Just 2 Cents From a New Guy

[jjcasper]

Well the time has finally come…. I leave tomorrow for truck driving school. After paying off 3 Judges, 2 state officials and 2 doctors to clear my past. I’m ready to take on the highway now!

Gee what a grueling time it has been to make a decision on which company to start with at a entry level position. I started this plan last year and made my first attempt last October and was put on hold due to high blood pressure (I was sent home). What a blessing that was! I kept in contact with my 3 other roommates (yes 3). One quit on the second week, could not hack it. The other 2 are 6 months into there contract and hate the company and the lack of miles. The one I was pre-hired ended there relationship with the school while I would have been graduating. So, I had 6 more months to weight out my options. I am not new to trucking or long hauls. Just never perused the job after 1982.

I was going to continue with the humor, but changed I mind. It is very serious career decision to make and will make you a decent living or it kill you. To all that are starting careers or just changing careers, be careful. This job is not a quick fix for financial problems. Money will be slow at first and quitting will always be on the back of your mind. I have talk to as many recruiters as drivers from various companies. I was lucky enough to find HR people from companies that I will not qualify me for 3 mores years and I got there input to what they will want in a driver coming out of trucking mill type job. But the info is out there and everybody does have there own criteria on what they want for employment. Gee, home every night, 3000 miles a weak @ $1.50 a mile, nope ain’t happing now is it? I do anticipate it getting worse before better, But I was truly a happy soul when I was on the road.

I truly thank all of the contributors to this site. Your input has been such great value to finding my choice of school, company and payment. C.A.D does have a job search also, my compliments to them also.

See, ya down the road,

Jay

P.S. How can you tell when a recruiter is lying to you?….. He returns your phone call

[jegzus]

Good post JJ, but I will add that the choice for a driver with experience isn't any easier when trying to find a new company.

[kjax]

I was going to continue with the humor, but changed I mind. It is very serious career decision to make and will make you a decent living or it kill you.

Or both. :P

[choperbob]

check out transport america. i worked for them 1 yr and 8 months. real good company for new drivers good pay, good bennies, good miles. i just moved to far from their hiring area

[silvan]

Good post JJ, but I will add that the choice for a driver with experience isn't any easier when trying to find a new company.

Amen to that. I was only looking because my first job (which I kept for 10 years) laid me off. It's a jungle out there, and everyone is trying to rip you off.