GOODLUCK
 

GOODLUCK

Re: ???
 

Are you looking to the left margin or are you looking to the blue highlighted are directly above your post? I see the date and time of when you posted. To the left I see your join date.

thanks
 

thanks

Re: both
 

I don't know what to say, I see the date and time of when you actually post.

Re: People think I'm crazy
 

And you'll stay that way runnin' the road. Best form of birth control around!

Imagine clocking 12 hour days (but only getting paid for about 9 of those hours with no overtime after 8/40) and pulling out a cot in the break room to sleep. Then get up and do it all over again.

OTR = drive/sleep/drive/sleep/drive/sleep...reset in truckstop away from home...drive/sleep/drive/sleep/etc. The company wants maximum production from their expensive investments in the truck and trailer so they constantly want those wheels turning under a load. However when there's no work, you sit for zilch. And when you do work, you aren't paid for alot of non-driving services you provide to your employer. So yeah, 40-50k looks good on paper but it's peanuts when you factor in all the time you spend on the job. Plus the benefits in OTR generally suck.

The whole "freedom of the road" mantra is nothing but a myth. Truth is, you're chained to that truck 24/7. Scenic routes and interesting places are usually off-limits to class 8 trucks. Thus, 90% of your travels are on interstates and designated 2-lane highways. The sedentary lifestyle, diesel fumes, irregular working hours, and poor road diet are very bad for your health.

Basically, OTR is a lifestyle that pays like a regular job.

I was an operations manager at a Fortune 40 company, but found that the corporate life wasn't for me. I obtained my CDL and pulled vans/reefer for awhile but got sick of the long hours, working for free, and being treated like a 4th-class citizen. I now work P&D for an LTL company and really enjoy it.

I would not recommend going OTR if you can help it. The numbers tell the tale: 130% average annual turnover, which means these big fleets like Swift, JB, and Schneider are going through tens of thousands of drivers per year. Your best bet is to look for a good-paying local gig right out of school. Granted, they're few and far between, but you might land one if you're in the right place at the right that time.

Being married and having your wife go with you, can be the best of both worlds. 8)

I am getting the same reaction especially from my wife. I am going to take a retirement package from Ford Motor Co and want to drive as a second career.

I do not know if I should go to a private school or get a company to pay my way. Right now I am leaning toward a private school, I really do not want to sign a 1 yr contract.

I have been doing a lot of research over the past 6 weeks. I live in the Detroit area and seriously considering Churchill, AD Transportation Express, Millis and NTB, in that order. Does anyone have any info on any of these companies?

I figure to try driving for a couple of years and if it causes to much heartache with my wife, to get into dispatch.

I have been lurking here for awhile and decided to post, thanks for all of your help so far.

ColdFrostyMug,

Thanks for response. I have some connections with a local cement plant. They are always looking for drivers. I may start asking around about the level of experience they require. This may be another option to explore to get some time behind the wheel.

Stung,

I grew up in trucking, but the family preached go to college and get a good job. I was a matls mgr for the Big Blue C in Indiana. I know what you mean about procrastinations, blame ,etc. I left there went trucking for a few years, lost my ash, went to work in management for a carrier with 400 trucks for a year, went back on my own again, been making it in this economy, should be able to make it when things get better. You can do it also. Get your CDL by going to school on weekends and keep your day job. Dont get a significant other, pet, new car note, etc. Save your money, when you become a rookie company driver, the fewer expenses the better. Get some experience, learn this GREAT business then start STUNG TRUCKING. Good Luck!!