What’s next in trucking?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Chi Town Steers, Apr 23, 2025.

  1. Thrasher28

    Thrasher28 Road Train Member

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    I’d imagine an indefinite trend downwards in pay/freedom is the future. The light at the end of the tunnel is that the getting is still good enough to get specialized, get experienced, and either pursue the entrepreneurial route or get a specialized job.

    I’m a bit of a pessimist, but I can’t imagine a world where trucking’s problems are magically solved and it trends upwards.

    On the positive side, pretty much anyone with a couple years experience that protected their CDL is still in a far better position than a large portion of Americans. How many 20 something year olds are in a career that can relocate to any state, have a job within a week or two, and still earn well above the median income, even in high cost of living areas?
     
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  3. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    It wasn’t that long ago that fuel was well above driver pay. 07 or 08? The first time fuel got way high and pay was lower than now. 2013 I think fuel was bumping $5 in a lot of places.

    Good drivers have the good jobs they want meanwhile marginal and inexperienced drivers don’t have the ability to move up because carriers can be picky with who they hire.

    As far as what’s coming? Probably speed limiters because the ATA wants them. Doubtful we will see anything having to do with training because the ATA member companies need their continuous flow of cheap labor.
     
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  4. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    They probably have already. Just need a human to blame things on when crap is wrong.
     
  5. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    I think the last part is where the truth is. Cheap and labor. Heck cheap is what they want.
     
  6. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    I always wonder if I’m just plain lucky whenever I read these doom and gloom posts. I’m not getting rich, but I’m making a good living ($80k this year) and I’m home every weekend. My dispatcher only occasionally enrages me, my truck runs great, the nanny stuff rarely comes on since I don’t tailgate or drive like a wild weasel, and I mostly enjoy my job.

    I’m just hoping all the recent upheaval doesn’t tank the economy bad enough to ruin all of that.
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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  8. snowmantrucking101

    snowmantrucking101 Heavy Load Member

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    Get away from suckneider as soon as feasible for you. You'll never make bank there.

    Did you check with KLLM, FFE, Wel Companies, Magnum, just to name a few?

    Saia, Old Dominion, etc. ltl's make the bank.....
     
  9. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Maybe they're too busy running the roads to wash the trucks.
     
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  11. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Road Train Member

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    I hit my one full year in August so I’m going to stick it out until then. I don’t have anything bad to say about Schneider but it’s definitely not a place to make a career as a driver. I’m looking at other companies almost everyday but I’m not seeing anything that great anyways. I’ve heard some bad things about WEL
     
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