Newbie

[Molson]

This is my situation. I am 29 yrs old, have been a financial advisor for 6 yrs now, make a 6 digit income and have all the toys ive ever wanted. Most people would kill to be where I am at, but now, I am willing to give it all up to be a long hauler. I do not want to do it for the money obviously, I just want to be on the road driving a big rig (hopefully my own some day) traveling all over.

I have no kids, no wife, and I am giving up everything I own so I have no liabilities. I really want to have a truck I own. My question is this...once I get my CDL, I will be in a position to buy a newer truck cash and have 100 to 200k in the bank in addition to owning my own truck.

All the reading I have been doing tells me I should work a min. of 6 months to a year before I even consider buying my own truck and being an o/o.

If you were in my position and could start over again, what would you suggest doing...besides seeing a shrink

[solo379]

If you were in my position and could start over again, what would you suggest doing?

Make an appointment with shrink! :wink:

[Molson]

I have heard that alot recently. I am a person that never wants to say could have, should have. I do not know if the grass is greener on the other side, but at least I can say I saw it.

People always want what they can't have, I have it and don't want it any more.

[Kranky]

I have no kids, no wife, and I am giving up everything I own so I have no liabilities.

Have you considered the Priesthood?

I really want to have a truck I own. My question is this...once I get my CDL, I will be in a position to buy a newer truck cash and have 100 to 200k in the bank in addition to owning my own truck.

As they say "How do you end up with a million dollars in the trucking business?

You start with 2 million".

All the reading I have been doing tells me I should work a min. of 6 months to a year before I even consider buying my own truck and being an o/o.

If you were in my position and could start over again, what would you suggest doing?

Stay in your current position.

[Truckdobe]

I love what I do. I don't have to drive a truck, I could go back to work in an office and make as much or more than I do now, but I don't ever see it happening.... so I don't think you absolutely need to see a shrink. :wink:

Since you have a good financial background, you have a good shot of at least enjoying the experience, even if it's a huge cut in pay for you.

I'd suggest a year of learning before you jump in to owning. Collect LOTS of research and real world experience and figures for your business plan.

Also a well defined line where you'll quit if it doesn't pan out, that's IF you actually like it out here and wind up buying.

[Molson]

Fact of the matter is this, and in no means am I trying to be cocky, I just have a goal.

I want to drive a truck, be on the road, not care how long I am away for. I am going to be in the industry and eventually be good at it.

So I would appreciate some real info. besides staying where I am at. I know you mean well so do not think I dont appreciate please.

[Molson]

Truckdobe, thanks. At worst case scenario, I can always go back and keep doing what I am doing.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal, its the courage to continue that counts someone once told me.

Any idea on the best possible school to go to and company to start someone like me with?

[Bigmon]

Molson,

If you have a Series 7 it's getting harder to park because if the E&O. Go for it. Sandy Weill didn't make it big by working for Amex.

[RostyC]

Success is not final, failure is not fatal, its the courage to continue that counts someone once told me.

Bingo! (although, sometimes failure can be fatal if you're working with explosives :shock: )

Go for it, you only live once. If you don't like it go back to what you were doing, no big deal.

I did what you want to do and having a blast. Making good money also.

[marcel27208]

i dont know if anyone else would agree with me but the first year is the hardest, im 28 own my own truck/trailer and all that good stuff i started driving the week after i turned 21, i left college early, people told me i was dumb but ive never regreted my decision, but at the time i left i had 1 kid(have 3 now) and it was hard being gone, but some1 in your situation with no one at home to worry about should do good,,,,,, let us know how it goes

[Blind Driver]

I'd rather be hauling RVs then driving a truck.

[GMAN]

Molson, I think you should do what makes you happy. There are a lot of us who do this because we CHOOSE to do it. Many of us could do as well or better doing something else, but have made a decision to drive a truck. I suggest driving for a company for at least a year or two before buying a truck. First, most of the better companies will require a minimum of 1-2 years of otr driving experience before they will offer you a lease. Second, you may not enjoy doing this every day. It is much easier to walk away when you don't have a major investment at stake. You could do as Steve and a few others have done. They had no driving experience but decided to get their authority rather than working for a company. Some have not made it. The jury is still out on some of the others. Again, some will make it regardless of the odds. There is a lot more to being successful in this business other than buying a truck.

[Molson]

i dont know if anyone else would agree with me but the first year is the hardest, im 28 own my own truck/trailer and all that good stuff i started driving the week after i turned 21, i left college early, people told me i was dumb but ive never regreted my decision, but at the time i left i had 1 kid(have 3 now) and it was hard being gone, but some1 in your situation with no one at home to worry about should do good,,,,,, let us know how it goes

Good to hear, congrats, seriously.

I dropped out of high schoool (everyone told me I was dumb)
Worked in sheet metal then ran the shop for 5 years making a great income for a 21 yr old. Decided to quit that job, sell everything, move back with mom and dad to pursue the financial services. (everone told me I was dumb)

I am now a partner in a financial firm, have a great career which allows and has allowed me to have everything I have ever wanted.

I look back at my decisions and never regreted them for a second. Even if I did not make it in sheet metal, at least I tried and have no regrets.

Even if I did not make it in financial services, at least I tried and would never wonder what if.

Thanks bud and I will keep you up to date on the progress. I will tell you, I am taking it very slow and making sure all my ducks are in order.

[Molson]

Molson, I think you should do what makes you happy. There are a lot of us who do this because we CHOOSE to do it. Many of us could do as well or better doing something else, but have made a decision to drive a truck. I suggest driving for a company for at least a year or two before buying a truck. First, most of the better companies will require a minimum of 1-2 years of otr driving experience before they will offer you a lease. Second, you may not enjoy doing this every day. It is much easier to walk away when you don't have a major investment at stake. You could do as Steve and a few others have done. They had no driving experience but decided to get their authority rather than working for a company. Some have not made it. The jury is still out on some of the others. Again, some will make it regardless of the odds. There is a lot more to being successful in this business other than buying a truck.

So I have heard...can anyone give me a suggestion of good companies to look at that will give me good experience. I am not worried about the money, want to be a good trucker.

[GMAN]

It can depend on where you live. Swift, Roehl, Schneider, Millis, CRST are a few who come to mind. All have training available. I would suggest paying for your own training and then go with a carrier. If you go through one of the company training programs they will expect you to stay with them for up to a year. I believe CRST only requires a 6 months commitment. You can check the company listings on this forum and see the requirements for most of the larger companies. I have never gone through one of the training programs. They didn't have those when I started. :wink:

[Molson]

If I said large cars, who would you say?

[GMAN]

Peterbilt (379) and Kenworth (W900). Large cars usually refer to the large or long hoods.

[Molson]

are there companies that are more geared to that type of truck for getting experience?

Sorry to ask so many questions, and thanks for the help. Just trying to get the most info. Knowledge is power.

[GMAN]

Most of the training companies have Freightliners and Volvo's. Some have Internationals. Most carriers who have Pete's and KW's want experienced drivers.