Is trucking right for me?

[KW10001]

Hello,

Recently joined but have been an unregistered lurker for many months. I'm currently in college, working towards my bachelors. Most people probably expect someone with a bachelors to get a professional/corporate career, but I don't think that is where my heart lies. I can't imagine why sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen all my life doesn't attract me.

Ever since I was a young child I remember thinking the sleepers on the back of trucks were the coolest thing. I dreamed of traveling the country, hauling freight on my own and never being 2 feet from my bed. The idea just always intrigued me. And today, my interest in trucking is stronger than ever.

I think I hold some of the most important traits to a trucker. First, and probably most importantly, I love to drive. I also enjoy days, if not weeks of being alone and completely independent. In addition, I have no immediate family to worry about and the idea of living out of my truck is not completely crazy to me. But other than these, what do you guys think are very important attributes for a trucker to have? And why did you become a trucker?

Anyone else a trucker with a degree? just curious.

Thank you for your time! Hope I didn't put you to sleep.

[BanditsCousin]

I finished my industrial engineering degree with a minor in economics and went straight into trucking as an o/o hauling HHG. I know where you're coming from

On the otherhand, my Dad is a driver, so I had a lil more guidance than the average newbie.

[Roadhog]

I'm a high ranking anti-social, and a Road Scholar.

[Joey Shabadoo]

1st and foremost...finish your degree.
Trucking can wait.
These outfits are ALWAYS hiring in good and bad times.
Why is this so, you ask?
You'll find out soon enough...and not in a good way.

[1TruckDrivinSunUvAGun]

Do it, soon enough you'll learn your too smart for this profession.

[golfhobo]

KW10001 said:

Recently joined but have been an unregistered lurker for many months. I'm currently in college, working towards my bachelors. Most people probably expect someone with a bachelors to get a professional/corporate career, but I don't think that is where my heart lies. I can't imagine why sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen all my life doesn't attract me.

Welcome. WHAT kind of degree? How far along? Whatever it is... if you are close and can afford it, FINISH IT! It may be the ONLY decision in your life you will NEVER regret!

I am one of those who CAN imagine why a cubicle life is not for everyone. but, regardless of where you THINK your heart lies at this (assumed) young age, FINISH IT if you can! Like Joey Shabadoo (we all know him as CFM) says.... trucking can wait! It will BE here when you are ready. If it's NOT.... well.... dropping out of college to GO trucking would have been stoopid... right?

Ever since I was a young child I remember thinking the sleepers on the back of trucks were the coolest thing. I dreamed of traveling the country, hauling freight on my own and never being 2 feet from my bed. The idea just always intrigued me. And today, my interest in trucking is stronger than ever.

I don't have such a strong memory of childhood intrigue with trucking, but I traveled ALOT as a child, and was "aware" of the trucks out there. Can't say as I even NOTICED the sleeper berth, but I liked the Stacks and the Hoods! Off and on throughout my life, in periods of unemployment, I kept considering Trucking jobs. I probably would have gotten in sooner, but I took their requirement of a "clean" driving record TOO literally.

As for being only 2 feet from your bed? I think I understand that one. I LOVED the few times I've been able to drive SOLO (I'm mostly a team driver,) because... if I got a little sleepy, I could pull over ANYWHERE and jump in the sleeper for a quick nap of an hour or so. VERY refreshing!

If I read you right, and I have no idea if I do.... you seem to have a "calling" for the open road and an appreciation for the beauty of this vast country in ALL its diverse forms. I have no idea if you HAVE "traveled" or just DREAMED of it. But, I for one, would HATE to live and die in ONE little corner of this beautiful country.... without EVER really seeing or "experiencing" the rest of it!

I think I hold some of the most important traits to a trucker. First, and probably most importantly, I love to drive. I also enjoy days, if not weeks of being alone and completely independent. In addition, I have no immediate family to worry about and the idea of living out of my truck is not completely crazy to me.

You pass.

Not EVERY trucking job requires you to live out of your truck, but it's good that you are prepared for that. The love of driving is somewhat essential...as is the DESIRE to see the country.

MANY on this board, and in every truckstop, who thought they loved to drive, got TIRED of it after awhile. Truthfully..... looking at the SAME old highways out of the window of a truck is not THAT much different than looking at a computer screen all day.... if that is ALL you see your job to BE!

I could tell tales for DAYS of the wonderful experiences I've had as a trucker. From the night I learned the "tricks" to Blackjack from a bunch of Florilli drivers (about 5 trucks) who were "overnighting" at a casino in the middle of nowhere, Nevada at the same time I was there.... to a day of chaining up over Cabbage Pass with a driver who followed me into the truckstop the night before as we got "snowbound."

If you DO it right.... trucking is a never-ending "book of life" that holds surprises and intrigue on EVERY page you turn! You never KNOW what tomorrow ... or the next page...will bring. But, you just can't WAIT to GET there!

But other than these, what do you guys think are very important attributes for a trucker to have? And why did you become a trucker?

Well... I guess I already mentioned "curiosity." PATIENCE is another necessity. [I'm not too LONG on that one... but, I've managed to keep my cool, cuz it's just part of the job!]

Not to be "misunderestimated" (according to Dubya... just had to throw that in...) is a basic understanding of MATH... and the ability to calculate hours of service to stay within regulations. Mistakes in that area can be VERY costly in this business.

And ONE more thing: You're going to meet or see some pretty ODD specimens of the human condition out there in the truckstops. Some will amaze you... others will disgust you. Some will befriend you... others will cuss you. IMHO... at some point it becomes imperative that you ACCEPT each and every driver as an equal human being... just trying to DO HIS JOB to support himself or his family. People are just people. When you are ALL lined up in parking spots... in a smelly, noisy truckstop parking lot (or distributor's waiting area,) ... there are FEW "advantages" that you can afford yourself.

The driver beside you is really no different than you.

[KW10001]

Thank you all for you comments and suggestions, especially you Golfhobo!

Welcome. WHAT kind of degree? How far along?

Well I'm an 18 year old freshman at the local community college, working on credits for my AA degree. I'm then planning on transferring into NCState as a Junior, majoring in Computer Science.

I am one of those who CAN imagine why a cubicle life is not for everyone. but, regardless of where you THINK your heart lies at this (assumed) young age, FINISH IT if you can!

Well my Father has a Bachelors and my Mother has two Masters, so I have quite a lot of support around me. My Grandfather is about 65, and never went to college because back in his younger years, it was not considered nearly as important as it is today. When he retired from the Police department, he had to start his own business because he had no college degree. So he insists on me completing my degree.

I took their requirement of a "clean" driving record TOO literally.

Well luckily I have never had a ticket, street violation, or accident. And I have a completely clean criminal record.

I'm mostly a team driver.

Now, a bit of a side question, do companies randomly put you on team routes? Can you choose whether you want to drive completely solo or on team routes?

If I read you right, and I have no idea if I do.... you seem to have a "calling" for the open road and an appreciation for the beauty of this vast country in ALL its diverse forms. I have no idea if you HAVE "traveled" or just DREAMED of it. But, I for one, would HATE to live and die in ONE little corner of this beautiful country.... without EVER really seeing or "experiencing" the rest of it!

Well, when I was 13, we made a big life change by moving from SOCal to Raleigh, NC right before the housing bust (thank God). And that was some of the most fun I have ever had in my life. The amazing change of scenery on I40 from the west coast to the east astounded me, and I never forgot the excitement and anticipation when we left.

Truthfully..... looking at the SAME old highways out of the window of a truck is not THAT much different than looking at a computer screen all day....

Good point....

If you DO it right.... trucking is a never-ending "book of life" that holds surprises and intrigue on EVERY page you turn! You never KNOW what tomorrow ... or the next page...will bring. But, you just can't WAIT to GET there!

I guess I fear reaching my 40's and realizing I spent the last 22 years working at an few offices at the computer with the same people every day. And anticipating the one week out of the year where I can actually travel somewhere. I want to write in that book with the good and bad memories that trucking (and things like the military, and working on a ship) would bring. Not a stale life of a cubicle and a computer.

Well... I guess I already mentioned "curiosity." PATIENCE is another necessity

For example, I am not pressured by tailgaters... I can do 40 in a 45 all day buddy.

Thanks Again!

[golfhobo]

40???? You think 40 is OLD???

Just kidding! When I was YOUR age... I felt the same way. I was born in 56, so I turned 40 a few years BEFORE the "millenium" change. It was a big deal as I was growing up... or at least as it got closer.

I remember thinking about the Millenium change... and whether or not I would even STILL be alive! But, we tend to live quite a bit longer these days.

I think I'm going to be 54 this year... and I've only been trucking for 5 years!

I didn't realize you were SO young! First thing.... 18 is too young to go trucking. You can't even LEAVE your state with a CDL and a truck until you're AT LEAST 21 or 23 depending on the state!

So STAY in college for now! My best bud is an NC STATE alumni... but, their sports program sucks and you will have to be STRONG to go there!

It's good that you have support from your family. You should listen to them, because... no matter WHAT you think of them... they are probably smarter than you... or at least... RIGHT!

I'll get to your "side question" later. Heck... I didn't even know if you'd check back on this thread with only 2 posts!

I can really relate to your "move" from SoCal at 13. I'll tell you MY story later! It's been a LONG night and I've got to go mow the yard!

Hobo

[GMAN]

Most carriers and companies who hire drivers will require drivers to be at least 21 years of age. Most will want you to be 23 due to insurance regulations. My advice is to complete your education. It will give you something to fall back on should you find that trucking is not your cup of tea. You will do some changing over the next 10 years. A degree offers you some options. As you delve into this business and meet drivers you will find a very diverse group of people. Some barely made it through high school and others have various degrees including doctorates. Some people get into trucking after finding that what they studied didn't agree with their long term interests.

Trucking can be exciting starting out in life. It can also be a hard life. We have one of the highest turnover rates of any industry. Some of it is due to churn, which is moving from one carrier to another, and others just get out of the business after finding out that it is not their cup of tea. We all must find what interests us. There are so many who work at professions that they don't enjoy. No matter what you finally decide to do, work at something that you can enjoy. Life is too short to work at a job you hate.

You will find some who will encourage you to get into trucking and others who will attempt to discourage you. A career is a very individual thing. You have time to consider your options since it will be next to impossible for you to work in this industry until you age a bit more. In the mean time you can fill in your time with study toward that degree. You may find once you get into your degree of choice, that you would rather do that than drive a truck. On the other hand, you might decide that this is exactly what you want to do. I have a good formal education and a lot of life experience. I could do other things. I choose to be in trucking. With a degree you have a choice of what you want and can do with your life. You can choose to follow your degree options or drive a truck. While you attend classes you may find a job with a trucking company. I am not talking about driving, but moving freight around a loading dock, washing trucks or doing other odd jobs around a terminal. It would give you some exposure to drivers and this business where you could ask questions and see for yourself the pros and cons of this business. Of course, there is nothing like experiencing it for yourself. You may also be able to get a job driving a local delivery truck. Those who hire drivers for straight trucks can sometimes be more flexible on age and hiring requirements. You will still need a CDL, but this could give you some experience. It may not qualify as otr or combination vehicle experience, but will give you some truck driving experience. Most insurance companies will only check to see how long you have had your CDL. Some insurance companies require drivers to have at least 2 years experience. That is one reason so many smaller carriers can't hire inexperienced drivers. They cannot get them insured.

When I got into this business we didn't have schools and things were much simpler. We were basically given the keys to the truck and told to go make a pick up or delivery. We learned as we went along. Today, you need to go to an approved school for training at a cost of several thousand dollars, in most cases. There is a significant investment in time and money. Some carriers will train you as long as you agree to work for them for a minim time period. Should you leave prior to the end of your contract you will be on the hook for thousands of dollars in training costs. If you don't pay them then it will negatively affect your credit.

One other thing I will mention. I am not wanting to discourage you from driving, but you may want to consider taking a preferences test, such as Strong. It might help you to focus on a different degree path that would offer more interest for you. In any case, you have a few years to fill in with something before you can drive over the road in a big truck. You may as well complete your education and learn something new along the way. There are some universities that offer business degrees in logistics that might be more to your liking.

[GMAN]

By the way, those preferences tests I mentioned are usually free to enrolled students. While you wait to get into trucking you have at least 3 years, perhaps as much as 5 years before you can drive for most companies. That is enough to get your BS and perhaps even your MS, MA or MBA. Since you are enrolled at a junior or community college you could have your Associates Degree in 2 years or less and then go on to a BS or BA degree. You could then stop or go ahead with a Masters. Most Masters programs are either 1 or 2 years, depending on the area of study.

[KW10001]

40???? You think 40 is OLD???

Absolutely

I didn't realize you were SO young! First thing.... 18 is too young to go trucking. You can't even LEAVE your state with a CDL and a truck until you're AT LEAST 21 or 23 depending on the state!

Oh believe me, I have read that at this point. I've seen some at 25. And it certainly helps you fit in College. I always thought it was crazy that you cant rent a car until you're 25, but I understand its too much of a liability for both the insurance companies and the rental company.

So STAY in college for now! My best bud is an NC STATE alumni... but, their sports program sucks and you will have to be STRONG to go there!

wow....

I'll tell you MY story later! It's been a LONG night and I've got to go mow the yard!

Please do!

@GMAN,

Thanks for all the great information! I have noticed most of the schools in my area cost in upwards of $2,000 for a 3 week program. One thing I was wondering is a Community College in a neighboring county runs a full CDL program for only $1,000 (After tuition + state and local fee's).

NC Truck Driver Training School :: Johnston Community College, Smithfield, NC

Don't know if anyone here has been to this school, but its apart of a registered Community College so I'm pretty sure its a valid program.

One thing I have been told is its usually better to save up and pay for the training yourself, to avoid being tied to a specific company after training. Would you recommend that I pay for my own way, or should I sign on with a company like Roehl or PAM

Now I took a career test in my Senior year, and to my joy, when I filled it out honestly, Truck Driver was number one. Shortly followed by Sea Captain and Airline Pilot. Now I have interests in all of these things, but thought I would give Driving a Truck a try to see if its my calling.

I have been thinking of getting a Masters... But I was burned out at the end of High School... So we shall see how I feel after another 4 years of education.

Thanks Guys!

[GMAN]

@GMAN,

Thanks for all the great information! I have noticed most of the schools in my area cost in upwards of $2,000 for a 3 week program. One thing I was wondering is a Community College in a neighboring county runs a full CDL program for only $1,000 (After tuition + state and local fee's).

NC Truck Driver Training School :: Johnston Community College, Smithfield, NC

Don't know if anyone here has been to this school, but its apart of a registered Community College so I'm pretty sure its a valid program.

One thing I have been told is its usually better to save up and pay for the training yourself, to avoid being tied to a specific company after training. Would you recommend that I pay for my own way, or should I sign on with a company like Roehl or PAM

Now I took a career test in my Senior year, and to my joy, when I filled it out honestly, Truck Driver was number one. Shortly followed by Sea Captain and Airline Pilot. Now I have interests in all of these things, but thought I would give Driving a Truck a try to see if its my calling.

I have been thinking of getting a Masters... But I was burned out at the end of High School... So we shall see how I feel after another 4 years of education.

Thanks Guys!

You are welcome. I think that a community college is a good way to go primarily due to the lower cost. Those programs can be longer than a private school, but you may find that you will get more seat or driving time, which will help you as you look for a carrier.

Paying for your own schooling is always preferable to going through a company program. The main reason is that you will not have a long term obligation to the training company if you come with your CDL and schooling. Many carriers will pay a little more if you already have your own CDL.

I understand what you mean about being burned out with school. It happens with a lot of people. As far as your Masters is concerned, many colleges prefer that you have at least a couple of years work experience prior to enrolling in their Masters program, especially in the Business Colleges.

Whether you plan on using your degree in the near term, furthering your education will open more doors and make you a more well rounded individual. Not everyone should go to college, but for those who have an interest in learning or bettering themselves, it is a great way to go. No matter what you do in life you will be better off with either some vocational training or a college degree. Even if you decide that trucking is the career for you, things can happen to end your career that are out of your control. If your health deteriorates, you may not be able to continue driving. A degree would offer you an opportunity to earn a good living while still having some health issues that may disqualify you from a career as a professional driver.

[Useless]

KW10001:

Some other things to consider:

1.) You must have a high tolerance threshold for handling frustration; there will be many, from equipment failures, to dispatchers, to shippers & consignees, to truck stop morons. You'll quickly learn that God truly loves stupid people. He must; he made a sh8tload of them, and you'll meet many of them!!

2.) Get ready to deal with disappointments; broken promises, lies, back stabbing, companies that spew one line of rhetoric about running safely & legally, but push you to start shaving margins on HOS and safety compliance.

3.) As a driver, you are only as good as your last load. Forget about loyalty; not in today's world. Let something go wrong, and you will become the donkey that others pin the tail to.

4.) As far as "seeing the country"?? Some truth, and if you get off to seeing freight doors and warehouse districts, all the better. Yes, there will be times that you get to see some really wonderful scenery, but those times tend to come in increments. As far as getting to "see the sights"?? Not much!! You'll drive past them, but you'll seldom get to stop to see them for very long.

As GMAN pointed out, your age will most likely preclude you from driving for several more years.

As GolfHobo so correctly stated, driving gets tiresome after awhile. You are not a tourist; you'll be dealing with problematic street layouts, adverse weather, compliance issues, idiot drivers, truck stop bums with sob stories, gold chain salesmen knocking on your doors at all hours, very long and irregular hours, and disrupted rest & sleeping hours.

The adage that you work 80 to 90 hours per week, log 70 hours, and get paid for 40 to 50 hours is, unfortunately, all too true.

Stay in school and complete your degree; in today's world, education is of extreme importance, and that simply is NOT going to change. At 18 years of age, your life should be focused upon opening doors of opportunity. Once you complete your degree, the crappy jobs with the mega-carriers will still be there, and if today's economy is any indicator, then in terms of buying power, they'll most likely pay less than they do now. You are simply too young to be an OTR driver; consider that a blessing!! where education is concerned, you'll never do it any younger.

BTW, Golf: An excellent posting!! Well done!!

[Luzon]

Another possible option - the military.

If you are in school and asking your self "why am I doing this" and trying to figure out your life, the miltary is a pretty good way to help with your figuring. Granted, we're in the middle of a couple wars right now but there are military options that would limit your exposure to the desert.

Most people think Army or Navy when they think military. What I tell young people to do is check out ALL the branches, including the Coast Guard. They all have specialty jobs that could keep one off the front lines, even the Army.

For example:
The Coast Guard and Navy both have jobs for people to do sea-air rescue.

Most of the services have some form of public affairs jobs - writing, photography, etc.

All branches have jobs in electronics, computers, and intelligence.

If you're very athleticlly inclined then there's the Army special forces; Rangers & Green Berrets, Navy Seals, and Air Force Para Rescue and Tech Control.

And many other options available. If you're even remotely interested in the military as an option, don't just talk to the recruiters, seek out advice from others in your area who've been there - just like you should do if trucking ends up being the way you go.

If you're a "family" type and have a girlfriend that you're serious about - or a wife, then the Air Force is the way to go. If you're free as a bird and don't have any desire to be married any time soon, then any of the branches would be fine. I guess the main point I'm trying to make is not to think "in the box" and go the route that so many others do. There are tons of opportunities in the military, but it takes some research to uncover the gems. Hey, that's also true for trucking.

One final piece of advice. If you got good grades in HS, and if you were active in your community/school programs, try talking to your Congressmen and Senators from your state - they can each nominate 10 people for each vacancy they have for the various military academies. If you were to get into an academy; West Point, Annapolis, USCG Academy and the Air Force Academy. Then your school would be free (you would have a service commitment after graduation).

I only offer this info as something to at least consider.

Best of luck.

[b00m]

I would suggest to finish your degree and start a career into something much lucrative than trucking.What the guys have posted i extremely true about a truck driver.After that if u still want to start a second career in trucking do that.In my case,im only 26 right now,started in trucking at 23 after 3.5 years in the AIR FORCE and with about 70 credits completed towards my bachelor in business.I kind of regret not staying in and finishing my college degree or 20 years in the military.When i started trucking i jumped right into owning a truck and having big dreams about having my own business.Right now i do own my business but also the headaches that came with it.I cant really complain now,but it took me a while to be profitable in this business and do well.As a matter of fact i plan on getting back to school on finishing my degree at least for a few months on the year,especially winter months.Thats something i should have done way before all this if i would turn the time back.FINISH YOUR SCHOOL first since trucking can wait at anytime in your life.

[GMAN]

I would suggest to finish your degree and start a career into something much lucrative than trucking.What the guys have posted i extremely true about a truck driver.After that if u still want to start a second career in trucking do that.In my case,im only 26 right now,started in trucking at 23 after 3.5 years in the AIR FORCE and with about 70 credits completed towards my bachelor in business.I kind of regret not staying in and finishing my college degree or 20 years in the military.When i started trucking i jumped right into owning a truck and having big dreams about having my own business.Right now i do own my business but also the headaches that came with it.I cant really complain now,but it took me a while to be profitable in this business and do well.As a matter of fact i plan on getting back to school on finishing my degree at least for a few months on the year,especially winter months.Thats something i should have done way before all this if i would turn the time back.FINISH YOUR SCHOOL first since trucking can wait at anytime in your life.

I am glad to see that you plan on completing your degree. There are a number of accredited colleges who offer on line programs for those who work. I have met a few in this business who are working on their degree in this manner. It would enable you to work on your degree without taking time off to attend classes.

[Luzon]

I am glad to see that you plan on completing your degree. There are a number of accredited colleges who offer on line programs for those who work. I have met a few in this business who are working on their degree in this manner. It would enable you to work on your degree without taking time off to attend classes.

I agree GMAN. Also, there are some colleges who still offer the good ol' fashioned corresondance courses.

Here's 3 that I know of.

University of Alaska, Fairbanks

University of Georgia

Brigham Young University

There's others, but I can't think of any more right now. Each class at those listed above is in the $500 range and they give you up to a year to complete it. Just another option to consider if you want to take a fully accredited course here and there while out on the road. $500 is kinda steep compared to your local in-state college but compared to most of these online schools who may have questionable accreditation, it's not bad.

[kloy]

good thread! sorry to interrupt the conversation thats already going, but it seems there's people here with some good answers.....

well my name is Tony, i'm 21 years old and i live in Tucson, AZ.
I'm in the middle of getting some grant money to help pay
for truck driving school. Part of my assignment is to get 3 interviews
of current truck drivers to help me decide if this is the career for me.
They told me to flag down some truckers and ask to give an interview,
but i don't want to bother people on the street. So i figured a forum would
be best, and here i am...So i'm going to post the interview questions
below, my email is atwa025@yahoo.com, if u have the time
or care please email me back, it would be much appreciated!

Name of person interviewed:_________________________
position: __________________ Company:________________________

1. Are there jobs in the field:
A) Within your company? B) In the community? Explain:

2. What skills are required?

3. What training is required? (i.e. software)?

4. What certification or license is required?

5. From which schools do you hire?

6. What do you feel are the satisfactions or advantages of the work?

7. What are the drawbacks of the work?

8. What is the potential for advancement?

9. What is the salary range for the entry level? ( respond with a dollar amount):

10. Other?

[ronjon619]

I finished my industrial engineering degree with a minor in economics and went straight into trucking as an o/o hauling HHG. I know where you're coming from

On the otherhand, my Dad is a driver, so I had a lil more guidance than the average newbie.

i doubt you would have made that move if your dad was not in the biz because you made all the right moves. You know as well as I do that most guys have to learn the hard way.

[GMAN]

I think that you will find that there are quite a few families who have several generations of drivers or owner operators within their ranks. I think that it gets in your blood. It can become the family business. It does help smooth the way somewhat when you have a close family member who can give you some of the pros and cons of this or any business.

One thing Bandits Cousin did do prior to going out on his own is to get his education. Should he get hurt, disabled or just decide that he doesn't want to do this any more he has options with his degree. It is much easier to get your degree when you are younger. You have few responsibilities and little in the way of distractions when you are young. It is a good time to prepare for your future and if you still want to drive a truck after college, then you can still do it. If you find at that point that you no longer want to drive a truck then you are ready to embark on a career that you have prepared for the last 4 years.