Looking for the TRUTH!
 

I have been considering trucking for a few years now, so I figured it was time I learn the FACTS. I feel like I have an interest in trucking, but I'm not sure if it's based on what I ASSUME it'll be like, instead of how it really is. I know that the first year or 2 will suck, that's not an issue to me. I am wondering what does it take to get to a good income (75k and up to me)? Obviously, the big companies like Swift/Schneider/JB Hunt became big companies by paying poorly; much like Walmart does in their line of business...

I have spent months reading the old posts on here, and now I have some questions of my own. Obviously everyone is different, and there is no blueprint to success. I, like most people, are concerned about my finacial future. In my eyes, if I can't make roughly 75k within 3 years, I would consider that a big let down. I know a guy who makes 75k after being in it for less than 5 years, and he loves it for the most part. But it seems for every 1 guy who loves it, I have 7 guys telling me to avoid it like the plague. I am not looking to just coast and have an easy time while I cash big checks, but I am also not looking to be someone's bitch and break my back for penies while they laugh all the way to the bank. Is there a happy medium? I know only what I've read on forums, and from talking to a few guys dads I know. (I'm 24, by the way) I've been told the only way to make any money and have any sort of a life is to do the OTR thing and get out asap, for something like LTL or an in town kind of job. I feel like I'll love OTR, but I am sure it's just the newness, and will probably wear off painfully fast. I have more than enough money in the bank to pay to get my CDL myself, but I have been told that a place like Swift/Schneider is my best bet. I have also been told Swift/Schneider is basically the same as a 12-18 month jail sentence. What are the facts? Is it really THAT bad out there, or is that only what the people who are lazy and don't want to actually work say? I don't mind work, but like any intelligent person, I'd rather work smarter than harder, you know?

To sum it up, I have the $ to get my CDL on my own, but am wondering what's the best way to break into the industry, if I decide to do it.

It's great to be a part of this board. There's a TON of info here. I just don't want to be one of those guys who signs on with a company, and THEN comes on here asking what I am in for. I'm no sucker :lol:

75k a year will be real hard to do and i mean REAL HARD but am sure it can be done.

I am not all about the money. If I was, I wouldn't be looking into this. I am looking for a job I will enjoy, and can make decent money. I don't consider the first 2 years at under 40k to be decent, and I just want some re-assurance that it'll get better, or some facts stating that it won't. I don't feel 75k is asking for the moon, with what I have seen. My best friend in HS dad drove a truck and put 4 kids thru a very expensive private school, and they never needed anything financially because he had it covered. I know there is a price to pay, and I guess I am looking for when does it become a financially BENEFICIAL job? You obviously pay your dues at first, but some people make it sound like a trucking career is a 1 way trip to the poorhouse! Plus I have seen first hand my friends making 75k. And yes, he works his ass off to get it.

You say it's not all about the money but that is all you have mentioned so far. There are far easier ways of making money than driving a truck.

Why do you want to be a driver? What makes you think you will enjoy it?

I could make more money doing other jobs that I would hate. I am only trying to cover my own ass here, not trying to get rich. Maybe it came off wrong, but who here would want to do this if you can never really break ahead? That's all I am asking. My dad makes 150k every year in sales, and he HATES it with a passion. I'd much rather make 1/2 that and enjoy what I'm doing.

As for how I know I'll like it, well obviously I have no way of knowning one way or the other. I think it'd be fun for all the typical reasons people give, and most importantly, it's just a feeling I have that I'd enjoy it. I am most certainly NOT all about making money, but if I will still be making 45k in 8 years, my time would better be spent doing something else. There are some jobs you'd LOVE to do, but if they don't pay the bills, you just have to move on, you know? I am just looking for a compass as to what to expect, I mean facts not the lies a recruiter will tell you.

talk to sheep he can get you a job at JB makin 85k a year with 3months exp. :wink:

Lol.. good one. Are my questions dumb or something? I feel they are very valid. If I want the FACTS I figured I'd ask the people who do this day in and day out. And I am not about to go to a truck stop and ask truckers questions, since that's just weird :lol:

It seems to me like 75% of the people who are truckers are unhappy with it, and the other 25% apathetic... Does ANYONE enjoy it?! If only it was black and white, it'd be a lot easier....

I never drove OTR i dont really think the money is worth it. I drove tractor trailers and dump trucks but all local work. I do love the job am a 4th gen trucker in my family thats all we know is trucks. Thats all we talk about is trucks. Its in my blood i do like it alot. but the money aint that great at all. Its somethin you have to like to do.

It's my understanding that in order to get a decent local job you HAVE to put in 1-2 years OTR... What is the best way to get my CDL? Go to a school or get it on my own? And how do I best gain experience?

You options are limited company wise due to this possibly being your first year. $40,000 is reasonable your first year. But you also have to remember you will be buying meals on the road from time to time. You will purchase a cooler and CB. You will basically work everyday and when you go home will feel like you are losing money just to go home. And no matter how hard a worker you are, you will sit when Operations or dispatch has no freight. You will wonder why you can't get moving.

after a year or two you can move to another company and make better money. I have no stats but I am in my second year so I don't know what the experienced hands make. If you are married it will be rough. If you have children it will be rougher. If this is what you really want to do then go for it! Some people love it! Others think it sucks frog legs. for me it has it's good days and bad days but my wife ended up joining me after a year and we will probably make our team money and get out within four years. It's not what I want to do when I grow up. But I had to come out here and try before I really understood that. So here is to you and your new understanding of trucking. Good luck.