Truck Driving
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 82
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Truck Driving
How many of you out there drive rigs for a living? I am looking for a career, and lousy color vision keeps me from most fields that interest me with the exception of a few. Where do you learn how to drive, how much can I make, (starting pay and highest), what do you like or dislike about it? Any info would be appreciated, thanks.
Chris
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 710
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Truck Driving
My friends father drives truck. He says the best is Wal-mart, they have the best pay and med and dental. They are hard to get a job though, they only really want experience. You can get about about 16 or 17 cents a mile more depending on what company, and how much the rate is for that company. If you can get your Haz-mat qualification I would say get that, your pay would increase dramatically. The problem is having a understanding wife or you may be kinda lonely unless you truck with a partner. It can be an alright job there are just a few risks with it. Company loyalty is huge, so DON'T SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE, about another truckers company, and if they say anything to uou let it slide, there have been quite a few people killed over this. Just make sure you check out and apply at all the companies for the best choice. If you go for it have fun.
CJ
CJ
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 260
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From: Conyers,Ga.
Truck Driving
I drive a rig. I've been driving for 32 years. If I had it to do over again I'd probably get a job flipping hamburgers at Burger King. If you want a job where your never home. Have dispatchers that constantly lie to you, Have customers that want you to unload and stack their freight for free, If you like eating at and standing in line for showers at truck stops, This may be a job for you. 
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Allegan Michigan
Truck Driving
Look into driving for a local trucking company like the ones that haul sand and gravel. with something like you get a lot of over time in the summer and time off in the winter. The nice thing is you are home every night. One thing I found is that when you are on the road you can come to hate your job in a big hurry and I only did it part time for a few years. Unless it is in your blood. I always thaught it would be fun being on the road until I got there.
Just my thaughts.
Just my thaughts.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 56
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From: Newport News USA
Truck Driving
I drove a truck over the road for a few months last year. I thought I would love it. Open road, no one telling me what to do, work at my own pace. What I found was not to my liking. Dispacthers unhappy no matter what i did, living in a closet sized space for two weeks at a time, and generally unhappy. The money wasn't bad, but i wasn't happy.
I found plenty of drivers who loved the job, I just wasn't one of them. I stongly recommend researching fully local jobs.
Thanx
Soujar
I found plenty of drivers who loved the job, I just wasn't one of them. I stongly recommend researching fully local jobs.
Thanx
Soujar
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 82
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Truck Driving
Thanks for the info guys, it's nice to hear the good and bad for a change. I guess I have some pondering to do before I decide. Anybody know a Swedish Bikini Team that needs a manager?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,098
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From: CA
Truck Driving
Funny you should ask. I am the oil boy on one right now and we're looking for a good manager. I'll put in a good word for you. But be warned, you're going to be up to your elbows in beautiful women.
Okay back to reality....
You might trying looking into a job as a longshoreman if you're near a major port. They're union of course, but it's a really good job. I have a friend who's a longshoreman in Seattle and he does REAL well. and he does almost no work. IE, he had 45 minutes to kill to give me a tour of the ship they were loading.
Okay back to reality....
You might trying looking into a job as a longshoreman if you're near a major port. They're union of course, but it's a really good job. I have a friend who's a longshoreman in Seattle and he does REAL well. and he does almost no work. IE, he had 45 minutes to kill to give me a tour of the ship they were loading.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 788
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From: CHEESELAND, USA
Truck Driving
Truck driving comes with alot of baggage. Overweight, out of hours, and of course you are at fault till proven inocent, which never happens. Living on little or no sleep. Getting home whenever. Seldom being able to make commitments. Local driving can be better but dealing with traffic and low bridges and accidents daily grows old fast. Try and find a career where a somewhat normal lifestyle is and you can be with family and friends. Yes you do make good money but sometimes that isn't so important. Remember doing what you enjoy no matter what you make is better than going to work hating it. I just wonder why I still drive/own a truck.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 148
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From: Charlotte
Truck Driving
Why don't you look into doing local courier for a while? I've been a contract (owner/operator) driver for a local courier company for the last four years. I drive a little Ford Ranger and I love waking up and going to work. If you're in or near a good sized city you should be able to find companies listed under "Delivery Services" in the Yellow Pages. They are always looking for drivers (yes, there is a high turnover, this job is not for everyone). But it's worth checking out to see if you like driving for a living.
CB
CB
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