it's not the hard work that I'm worried about when it comes to trucking. It's most the three questions I present in the original post.

And, like I said, I do have a job in "gaming" but no real interest in turning my hobby further into a career.

 

I've honestly been thinking about LTL, as well. However, I'm not sure how easy it is for someone who is a newb to get a job in that. A lot of the posts I've read say "get a year in OTR and then do LTL."

Also, I'm not 100% sure yet on what LTL excatly means. I get the impression that it means "Location to location" delivering to multiple locations within a semi-local area. But that's about all I've been able to figure.

 

Thanks for the post. I'd forgotten about smartphone wifi-hotspots. I'll look more into that. I know using a 3G Hotspot gaming can be a bit unbearable, but perhaps 4G provides what I'll need.