Jesus lives in texas?

Good heavens, GMAN! All the changes to the business, better working conditions and it wasn't devastating? They must have cost something.

But throw in fair pay and we're all doomed . . I was thinking the business would thrive.

I read an article a while ago where a Schneider VP was quoted as saying $65,000 was the threshold at which Driver retention would fall and people from other vocations would seriously consider driving as an alternative.

It isn't as though it's a bunch of pie in the sky Drivers are the only ones who think Driver pay could solve a bunch of industry issues.

Shame on Lebron for going to work and expecting to earn a fair wage and be able to support his family!

Why else would he go to work Hawk? Remember, we ARE talking about going to WORK here.

Me thinks that young Hawkjr may be a bit enamored with the 'super trucker' depictions a la "Smokey and the Bandit."

Hawkjr, you are asking the right questions. Just read the answers you are getting a bit closer.

Trucking is a job Hawkjr. Not a lifestyle.

well you can call me what u want to call me, super trucker or not.. all i know is that i come from a family of truckers and i've been wanting to do this since i was kid.. i just want to drive trucks, screw broads, and get money.. albeit if its hauling chickens, trash or logs, either way until shit changes i want to drive truck until i die... i'm pretty sure there are others on here that has went through the same thing... and i dont blame lebron for getting into to support his family, from the sounds of it he makes a damn good living.. all i'm saying is that he's not a lifestyle trucker unlike GMAN and others who are... he's in it to get a paycheck that's it, unlike others who loves hanging out at truck stops and the terminals even on their off time/or days...that's all i'm saying!!! no disrespect to neither one!!

At least you'll be able to do one of those things as a coolie carrier OTR trucker. :lol:

just for an year a$$hole.....coolie for a year and i'm done.. is that a problem?? you got a better plan?? got a line haul gig i can get onto pulling doubles?? got a gig where i can haul boxes and be home everynight?? etc??? if not shut the hell up... if so, please provide!!!!

You sound so angry and bitter. You'll be fun to be around in rush hour. :lol:

Dang! Your on a roll tonight Rev. :lol:

I think that anyone who works in a profession strictly for the money will be a very unhappy individual, no matter what type of industry. We tend to excel in jobs that we enjoy. I can't see being miserable just to make a lot of money. It would not be worth it to me.

I would not be doing this unless I enjoyed it. While I earn a good living, there are other things that I could do to earn an above average livelihood other than trucking.

People don't stay in this profession unless they enjoy it. This can be a very demanding business. A possible big paycheck will attract people to the industry, but money by itself will not keep drivers in a profession in which they are unhappy. I will agree that starting pay at some carriers could be better. On the other hand, there are some carriers who start drivers out at a higher wage. The opportunities for better pay are totally reliant on the length of time you stay in the business and your work habits. For the most part, success of failure is on the back of the driver. No company can force a driver to work. He must be motivated to do his job without someone standing over his shoulder. Some people are not comfortable working without supervision.

Just look at me. I'm in it for the money, and I'm a miserable SOB.:lol:


I disagree. I hate this profession, yet I've been doing it for almost 12 years now. Then again, I'm a glutton for punishment. :wink:

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

1 year? yea,thats what 95% of drivers say,but oops wait,youre not even a driver yet are you? By your attitude youll probably just end up being one of those fine gentleman who you see early in the morning emptying out his urine filled gatorade bottle on the running boards,then jumping down and walking into the flying hook with his stained grey sweat pants from the buffet the previous night,white t shirt and red suspenders,going into order about 6 chimichangas and head back out on the road.

It's a lifestyle.

I have to disagree with you there GMAN.So what are you saying,a man is going to give up his sole means of supporting his family because he doesnt "enjoy" how he is doing it?Id have to disagree on that one.I know alot of drivers who would rather be doing something else,but feel trapped. Its not an easy transition to getting out.Alot of people come into this industry with a game plan to be doing something else after "x" amount of years,but as time passes by,you look around you and all your posessions are in this lil 8x10 box.You cant really actively pursue another job because youre either driving or thousands of miles away from home.So the easiest thing for you too do and the most convenient thing for you too do is just keep truckin.Almost somewhat trapped.Especially if you have no plan "b" or family who will support your decision to pursue another career.Especially if a driver has people back at home who depend on his income,I highly doubt he is going to up and leave because he doesnt "enjoy" his job.

I gave up my local job because I didn't enjoy it. Worked for the same guy for 11 years and this spring decided I wanted to try hauling oversize stuff. Almost 3 months later and I wish I would have done this years ago. I did my research and found a company that was a good fit for me. Is it more difficult being away from home? Yes. Do I regret it? No. Just as the ltl guys can't see why a driver would put up with being in an 8x10 box I can't see driving the same route day after day, that isn't for me. As far as what drivers are making if you aren't happy with what or how you are paid change jobs.

So even though you didnt enjoy it,it took you 11 years to leave..That was the point I was making

ok so i take it martendrvrca that you have grew up with me through the years, helped raised me as a kid or slept in the same bed as me for years??? if so, then you would have the right to say something like that.. but you don't!! you don't know $%^& about me to know about my attutide and how passionate i am about becoming a truck driver.. as far as i'm concerned like i told rev. Vaseline... do u have a line haul gig for me to get into?? how bout a local flatbed company?? or a Bulk Company?? just like i told him, if so please provide, if not shut the hell up!!! Like i keep saying i dont want to do OTR i don't!!! its my last damn option!!! i've searched and searched for local and regional positions and all have come back negative if i have to i will do a year, get the experience, turn 22 and see what other options are in my area for a local driver... if nothing i do it for another year or until $%@^ opens up!!

and to answer your question about being the guy who stop at the flying j.. let me switch it up for you, i'm going to be that 6'3, 280 pound large angry black guy who walks in, with a black t-shirt, demin jeans, pair of wheat timberlands and a black yankee cap, going inside getting something to drink, a snack, paying for his fuel, and getting back on the road, what is there for me at a truck stop??? do i suppose to hang out at the truck stop?? do i suppose to take pictures of trucks that looks just like mines but with different coloring and symbols??... but you do have one thing right tho, i probably will be that guy who opens his door and dumps out a bottle fill of piss, wont deny that.. i bet you won't find a driver on here who hasn't done it...

I know I've never done it. I urinate like a human being, not like some sort of animal.

You crack me up. :lol:

Do you consider yourself a "lifestyle trucker" GMAN?

Shut the hell up? Can you shut me up? Didnt think so.If you cant handle internet responses then you sure as hell couldnt handle being a driver,but you wouldnt know that because you arent one.If a few responses on this message board get u so fired up,you wouldnt make it less than 2 months otr.With lying dispatchers,shady lumpers who sometimes even forget you're waiting on your paperwork,rushing to get to that "hot" load,then when you get there they say turn on ur cb we will call u when we are ready for you.You are a ignorant little child and your vocabulary/ lack there of and inability to express yourself without foul language,speaks volumes about you and the low probability of you succeeding in anything that takes even the most miniscule of troubleshooting or patience.And is the whole "6'3,280 thing something to be intimidated by?plz.Im actually shocked that YOU are black,every brotha ive ever encountered behind the wheel is usually composed and collected,but oops,I keep forgetting, you arent even a driver.

We agree on that G. Not only are they not comfortable working without supervision, they are mostly incapable of working without supervision. Exactly the types that need to be purged from the industry. Lack of supervision is one of the perks of the job that is often lost because of the actions of the hobo/drifter types that are attracted to the trucking industry.

The current industry shake-up couldn't have come at a better time. As the Rev. is known to correctly say, 'there never was a driver shortage.' Just the undesirables/drifters hopping from job to job, hunting that (nonexistent) golden egg within the coolie carrier industry. 100%++ turnover for these type companies. Name another industry/occupation (excepting fast food) that even comes close to that number?

Not ironically, it is these same coolie carriers that are suffering the most right now. The "Hail Mary!" logistics practices that enabled these cut-rate outfits to survive are now not only impractical, but unthinkable.

It won't be long until a 'big fish' coolie carrier goes belly up. They are hemorrhaging now from the same wasteful logistics ideologies that they thrived on only months ago. The larger the coolie carrier, the less chance that they will be able to overcome their attachment to the "inefficient" business model. Their own worst enemy, so to speak. As inefficiency was their mantra. It may well be too late for many of these coolie carrier outfits.

We can only watch and hope.

Is it just me?

It's a lifestyle.[/quote]


Trucking is JOB, Hugh Hefner has a lifestyle.

I consider myself a businessman. What is a "lifestyle trucker?"

See Hawkjr for a definition. :lol:

This lack of supervision is one of the primary reasons why hourly pay will not work with otr drivers.


I agree that much of the turnover we see in the industry is from those moving from one carrier to another. There are too many who will switch jobs for a penny more per mile. At the end of the year they are probably not any better off than they would have been had they stayed at their previous job. Many leave due to not being able to get their way. Most carriers will try to get drivers home as needed. However, this is otr and it could be difficult to ALWAYS get someone home when they need to be there. There are also drivers who only want to run in a particular area. If the company doesn't keep them in that area, they move to the next carrier. The thing I see most is that there are drivers who always want things their own way. When you work for someone, you need to do things the way that they want. If you want to do things your own way then you need to buy a truck and run your own authority.



It isn't just the large carriers who are in trouble. There are many small operators who are also in trouble. I would not be surprised to see some of the larger carriers go belly up. You may see them merge to avoid going out of business.

If someone wants to do something else they will find a way. There is a high percentage of drivers who drop out during the first year. If you want to get out of trucking and find something else to do then you need to develop a plan to do it. You could take college classes on line. There are quite a few that I have seen the last few years who are pursuing a degree in this manner. Drivers have time that they waste while on the road. Rather than watching TV or getting on the internet, you could take a class or start looking for a different job. There are thousands of jobs you can check out online. We find a way to do something if we really want it badly enough. There isn't a chain attached to your steering wheel. You are free to leave at any time. The argument about not being able to afford to leave doesn't wash with those who complain about the low pay. It can't be both. There are plenty of jobs out here. You don't have to stay in trucking. I think the problem lies in paying your dues. When you change professions, there are some basics in which you will need to learn. For instance, you could get into fast food management. The down side is that you will need to start at the bottom to learn the business before you will be put into a position of responsibility. Line people don't make that much money, but managers make a good wage. There are manufacturing jobs, distribution and many other positions that are in need of good people. You could drive a forklift and load trucks rather than drive them. There are options. You don't need to stay in a job in which you are not happy.

I reread my post and shouldn't have said that I didn't enjoy it. I worked for a small four truck fleet where the emploees were treated like family. The only problem was that I had that itch to try something. Spring of 07 I told my wife that I wanted to try something different. It took about 7 months working on it a little bit at a time to find a company that I thought was what I was looking for. I started with a list and crossed names off as I found out more about each one. The hardest part was finding drivers to talk to. Recruiters will tell you what is writen down for them but drivers for the most part will be straight with you. I also came to the conclusion that I wanted to start my new job this spring so that I would have the nicer times of the year to get aquainted to this new style of trucking. I would rather learn to tarp something in the summer then try to start out doing it in the winter. Maybe I am different because I didn't change jobs because I wasn't making enough money or didn't feel appreciated or was treated like crap. I changed jobs because I had that burning desire to try something new. If I failed at it or not was going to be up to me.

Life is too short to work at a job that you don't enjoy. If you don't enjoy driving for a living, find something else that you like and do it. You will be happier and will probably excel at it more than trucking.

I love driving all across the USA a truck...probably would not be good at anything else.

But there is always this creepy feeling that these companies

really don't like us drivers.

But then it could be just my imagination ...who knows

first on bat is belpre122.. i like the fact that you went back and seen that i wrote that.. i respect that... and for your info, it turns out that they don't hire students, false info on someone behalf...

second.. i didn't come up with the term lifestyle trucker or super trucker... ask belpre and lebron?? they'll give you a defenition..

now to my new best friend Marten... you know what gets me fired up.. Ignorance!!! pure Ignorance!!! what you first said to fire me up was ignorant!! and to be real with you, odds are face to face i would shut you up.. bet that.. but to be non violent about the situation, all those things you just said about lumpers and dispatchers, and hot load.. hey maybe i will or won't.. i don't know yet cause i'm not a driver yet remember??? i just hate ignorance to a T!!!! but to say by me responding to ignorant posts by you and others by saying i won't succeed in anything??? that's just damn right stupid... but hey i dont know yet?? cause i'm driver yet right Marten?? not to mention i'm a little child?? not to mention a little child who know's something something bout the trucking industry that most drivers proabably even don't... so i tell you what, i'm just going to cut my hands off, and just be a spectator to this post until it's done.. rip me all you want.. but thank you Marten for the Motivation tho.. really appreciate...

Relax, it's a joke. Your avatar looks like you want to touch kids or something. That is one creepy lookin' pic, driver. Kinda like those paintings in the haunted house with the eyes following you.

Yeah, but tell us what kind of rates/wages you guys were pulling down back then. And don't bullshit us either because my uncle showed me his W-2 from 1982 and he made $43k that year as a company hand. Now, you fast forward 25 years and drivers aren't making much more than that -especially when you consider cost of living, inflation, etc. And industrywide length of haul is ALOT lower which means drivers are working harder doing more short/medium haul for less pay.

The reason for the coffin box sleepers was because you guys weren't out there on the highpay highway like today's drivers. Remember the song "6 Days on the Road" by Dave Dudley? That's when 6 days out was considered an eternity.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

You owe me a screen cleaning.

:roll: :roll: :lol: :lol:

If my avatar scares you I am surprised that you would be able to spend the night in a truck all by yourself. There is no need to get personal or name call just because someone won't come around to your way of thinking.

When I started driving in the early 1970's otr drivers were paid somewhere between $0.10-0.14/mile. A local driver could make about $150-250/week. I don't know where you are getting your information about drivers not staying out 30 or so years ago. Drivers stayed out just as they do today, if not longer. The main difference is most had a 36" sleeper, if they had one at all. Another is that most didn't have air conditioning in the truck. It took muscles to turn the steering wheel. We didn't have many trucks with power steering. AM radio's were the norm and not everyone had a CB. Those who did have a CB had to be licensed and identify themselves. If you used language such as is prevalent today, you would have found yourself facing criminal charges. We didn't have air ride and most trailers were 45' or shorter. West Coast drivers usually drove cab-overs due to the California length laws. Many of the main roads were not interstate. Some were 2 lane roads. We had to have a chauffeur's license instead of a CDL. Some had more than one license. If we blew a tire or had some sort of mechanical problem, we usually made the necessary repairs ourselves. I could go on, but hopefully you get the idea. Looking back, things were much more difficult back then. Pay was not as high as it is today. Yet, we managed to survive and make a decent living. We didn't have cell phones, pagers or computers. We actually had to communicate with one another face to face. If we needed to call home or the company we either called collect or use a watts line. We primarily dealt with cash for fuel. Diesel and Kerosene sold for around $0.15-0.25/gallon. Frankly, I doubt that a lot of today's drivers could survive if you took them back to that time.

GMAN! Why would anyone spend the night in a truck? :idea:

Well, I suppose you could sleep in your trailer or hang a hammock underneath your trailer. Personally, I prefer sleeping in the truck. Of course, you could rent a motel room for the night, but it will take a bite out of your pay.

Almost 40 years later and it went up 20cents on avg.

Oh boy your making a killing now a days :lol: :lol:

Uh....

That's 30 years...not 40....

and the average has more than tripled....

I think all that union stuff has gotten to your head.... :D

And...to stir the pot a bit more...

Many large carriers aren't even in any trouble...my company is actually expanding to fill the void left by those going under....

the other day, I saw a crete ad advertising how they are expanding in the current market, while others aren't doing so well...

From what i've seen, those carriers who are managed well seem to be prospering in this economic climate, while those who aren't are being driven under....