I used to drive back in the military..but that has been about 6 years ago driving a cab over with APU. So I'm basically starting over. The last backing I did was with a yard truck. I have a job now working for a school system, but money is always coming up as to whether they hold on to people or not. I'm not an educator..basically a grunt that sets up equipment for proms and graduations and fixes teachers computers for them on occasion. It's an 'OK' gig..I only make about 15 an hour. I do get weekends off, but when you're living paycheck to paycheck trying to live on 200.00 left in the bank...the weekends hardly matter lol. Plus I'm very tired working around teachers...they send to see everything in a world of theory and not practicality..in other words, they wonder why things up and break and then wonder why you haven't fixed it 2 days before it broke.
I guess that's why I like driving more than anything I've ever done..yeah you got to phone people and talk to people at the shipping windows..but those times when its just you and no one else...I live for that.
I was planning on attending a local driving school in Sevierville, TN and then hope to get picked up by one of the several companies that come out there each week recruiting..I secretly love skateboards..don't mind tarping..so TMC, McElroy, etc. are some of the ones I've had my eye on.
My questions are:
1. Do most companies try to pressure you into breaking log hours in order to get a load somewhere? I want to do this, but I don't want to break the law doing it.
2. I'll be 100% truthfull...I'm built like a football player 6', 280lbs...I used to weight lift but thats been a few years ago. I have passed physicals before..but do DOT physicals instantly see weight as a no-go?
3. How exactly do these companies get you home when it comes time to do so? Do they to hook you up with a load going back that way or do you just stop and drive deadhead back home and start all over?
4. Are there any advantages to finding a trucking company to work for that is based out of your home state?
Sorry for the epic life story/long post..thanks in advance.