Which way to go? (Probably not a good title for a wannabe trucker!)

That was almost 40 years ago hun. Thats when trucking was cool and fun. Its a whole different ball game and you will be amungst many many arse hats. But do what your gut tells you. This what i would do then, try it, if you dont like it dump the truck off at the terminal and strike it up as it is what it is. Youll just have to eat the 5 grand

 

Stay away from Roehl they are not bad they are comically bad.
Swift is bad but not comically bad.
Don't do a lease purchase with Prime that would turn into comically bad.

 

LOL I would never do a purchase in ANY industry that I didn't know inside and out. I was absolutely dumbfounded when I saw that people were doing that. This girl likes her paychecks and benefits.

 

That is kind of my thought. It's not like the casinos won't be there if it doesn't work out. Right now they aren't hiring, but it's Vegas and I have a butt ton of experience, so no worries there.

 

Sounds like you have the gumption, a key ingredient in todays world, you can't go in these half way. It's those people who don't make it. Chinatowns advice is unmatched, but usually goes on the premise for someone that's already made the leap and need a place to go. All his references are credible or he wouldn't list them. The only reason I say stick with a company, is they have a vested interest in you, and like I say, not just a "graduate" of Floogle Falls Trucking School. Trucking, because of improved equipment, has become a viable choice for someone burnt out, and needs a change, but if you think for a second, you won't touch any freight, well, that just isn't so. Oh sure, you can hire a lumper, but there goes your profit, if any, and good luck getting a company to pay for a lumper., which can cost hundreds of dollars today, just to do it again next week and as a rookie, sorry to say, you'll get the bottom of the barrel until you know better. Stay with a company school, really. I think you could make it, just don't complain when you are stuck in a truckstop in Nebraska over Christmas.

 

I'll be glad to help, we have a few drivers from your area and we have drivers going from Salt Lake or our drop yard in St. Geo to LA all the time. I-15 is one of out major corridors.

 

I don't think I've been home for any holidays in years. Or worked normal hours. That part doesn't phase me much. And parts of NE are beautiful...I know there will be times I have to unload most likely. I'm pretty good with a dolly...as my husbands says...not bad for girl I do intend to go with a company's school. I like the idea of them being vested in getting me to pass, and I have heard a few horror stories from some of the trucking schools locally. I don't see a huge enough pay difference for beginner drivers for companies that you come with your own CDL. Looks like it's all the same pretty much. If I hate the company, I'll leave after a year. No big deal, it's only a year. And if it's so horrible I don't make a year, the costs of the company schools seem to be about the same as our local schools. I will be waiting a couple months to get going. I have some things I want to take care of with my current medical insurance (new glasses, dental, etc) and I am hoping with our business slow down our corporation offers a severance package (they do that on occasion where I work). That will also give me enough time to make sure that this is EXACTLY what I want to do. You don't give up a job you've had for over 20 years without doing a lot of research and giving it a lot of thought.

 

Do drivers unload freight or does Pride use lumper services?

 

We use lumpers. And dispatch is quick with the comchecks

 

Thank you, that's what all high quality companies do. @nevadabadgirl needs to know that.