Quote:
Originally Posted by Fozzy
Most outfits do not require college degrees if you have the right kinds of experience and of course can communicate decently and of course are willing to take a pay cut over most drivers (even the new guys)
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While there are some that don't require a college degree, some do, such as CRST and Heartland Express, which has a management trainee for college grads. I believe I recall seeing a college degree preffered by JB Hunt too. And while the starting pay might be lower, there is endless opportunity for advancement. Most drivers top out at 70 to 80K max. I would imagine there are directors of operations and VP's making much, much more than that. But more importnaly, I'll be home in my own bed every night, will be able to spend time with loved ones, able to pursue interests I have. One can't put a price tag on those things.
Having said that, I've been out there, and I know what it's like. As a fleet manager I must never forget the hard job my drivers are out there doing everyday. They don't get to go home at night, and see their wives and tuck their kids in at night. They should make more that me, and what they make isn't enough to compensate for the hard work and 80+ hours they put in every week.
I think understanding this is what will set me apart from most fleet managers. When they're homesick, I can empathize. When they are delayed due to traffic or a shipper backup, I'll understand. If the weather is too bad, I want them to shut down. I would never pressure a driver to continue when its unsafe. I would rather have to call a reciever and tell them their load is going to be late rather than tell them its in a ditch and won't be coming. For all the things that Prime might be bad for, they have a saying that has stuck in my mind: there's not a load to hot that can't cool down in a ditch. I think that's very true. I will want my drivers to run safe and run legal.
I don't want to be out on the road anymore, the lifestyle just is not for me, but I still love the trucking industry and have a heart for the drivers. I think management will allow me to stay in an industry that I love and have the lifestyle I want too. It's a perfect compromise.