Hey Hans, i'm a line dog too. I work for GM here in Delaware. I get out with 30 years this year, and am going to drive as a second career. I'm going with Millis. Best of luck to you.

 

At 41 years old, I found myself burned out as an Electronics Technician in the manufacturing field. I went with CRST on a 6 month contract and then landed a local job hauling fuel. My only regret is that I didn't do it earlier. If you start out OTR and don't find that to be your particular calling. You can always pursue local/LTL options. Variety is one of the things I love most about driving. Mine just happened to be pulling a fuel tanker around the city 4-5 days a week and making a better and more satisfying living than I ever did in the electronics/manufacturing field. 99% of my research was done right here on ClassADrivers before making the leap. There are a lot of great people and information here. Good luck! Gary

 

Stung: So far, you've told us what you hate about your current job, lack of attachment, and reasons why others say you SHOULDN'T go driving. And, as you can see.... many of us have been in the same situation.

Now... tell me why you WANT to go driving. Have you lived in Texas all your life? (It's a big state, and you can drive for HOURS and STILL not see the REAL world!) :lol:

Do you INVITE the challenge of handling a Big Rig? Driving at highway speeds with lives in your hands? Taking on a task and seeing it through to completion, with little time for yourself along the way? The freedom to chose your route (sometimes) and control your day?

WHY do you want to drive? What do YOU expect to get out of it?

You don't HAVE to be crazy to be a Driver! But, it sure HELPS! When you go camping.... do you have to take along a Porta potty??? Can you sleep in your clothes? Have you ever been in the military?

As for your "record".... it sounds pretty clean. But, what are the details of that accident? Were you cited? When was it?

Oh yeah... BTW.... have you ever driven a stick shift??

Inquiring minds NEED to know!

 

golfhobo,
I have been on long trips on my Harley and in the pick-up and love the drive. Surprisingly, I'm not as interested in the stops as I am in the driving. Don't get me wrong I like seeing the sites but I get alot of joy out of seeing them at 70mph for some reason. I drive at or near highway speeds, set the cruise and enjoy.

I have lived in Texas all of my life; the DFW area to be more specific.

I have worked in our family owned auto supply in a small town. There used to be many independent truckers come in the store for their oil changes, filters and small supplies like air gov.s, brake biscuits and for some reason...every now and then....they always thought they could pull their trailer with their air hoses so we sold some gladhands :roll: as well. I always liked their demeanor and their colorful sense of humor. They seemed to enjoy what they were doing. I want to see if I can enjoy that as well.

I always show up for work on time, finish my job and don't have to have(and prefer it that way) anybody looking over my shoulder.

My wreck was on a cloverleaf. I was coming down the entrance ramp which turns into an exit ramp for a side street. The cars were lined up on that ramp waiting to exit. So as I was merging onto the highway, I looked back to see if it was clear. When I turned back around I noticed a pick-up. He had stopped, not on the exit ramp but in the right lane of traffic. I clipped his left rear bumper with my right front. There was no citation because the cops never showed up after two hours of me waiting on a wrecker. The other guy drove off and it if wasn't for a punctured radiator and the fender rubbing my tire I would have too. I fully realize why you ask about the wreck. Had I been driving a big truck he may not have been able to drive off or even be here today. I also understand the greater responsibilities that come with the job.

And yes, I can drive a stick. All of my Mustangs (hence my "handle") have been sticks as well as a couple of my pick-ups.

Thanks for the questions. It helps me to understand the full ramifications of this career path.

 

Stung: Okay! You PASS!! :lol: I think you have the right attitude to be a trucker! As long as you don't listen to these guys that tell you you should get paid for every task and moment of your time!

As for the accident... bummer! That's DFW traffic for ya! Seriously, the ONLY reason I asked was concerning the citation aspect. Many companies would look long and hard at an "at fault" accident, especially RECENTLY, before hiring you. DON'T mention it on any applications!!! [but it's GREAT that you also realize how much more "deadly" an accident can be with an 80k lb. truck!]

I, TOO, love to view the country on "cruise control." I NEVER tire of it! And, as it turns out, I get some "face time" as well! It is your friends who are "crazy!" Living life in a small town, or area, is like being an ANT! You NEED to get out and see the country! I'd guess you are between 35 and 45. When you die, do you want your epitaph to read, "He NEVER left Texas!"?????

I think you will make a good Trucker. And we need MORE good ones! I will be MORE than happy to help you in any way I can! Read this board daily! There is MUCH info here. Only HALF of trucking is driving the truck! The OTHER half... you learn HERE!

BTW... I spent 4 years of my adolescence in Clarksville and Greenville. And, I've got the BOOTS to prove it! :lol:

Now... get that post count up, and tell us your plans! Hope to see you on the Big Road someday soon!

Hobo.

 

Hi hitman,

Thanks for the reply. Actually I am an office rat and hate it. I am a hands on person and would rather be out doing something, than sitting behind a desk.

I started out on the line, moved to supervision and have been at an office job for the past 10 years. I really liked my time out in the plant a lot more.

Everyone thinks that I am crazy for wanting to be a low life trucker, but I don't look at it that way at all. I do love to drive, I put on 1500 miles in about 3 days last week, I know that it isn't much, but I love to drive and see different things. I also do not care that much about the stops, I like the drive. I also do not mind being by myself.

Why did you choose Millis? Have you started training or driving yet?

 

I'm a hands on guy too, but this line is getting to be too much. I'd rather have my hands on a steering wheel. I've been doing my research for almost a year now, and have heard nothing but good things about Millis. Plus, after I leave GM, my wife and I are moving to upstate PA, and Millis runs alot thru there, which would be good for hometime. So after we make the move to PA, is when I will start my training with Millis. That probably isn't going to happen for atleast another year.

The plan is to sell big down here and buy a place up there, and end up with a very small mortgage...or none at all...use my pension to pay the bills, and drive for 10 to 15 years and put that money in a 401k. Then break out the fishing pole when I turn 65. That's my plan and i'm sticking to it :wink:

 

wow sounds like myself 19years in the factory always wanted to be a truck driver,so I left the factory and went to school and everyone said I was crazy. got my cdl drove for 3 months and had a accident =no injuries,was terminated hours afterwardsjust before christmas. now I can not find a job have been turned down by everyone.SO BEWARE 1 MISTAKE AND YOU ARE DONE. I still do not regret my discision and am commited to being a truck driver. just beware there is NO MERCY in this bussines.