What credit line should one have when going OTR starting out

Another way to look at it then would be to not carry anything with you that you wouldn't mind dumping at a truck stop or terminal.

I know people outside of the trucking field that have spent more to ship items than the items were worth. We are not talking family heirlooms or antiques. Just run of the mill furniture etc. Spend thousands for a movers to ship it when they could just buy brand new for less when they got where they were going.

Basically, don't spend $2-300 shipping home $2-300 worth of clothing and personal effects.

 

In my case your preaching to the choir. When I was driving I used a cheap CB something if push came to shove I would just leave in the truck. Bedding is cheap. I never had more then I could pack in a duffle bag. But unfortunately todays drivers have a lot of expensive comfort items with them. I am not saying that is bad, but it becomes a pain in the butt if you have to clean out miles from home.

 

I misunderstood the thread. I thought the question was how much do you need when starting out in your OWN truck not working for someone. It was late and I didn't read it clearly. Yes as an employee 2-3k should be fine. Running your own truck multiply that by ten.

 

Worthy of repeating. Assume you'll be let out at the furthest place in US from your home, make sure you can get home from there. Buses of course are cheapest but I'd plan on rental car. Plane tickets can be very expensive due to location and need to fly NOW but good deals can always be found. Again, rental car is usually most reliable method.

 

The main problem with rental cars is the need to have a credit card. In my post before the friend had bad credit and could not get a card. I rented a car once and I agree its the best solution to get home, but like I said many truck drivers don't have credit cards and either because of bad credit or worse no credit they can't get one.

 

Enterprise will give a car without a CC if you prove residency with a utility bill or such. Not saying you should carry that but just saying, when not stuck on road and need a rental, it's possible without a CC. There's 'what ifs' and 'thats' for every scenario, it was just given as an option.

 

I agree 100%. A rental car is the best and overall cheapest way to get you and your stuff home.

 

Looks like ill forest gump it home. Seriously though roehl has a terminal in gary indiana and i live in pennsylvania. If #### got bad with,my trainer i would ask to be,brought back there. I could get back to pa for a,couple hundred im sure on a greyhound. Roehl has short training out with a trainer as,little as 9 days for some people who catch on so im sure i can tough it out.

 

I have always tried to mind my own business, but I have seen drivers sit in truck stops tell their companies they are broke. Then after they get some money they so spend it all on lottery tickets or spend lots of money on games. Its even worse in area's where there are casino's. While none of my business, its always bothered me that a lot of drivers don't keep emergency cash. Then when something bad happens their stuck selling things just to eat. I have seen this for years. My father told me this stuff was happening in the 50s. This is a very touchy subject for me. I can't tell you how many times I have stood in a truck stop or terminal and just hung my head in sorrow at some guy.

 

Don't take any money or cards with you. Where's your sense of adventure?!

But seriously, this reminds me of where I was when I was starting out: dead broke. I took zero cash with me and didn't even have a bank account at the time, let alone any credit cards. But the company immediately advanced me some cash and I was good until I started getting the little training checks.