anyone know anything about being a truck mechanic ? thats what I wanna be
I know that if you go to their websites alot of trucking companies have info for shop guys and office pogs too.
I worked in Swift's Ocala, FL shop for a while when I was getting burned out behind the wheel. (Trained as a diesel mechanic before I got my CDL). My ex is a shop foreman for a major carrier as well... what are you wanting to know?
I, too, was a diesel wrench for 7 years before I quit procrastinating and got my CDL-A's.
It's not a bad gig, but driving was my ultimate goal.....wrenching was a way to keep me in the industry until I made the decision.
One bit of advice I'd like to pass along, if you're brand-new to diesel/heavy truck repair and/or wrenching in general(disregard if this doesn't apply)...
Don't make the mistake of going in debt to the tool trucks(Snap-On, Mac, etc).....Craftsman tools do the job just as well, and cost considerably less. True, there are some specialty tools that can only be obtained from the tool trucks, but I've seen many a new mechanic/tech get eyeballs-deep in debt to these guys....trust me, they may be a little fancier, but they won't do the job any better.....
Good luck in your search, hope all goes well....
1st.)
Go down to the "Truck Maintenance Forum; Re-post your thread there, and you might even more replies!!.
2nd.)
Check with your local Community College District.
3rd.)
An excellent bet would be through various branches of The Military.
That way, you get paid to train, hands on experience, and have a track record of experience when you get out!!
I was a light and heavy wheeled mechanic in the Army. Being a Mechanic is a n okay job, but there are lots of things that get old after a while. Burning your hands, breaking your knuckles, come backs, stuff that just doesn't want to cooperate start to get really old. You can make a great living if you stick with it.
