I started out driving a couple of years ago with CFI and was perfectly happy with them for a year or so and then I got a call from an old friend who owns a Drag racing team.
He had been offered a contract with a car manufacturer to transport show vehicles around the country and offered me the gig.
Well I have been with him for a year now and the job has turned out to be everything I had hoped for. I spend a lot of time on the road during the race season but the positives outweigh the negatives in my opinion.
Good stuff:
good salary and benefits- the money is in the bank every week, 52 weeks a year.
Lots of time at home - last year I finished for the year on December 16th and started again on March 15th, plus I get to go home if I have more than a week between events and the company will pay for flights if required.
Easy schedule- All of my events are at the weekend so I have a minimum of five days to get to my next event, last week I left San Francisco on Monday and had to be in Philly by the following Sunday, thats the longest trip I have made in a year.
No dispatchers!
No recievers!
Minimimal paperwork- Logs and trip reports is about it.
Minimal unloading etc. When I turn up at a venue all I do is unload a couple of cars and then chill out until the event is finished.
I get my schedule for the year in March- I know exactly where I am going for the entire year.
Really nice truck- Currently driving an '07 Coronado with 515hp Detroit, its a 20ft toterhome with a 47ft trailer. Its equipped with TV, Satellite, Surround sound, Shower, bathroom, Kitchen etc. I do get an allowance for hotels but rarely bother because I have everything I need in the truck.
Bad stuff:
Sometimes I am out for long periods of time- four to six weeks is not unusual depending on event schedules.
Long wheelbase truck is a pain in city streets- You have to be careful and plan your routes carefully, especially when you are going to downtown convention center venues. Loading in at the Staples center on Lakers game night springs to mind! talk about a nightmare!
Can get boring between events, If I have events that are close together I have to sit for days, I started bringing my Motorcycle with me this year and it helps to be able to get away from the truck for a few hours, I also read a lot...
Overall I am very happy with the Job- Yes the Money could be better but I only really work for eight months of the year. Thankfully I have an understanding wife and she puts up with the extended time that I am away sometimes.
I enjoy what I do and it just goes to show that with a little luck anyone can find a decent gig.
It may not be for everyone but its not bad overall.
Dream Job- It can happen
