Newbie
 

This is my situation. I am 29 yrs old, have been a financial advisor for 6 yrs now, make a 6 digit income and have all the toys ive ever wanted. Most people would kill to be where I am at, but now, I am willing to give it all up to be a long hauler. I do not want to do it for the money obviously, I just want to be on the road driving a big rig (hopefully my own some day) traveling all over.

I have no kids, no wife, and I am giving up everything I own so I have no liabilities. I really want to have a truck I own. My question is this...once I get my CDL, I will be in a position to buy a newer truck cash and have 100 to 200k in the bank in addition to owning my own truck.

All the reading I have been doing tells me I should work a min. of 6 months to a year before I even consider buying my own truck and being an o/o.

If you were in my position and could start over again, what would you suggest doing...besides seeing a shrink :)

Re: Newbie
 

Make an appointment with shrink! :lol: :wink:

I have heard that alot recently. I am a person that never wants to say could have, should have. I do not know if the grass is greener on the other side, but at least I can say I saw it.

People always want what they can't have, I have it and don't want it any more.

Re: Newbie
 

Have you considered the Priesthood?


As they say "How do you end up with a million dollars in the trucking business?

You start with 2 million".



Stay in your current position.

I love what I do. I don't have to drive a truck, I could go back to work in an office and make as much or more than I do now, but I don't ever see it happening.... so I don't think you absolutely need to see a shrink. :wink:

Since you have a good financial background, you have a good shot of at least enjoying the experience, even if it's a huge cut in pay for you.

I'd suggest a year of learning before you jump in to owning. Collect LOTS of research and real world experience and figures for your business plan.

Also a well defined line where you'll quit if it doesn't pan out, that's IF you actually like it out here and wind up buying.

Fact of the matter is this, and in no means am I trying to be cocky, I just have a goal.

I want to drive a truck, be on the road, not care how long I am away for. I am going to be in the industry and eventually be good at it.

So I would appreciate some real info. besides staying where I am at. I know you mean well so do not think I dont appreciate please.

Truckdobe, thanks. At worst case scenario, I can always go back and keep doing what I am doing.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal, its the courage to continue that counts someone once told me.

Any idea on the best possible school to go to and company to start someone like me with?

Molson,

If you have a Series 7 it's getting harder to park because if the E&O. Go for it. Sandy Weill didn't make it big by working for Amex.

Bingo! (although, sometimes failure can be fatal if you're working with explosives :shock: )

Go for it, you only live once. If you don't like it go back to what you were doing, no big deal.

I did what you want to do and having a blast. Making good money also.

i dont know if anyone else would agree with me but the first year is the hardest, im 28 own my own truck/trailer and all that good stuff i started driving the week after i turned 21, i left college early, people told me i was dumb but ive never regreted my decision, but at the time i left i had 1 kid(have 3 now) and it was hard being gone, but some1 in your situation with no one at home to worry about should do good,,,,,, let us know how it goes

I'd rather be hauling RVs then driving a truck.

Molson, I think you should do what makes you happy. There are a lot of us who do this because we CHOOSE to do it. Many of us could do as well or better doing something else, but have made a decision to drive a truck. I suggest driving for a company for at least a year or two before buying a truck. First, most of the better companies will require a minimum of 1-2 years of otr driving experience before they will offer you a lease. Second, you may not enjoy doing this every day. It is much easier to walk away when you don't have a major investment at stake. You could do as Steve and a few others have done. They had no driving experience but decided to get their authority rather than working for a company. Some have not made it. The jury is still out on some of the others. Again, some will make it regardless of the odds. There is a lot more to being successful in this business other than buying a truck.

Good to hear, congrats, seriously.

I dropped out of high schoool (everyone told me I was dumb)
Worked in sheet metal then ran the shop for 5 years making a great income for a 21 yr old. Decided to quit that job, sell everything, move back with mom and dad to pursue the financial services. (everone told me I was dumb)

I am now a partner in a financial firm, have a great career which allows and has allowed me to have everything I have ever wanted.

I look back at my decisions and never regreted them for a second. Even if I did not make it in sheet metal, at least I tried and have no regrets.

Even if I did not make it in financial services, at least I tried and would never wonder what if.

Thanks bud and I will keep you up to date on the progress. I will tell you, I am taking it very slow and making sure all my ducks are in order.

So I have heard...can anyone give me a suggestion of good companies to look at that will give me good experience. I am not worried about the money, want to be a good trucker.

It can depend on where you live. Swift, Roehl, Schneider, Millis, CRST are a few who come to mind. All have training available. I would suggest paying for your own training and then go with a carrier. If you go through one of the company training programs they will expect you to stay with them for up to a year. I believe CRST only requires a 6 months commitment. You can check the company listings on this forum and see the requirements for most of the larger companies. I have never gone through one of the training programs. They didn't have those when I started. :wink:

If I said large cars, who would you say?

Peterbilt (379) and Kenworth (W900). Large cars usually refer to the large or long hoods.

are there companies that are more geared to that type of truck for getting experience?

Sorry to ask so many questions, and thanks for the help. Just trying to get the most info. Knowledge is power.

Most of the training companies have Freightliners and Volvo's. Some have Internationals. Most carriers who have Pete's and KW's want experienced drivers.

Newbie
 

Since money is not an issue,and you think you want to be a long haul
truck driver let me tell you a story, I am 56 years old, retired, 3 years ago one of my sons thought he wanted to be a truck driver, I sent him to
a trucking school and he got his CDL class A license and the same school
got him a job with a carrier @ $300.00 per week as co driver of an Owner/Operator (3000 miles per week) he did not like and asked me if I could get him a truck and carrier authority which I did I got him a 1999 Freightliner Century and a 1997 Hunday 53` dray van, got the MC #, insurance and every thing to star hauling, we live at the border with Mexico and I have contacts with the Maquiladora Industry and got him a
dedicated route from Mc Allen,TX to Detroit MI hauling auto parts made in Mexico, well his truck driving vocation lasted for about 3 months before he
started missing his friends,girl friend and week end parties, so one day he just told me he was not driving any more and parked the truck and went back to his office job (he is an universal waste handler) for a ship breaking company, there was 22 months $1000.00 payment for the truck
plus a smaller payment for the van which he agreed to cover until we could sale the rig, then one night I decided I was going to drive that rig,next morning enrrollled to trucking school 6 week later got my CDL, the dedicated route was too mouch for me and bought a 8 car high mount trailer and started running hauling cars just in Texas, right now I have over 200,000 accident free driven miles, so if you have the money,get your CDL, buy your truck, and start driving it does not take a rocket cientific to be a good safe driver since your first day solo in the road

Newbie
 

Since money is not an issue,and you think you want to be a long haul
truck driver let me tell you a story, I am 56 years old, retired, 3 years ago one of my sons thought he wanted to be a truck driver, I sent him to
a trucking school and he got his CDL class A license and the same school
got him a job with a carrier @ $300.00 per week as co driver of an Owner/Operator (3000 miles per week) he did not like and asked me if I could get him a truck and carrier authority which I did I got him a 1999 Freightliner Century and a 1997 Hunday 53` dray van, got the MC #, insurance and every thing to star hauling, we live at the border with Mexico and I have contacts with the Maquiladora Industry and got him a
dedicated route from Mc Allen,TX to Detroit MI hauling auto parts made in Mexico, well his truck driving vocation lasted for about 3 months before he
started missing his friends,girl friend and week end parties, so one day he just told me he was not driving any more and parked the truck and went back to his office job (he is an universal waste handler) for a ship breaking company, there was 22 months $1000.00 payment for the truck
plus a smaller payment for the van which he agreed to cover until we could sale the rig, then one night I decided I was going to drive that rig,next morning enrrollled to trucking school 6 week later got my CDL, the dedicated route was too mouch for me and bought a 8 car high mount trailer and started running hauling cars just in Texas, right now I have over 200,000 accident free driven miles, so if you have the money,get your CDL, buy your truck, and start driving it does not take a rocket cientific to be a good safe driver since your first day solo in the road

Newbie
 

Since money is not an issue,and you think you want to be a long haul
truck driver let me tell you a story, I am 56 years old, retired, 3 years ago one of my sons thought he wanted to be a truck driver, I sent him to
a trucking school and he got his CDL class A license and the same school
got him a job with a carrier @ $300.00 per week as co driver of an Owner/Operator (3000 miles per week) he did not like and asked me if I could get him a truck and carrier authority which I did I got him a 1999 Freightliner Century and a 1997 Hunday 53` dray van, got the MC #, insurance and every thing to star hauling, we live at the border with Mexico and I have contacts with the Maquiladora Industry and got him a
dedicated route from Mc Allen,TX to Detroit MI hauling auto parts made in Mexico, well his truck driving vocation lasted for about 3 months before he
started missing his friends,girl friend and week end parties, so one day he just told me he was not driving any more and parked the truck and went back to his office job (he is an universal waste handler) for a ship breaking company, there was 22 months $1000.00 payment for the truck
plus a smaller payment for the van which he agreed to cover until we could sale the rig, then one night I decided I was going to drive that rig,next morning enrrollled to trucking school 6 week later got my CDL, the dedicated route was too mouch for me and bought a 8 car high mount trailer and started running hauling cars just in Texas, right now I have over 200,000 accident free driven miles, so if you have the money,get your CDL, buy your truck, and start driving it does not take a rocket cientific to be a good safe driver since your first day solo in the road

Sorry
 

Sorry for the redundancy, old computer freezing

I didn't quite understand your last post Ghost. Could you please repeat it?

It takes dedication and extensive research
 

I bought a cargo van after CDL school because I didn't want to drive OTR with a company.My E350 was used for both expediting and courier and I was usually home everyday.I did this for one year and then took a CDL refresher course at a technical college.I went and bought my truck from truckpaper, I started hauling containers for 6 months and then signed on with Landstar.I hauled dry van with this truck for 9 months and just switched over to a stepdeck after taking their securement class.My first load with a stepdeck is this coming wednedsay.The agent said it's a TANK.
"hey forklift driver, do I strap this thing with a chain or the 13 straps I have"?"Can I also put some bungees around here"? LOL!!!!!!!!!!
If you put your mind to it you will make it.

I use a fresh new roll of clothes line rope on every load. I want to be extra safe and not risk old frayed rope.

First off the bat, put 100 grand in an IRA and never think about touching it again till your 65. Then you can mess up and still have a nice nest egg.
But don't use it no matter what! I say go for it. You are single. I do agree to go to a company and drive a little. Even if it's just for a couple weeks or months. You should know right away if it's for you. If you are a knucklehead behind the wheel don't do it. Some people just can't drive, others are naturals. You must have a wise head on your shoulders.
Then go out and get help from someone finding a decent truck if you don't have the knowledge. I have nothing against what Steve did. I have respect for what he did and I don't even know him. I just think a little bit of company driving won't kill you. I know how we all like instant gradification. Good Luck.

If he is currently a financial advisor making six figures, I'm guessing he has that IRA thing all figured out.

[quote="azcardnlz"]You can't put 100 grand in an IRA all at once either. Whatever the limits, put in all you can and let it grow. That's what I do.

Did not understad
 

I can write it in Spanish if you need, lol

Open question - Doesn't Werner have only flathood trucks and don't they train? Or some company? Can't remember for sure.

Why ruin the dream by driving for a company? Buy a long nose Pete and a trailer and go trucking. You stand the best chance of enjoying it if you are a carrier.

Everything I read tells me it's near impossible to get jobs without time behind the wheel? I don't mind starting with the low paying ones, I know I have to pay my dues or gain some trust. Nothing is impossible but don't you think I would have a hard time?

If for some reason I did go that route, what would be the best way to start finding jobs?

Well, you can be like Steve Booth and just do it. No experience necessary. He even learned how to give himself his own drug tests. :shock:


Trial by fire, it's not for everyone.

Molson... do you know what kind of OTR driving you want to do? Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed?

If flatbed and you like the 'hoods' check out TMC. They'll take newbies and most of the tractors are long nose Petes. There's also a thread on CAD about TMC. Good luck!
http://www.tmctrans.com/driversC.asp

Thanks I saw that, I am thinking dry van though. Let me ask though, as a newbie, is it better to start flatbed to get experience securing the load?

Then if I want, go to dry van? Or if I want to do dry van, just start with that?

Yup, so simple even a caveman can do it.

Seems like we need some deinitions.

Truck Driver
a.k.a. the company driver, someone who drives someone elses truck.

Owner/Operator:
Someone, usually a former company driver that has bought or leased his own truck. After doing so, he has leased this truck or trucks exclusively to a trucking company. The truck now operates only for the company, under the companies Motor Carrier authority (a.k.a. MC#). Theoretically, the owner may elect to hire a driver for his truck, but not usually enough money in the venture to make this idea profitable.

Carrier
Can be a Motor Carrier or a Private Carrier.

A Motor Carrier is a trucking company. Slso known as "having your own authority". An entity or person that owns it's truck or trucks and usually trailer or trailers and is in the business of moving other people's stuff.

A Private Carrier is a company that owns it's own trucks and does it's own trucking. They have a USDOT# but no MC#. Cannot pull anything they do not own.

As a carrier, you are responsible for finding your own loads, dispatching, maitenance, billing, collecting, filing IFTA, dealing with the DOT, dealing with the FMCSA, drug testing, routing, fuel puchases, truck purchases......everything.

Can have one truck like Steve or many trucks like Schneider.

With your money, I say be a Motor Carrier. As a carrier, you do not look for jobs...you look for loads. Take advantage of the freedom that your money allows. Besides...a well capitalized carrier can turn down cheap frieght.

:lol:

You know.....I hesitated to say anything here, tho as a new authority O/op and former big Co. trainer I am a good canditae
1. Because the question I feared most out of my trainee's lips was, a heartfelt question about, 'whats this buiz really like?'
Usually got only silence from me as a response.
2. Usually they had decided they knew more then me anyway, so I could stall them an answer a long as I culd :D

I remember as a new student breaking in myself about 15 years ago,,,,,my trainer explained, ;this is the brotherhood of truckers, n we help each other as much as possoble.'

Well i remember thinking, 'coolness....this is a buiz i think ill like.'

Then i started hearing about the new breed of truckers....just out for themselves.....a far cry from the professionalism i see from g-man.
N one has to only listen to the CB a few minutes n see that dream is dead....there is no more camelot!!!!!!!!!!!Weve been definitly thrown out of the garden of eden by too many idiots out here.

Well my friend, if you ignore most of the advice telling you dont do it.......The best advice I can tell you is or give you as a former trainer is how to deal with scales cuz any time out here you can n WILL be called in.

1. be tottaly upfront ande open about who you are and what your background is. After the scalemaster quits LAUGHING hysterically and has thouroughly checked your cab for drugs.....I quarantee he will cut you more of a brake then he does say me and will actually be symphethetic n helpfull.