What would you do if you were me?

Hello everyone, I'm a single guy aged 31 with no kids or obligations. I live in Texas and have the intention of getting my CDL in an effort to acquire gainful employment. I realize that life as a trucker is difficult, but I'm willing to learn. I think that I've already found a school and funding for my license. My question to you is: what would you do after getting a CDL if you were me?

 

Run like a son of a gun. You are in the position to make a ton of money with nothing tying you down. If you don't mind being away for months on end and living out of a truck you can make a killing. I know a couple guys they're o/is not company that run 11 months and take a month off. They make good money but also dont have families either. It all depends on what you want out of life. I can handle being out on the road but its nice to see the family, and see my girl. If it wasn't for them I'd probably live in a truck 11 months and take a month vacation then do it all over again.

 

Take your time and read all the #####in and complaining so you are a head of the game.Don't believe everything you read as some of it is made of one mans opinion but do your due diligence before you have to come back here & ##### about Werner and such.Save your self the hassle's.

 

I wouldn't get lazy and apply to mega carriers. You won't earn what you're worth. I'd do a google search of local companies and apply in person. If you can't fid a good paying gig then and only then would I apply to a "starter" company. Then I'd keep searching as I was OTR! Good luck!

 

As a lone wolf like me, dont concentrate on money, concentrate on comfort. If you make a grand a week and get burned out after 6 months, what good is that? Find a company that has local accounts near you, dedicated is the best way to make a stable and comfortable living, and typically pays a solid $700 a week, or about a grand a week for hand unload if you like to break a sweat. Really, your first year is all about getting experience. I have a year, and I have about 8 offers right now... So stick to it and youll pretty much be guaranteed decent pay. Casual Truckers post about Werner is half true, Werner OTR sucks horribly... but their dedicated is actually pretty good if you dont mind average pay. I have done Target, Bass Pro, Hillshire farms, and Masterbrand cabinets... and a dedicated is totally different from OTR. That said, the only Werner account I know that takes drivers from Texas is the Ardmore OK Dollar General, on the state line, which is great if you like to sweat... I considered it for some time... I love that part of OK and TX... Werner has a lot of cross border stuff you pick up in Laredo... a big pain in the butt. I ran that for a few months. Its OK if you are laid back and just want the experience, but its no long term job.

 

Check out the food service companies in your area, the tanker/gas haulers too , plus the beverage companies , all pretty much home every night and the pay is great. All it takes is one open door and you're on your way , don't hit the mega/starter folks til you've tried these...also check out any LTL company around.

 

Do as much research as you can stand then do some more. Sit down and make a list of wants and goals and try to match your findings. Don't take one source as the true answer. You may get the truth, half truths, or myths. When you get more than one answer that matches then you can pretty much rely on that. Make sure you know exactly what you're getting into before you pay or sign anything. The more you put into this job the more you'll get out.

 

I can make 700 a week delivering pizzas for Christ sake. why the hell would someone be willing to drive a truck, being out for 2 weeks at a time just to earn pizza delivery money?!

 

WHOA hold the phones! what pizzeria!? I want a job! $37,000 a year delivering pizzas!? lol yeah right....

 

Hey sign me up. I wanna see this. Put a pizza place sign on my sleeper and haul behind.