runwme said:
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I was a driver / race team mechanic for 18 years pulling tag along trailers with rvs (no cdl) all over the country. After that I took over as service manager for a auto dealership and while the $$ is good, I miss being on the road.
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So... why did you give UP my "dream job?" Driving an RV? Going to the races? lol. I'm not a good "wrench turner" so... I have nothing to offer THEM but driving. I've always wanted to drive a big rig for a race team. Have YOU considered going back to ONE of them... now that you can drive the big rigs?
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I went to 160 hr cdl school finishing top of class and now wondering what would be the best first step for my driving career.
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That's a good first start! I'm sure (as you said,) that school will pass muster with MOST carriers! If ONE discounts them... you should discount THEM.
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About me..
45 clean cut non-smoking fit professional with strong work ethic
Single with a grown child so long hauls ok.
Hazmat, doubles/triples / tanker endorsements.
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That makes you a recruiter's "wet dream!" And the endorsements are good, too!
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28 years driving having never been in accident at fault or otherwise ( knock on wood)
No arrests or traffic violations other than expired tags 15 yrs ago
18 years experience pulling /working on race cars ( no- cdl)
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MORE "cream" for a recruiter! A clean record... and a stable work history!
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I was thinking Team driving running east/west coast hauling produce may be a good way to start learning the intricacies of driving while teamed with an experienced driver.
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I have (mostly) ALWAYS been a Team driver. 9 years going on 30! I wouldn't think "one" would haul produce BOTH ways. MOST companies who put food on our table, do it as a "backhaul." I.E: You find a company that hauls ANY product (mine was beer) to the West coast, and then haul azz back to the East coast with produce. This DOES require "team driving," but... the benefit is the fact that you get home almost every weekend, AND... you get an (almost) guaranteed 5,000 miles a week! DON'T start for LESS than 20 cents/mile for ALL miles the truck runs. (That equates to 40 cpm solo... and you CAN get that kind of pay to start!)
I currently drive "team" for FedEx, but you need ONE year experience to get hired on. Let's just go GET that ONE year any way you can! CRETE is a good company (as they have done well by repete,) but... don't limit yourself by saying the FIRST one has to be the ONLY one! Like HE said... you need to get started before the shelf life on you CDL expires!
There is a BIG difference between flatbedding and "dry" freight! You need to give more thought to how hard you want to work... while REALLY learning how to drive a big rig across country! But... if you are that "fit" and want to work HARDER for the same money I'm making... GO for it! It will do you well in the future if you want to move on to "heavy hauling."
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What do you guys suggest?
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I suggest you get started NOW! And... that you really think about what you want. AND... that you make a "plan!" But... don't let the PLAN get in the way of getting started! The doors don't OPEN until you are actually driving a big rig on the roads of this great country!
Don't go for the "lifestyle" some will sell you... of living in your truck and getting home once a month. DON'T go for any "lease purchase" deal until you know MORE than they think you know!
That being said... there is no shame in starting with a Mega Carrier like Crete, CRST, Werner, Schneider, or so many others. Just stay away from C.R. England and, if possible... Swift!
Ask more questions, and I'll continue to offer more "insight" (if not answers.)
And.... pay attention to what others may say "in jest." There is truth behind every joke.