need to ask a truck driver some questions

[mesheldon1228]

i am about to go to school for my cdl and in order for the county i live in to assist me financially i need to do marketresearch first. if anyone is interested in answeringa series of questions for me i would appreciate it very much. It's only about 9 questions and it's all about the industry. If you would like to help me just reply to this post and i will post the questions for you.If you would feel more comfortable doing it through e-mail my e-mail address is mesheldon1228@yahoo.com. I would very much appreciate any help that anyone can give me. thank you

[mesheldon1228]

1. What company do you work for and how long?
2. Why did you choose truck driving as a career?
3. What type of education or training do you feel would make a new guy more successful in this industry?
4. What special qualifications other than the obvious would help someone starting this career?
5. What would someone expect as a beginning salary?
6. What do you like about driving for a living?
7. Dislike?
8. Do you have any advice for a new guy that you wish you had when starting out in this industry?

Thanks,this really helps me out and i appreciate it

[GMAN]

1. What company do you work for and how long?

I have had my own company for more than 20 years.

2. Why did you choose truck driving as a career?

I like driving and trucks. The money is also good. You do get to see some interesting sights.

3. What type of education or training do you feel would make a new guy more successful in this industry?

I think common sense and good manners will serve you more than a high level of education. You need enough education to be able to communicate, read and write fairly well.

4. What special qualifications other than the obvious would help someone starting this career?

You need to enjoy your own company and being away from home. If you want to be home every day or so, this is not the business for you. Those who are most successful will spend time away from their families and friends. If you can manage your time well and enjoy the solitude you could do well.

5. What would someone expect as a beginning salary?

It depends on how you enter the business. Once you get in a truck you should earn around $30M your first year. Some can do much better. $30M should be the least you should make. After the first year, earnings should begin to climb as you gain knowledge and proficiency.

6. What do you like about driving for a living?

I like the solitude. It gives me the opportunity to think. Plus the money is pretty decent, most of the time.

7. Dislike?

I detest the scrutiny and layers of regulations we must deal with on a daily basis. I also dislike the lack of courtesy and professionalism I see among many who enter this business. There are times in which I have not been able to be home for special occasions, but I can usually plan far enough in advance that I can be home. These days, I can usually work it out.

8. Do you have any advice for a new guy that you wish you had when starting out in this industry?

There weren't driving schools when I first started. I think learning on the job is the best way to learn how to drive a truck. That was the way I learned and it has served me well. I think many of you who are starting out today have unrealistic expectations about what this job entails.

Thanks, this really helps me out and i appreciate it

[larryh31]

8. Do you have any advice for a new guy that you wish you had when starting out in this industry?

The best advice that I can give you is to take your time and research which company you plan on working for. A lot of new drivers sign on with companies that are low paying and have bad reputations like Werner and CR England. After a couple of weeks/months they get frustrated and quit. Then they move onto other companies like JB Hunt, thinking that the grass will be greener. Then they learn that Its the same :dung: in a different color truck. So they get mad/frustrated and move onto company number 3 in less than a year. Then they find the "perfect" job that they have been looking for, but get turned down because of their history of job hopping :sad:

[Uturn2001]

1. Last company I drove for was Knight. Was there for 7 months until family issues required me to be home full time.

2. Lack of employment in my area that paid better than min wage.

3. Start with a school that will give a good foundation of the basics and that has a low student to teacher ratio with lots of actual hands on time with the trucks. Next is OTJ training with a trainer that actually trains by coaching the student through as many different types of situations as possible.

4. A combo of being assertive by saying NO when someone tries to get you to run beyond the your personal limits and those of the law and the ability to go with the flow and not allow stresses to build up. In addition, for the OTR driver, being a social hermit helps. In that you need to be able to and like dealing with people but at the same time enjoy or at least tolerate long periods of time alone.

5. First year realistic average salary range is between about $28,000-$34,000.

6. Enjoyed seeing the nation, not being tied down to a desk or stuck doing the exact same thing everyday in some factory.

7. Having to deal with shippers and receivers who have no concept of time and/or who treat you like something less than human and dispatchers who think they know what can and can not be done in the truck better than the person driving it.

8. Learn and use good time management skills. Learn to stay No when asked or told you need to run illegal or in an unsafe manner. You are the one behind the wheel and it is your life, your CDL, and your career on the line. The only thing that truly matters is returning home safe and sound. Everything else is secondary.

[mesheldon1228]

Thank you very much GMAN, i appreciate the insight and the perspective.

larry that is funny you say that because i just got a call on friday from werner talking about a prehire. I will definitley take your advice and do as much research as possible to pick the right job. thanks guys!

[mesheldon1228]

thanks to u as well uturn

[GoldiesPlating]

1. What company do you work for and how long?

TMC Transportation 1 year.

2. Why did you choose truck driving as a career?

Something I've always wanted to try since I was a kid and now I'm glad I did.

3. What type of education or training do you feel would make a new guy more successful in this industry?

A good driving school PTDI Certified and proper training by the company on the same equipment you will be using as a driver. Good driving habits, patience, mental drive and self reliance are all good traits to have going into this career.

4. What special qualifications other than the obvious would help someone starting this career?

A clean MVR, a clean "rap sheet" and a strong, steady work history are all invaluable.

5. What would someone expect as a beginning salary?

With TMC and a few other flatbed companies, you can expext $45,000 - $55,000 your first year. Most van companies I'm told are arouind $35,000 per year.

6. What do you like about driving for a living?

The feeling of being your "own man" and the responsibilities involved. The freedom and sights that I've seen when traveling OTR. The friends I've made over the CB radio. And my beautiful Black Peterbilt, which has become a "family member" to me. The time away from home.

7. Dislike?

The time away from home. Loading/unloading in inclement weather. Waiting at some shippers to get loaded. Finding parking after 9PM is TRYING at best!

8. Do you have any advice for a new guy that you wish you had when starting out in this industry?

Honest, hard work WILL be rewarded (usually). Do your research THOROUGHLY before "jumping in" and once you choose a company..... STAY WITH THEM FOR AT LEAST A YEAR if you plan on staying in the industry at all. I see a LOT of guys branded as "job hoppers" and it really screws them up when looking for a GOOD company.

Thanks,this really helps me out and i appreciate it

Good luck and feel free to call me anytime if you have any other questions.