Thinking about joining the trucking industry.

[higherbrainpattern]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading some of postings on this forum every once in a while for the past few years, but never posted or registered until now.

I've been thinking about becoming a truck driver for past 5 years or so, but for one reason or another always delayed taking any immediate action. I've always been interested in becoming a truck driver since I was a teenager. I'm a loner who have very few friends and relatives and am unattached with no children, so I think this may be helpful as far as the trucking lifestyle is concern.

I'm 24 years old and recently separated from the military. My mother suggested I continue my education through the GI Bill and complete my bachelors degree to open additional doors than pursue trucking if I like. I've thought about putting college on hold and attend a truck driving school near home and return to college if things don't pan out. I'm constantly debating whether I should pursue something I enjoy but poses risks (driving) or whether to take the safer route by going to school and and complete a major I no longer have an interest in only to be stuck in a 9-5 mundane office job which I would hate but provide consistent pay and security.

Well anyways, I have a few questions before taking any initial steps. I don't know how often you receive questions similar in nature, so I apologize in advance if some the questions have already been addressed in another thread.

1) Is there a website that provides reviews about truck driving schools in my immediate area?

I tried yelp and other similar sites, but have found nothing in particular about the school I'm interested in. Every school will fluff all the pros of joining their school and sweep the cons under the rug, but I'm looking for a site that can provide an objective review of the school. If such a site is not available what kind of questions should I asked the recruiters to avoid being taken for a ride. This school is a privately operated if that helps.

2) How steep is the learning curve of operating a manual transmission?

I understand that straight drive transmissions are the norm in the industry with some exceptions and I'm more than willing to learn in order to be more versatile. However, I've never driven a stick shift in my life and am worried that I may not be able to adapt to it quickly. Is it extremely difficult when you have never operated this type of transmission or something that can be learned through out training. The same question can also apply to backing a trailer as these two aspects give me the most anxiety of all.

3) Is 24 too young to even think about driving tractor trailer? And will any trucking company take the gamble on a young novice driver?

I've heard from a few people that most companies won't even look at you unless you are at least 25 years old and have 1-2 OTR experience due to insurance reasons. I'm more than willing to work for any major OTR company anywhere in the country just for the experience and look for better offers after the 1-2 year mark; however, I don't want to waste my time going to school and continue to deliver pizza's because I'm too young and lack the experience to work anywhere?

4) Is there anything else I should know about the trucking industry before I even attempt to go for a permit?

I've just just devoured 3 books that gave the low down on the trucking providing both the good, the bad, and the ugly of the trucking industry. I hope to know if there is anything I should be aware of before considering driving a truck for a living. A lot of you guys have hundreds of thousands of miles behind the wheel and have wisdom that a person like myself would see as invaluable. I look forward to any input that you guys can provide.

[bungafoo]

Originally Posted by higherbrainpattern

Hello everyone,

I'm 24 years old and recently separated from the military. My mother suggested I continue my education through the GI Bill and complete my bachelors degree to open additional doors than pursue trucking if I like. I've thought about putting college on hold and attend a truck driving school near home and return to college if things don't pan out. I'm constantly debating whether I should pursue something I enjoy but poses risks (driving) or whether to take the safer route by going to school and and complete a major I no longer have an interest in only to be stuck in a 9-5 mundane office job which I would hate but provide consistent pay and security.

Originally Posted by higherbrainpattern

First off..allow me to say that you express yourself, in writing, in a very admirable way. Your mother sounds like an equally admirable and wise lady.

Well anyways, I have a few questions before taking any initial steps. I don't know how often you receive questions similar in nature, so I apologize in advance if some the questions have already been addressed in another thread.

1) Is there a website that provides reviews about truck driving schools in my immediate area?

Moot point.

I tried yelp and other similar sites, but have found nothing in particular about the school I'm interested in. Every school will fluff all the pros of joining their school and sweep the cons under the rug, but I'm looking for a site that can provide an objective review of the school. If such a site is not available what kind of questions should I asked the recruiters to avoid being taken for a ride. This school is a privately operated if that help

At your young age, I would seek out the least expensive school that would result in my obtaining a cdl since your driving future will not depend on the school but the real world training you will receive when accepted as a trainee, for probably a thug company, that accepts you.

2) How steep is the learning curve of operating a manual transmission?

I understand that straight drive transmissions are the norm in the industry with some exceptions and I'm more than willing to learn in order to be more versatile. However, I've never driven a stick shift in my life and am worried that I may not be able to adapt to it quickly. Is it extremely difficult when you have never operated this type of transmission or something that can be learned through out training. The same question can also apply to backing a trailer as these two aspects give me the most anxiety of all.

This leads me to believe you are female since I can't imagine a 24 yr old male not being familiar with shift patterns and apprehensive about backing a trailer.

3) Is 24 too young to even think about driving tractor trailer? And will any trucking company take the gamble on a young novice driver?

I've heard from a few people that most companies won't even look at you unless you are at least 25 years old and have 1-2 OTR experience due to insurance reasons. I'm more than willing to work for any major OTR company anywhere in the country just for the experience and look for better offers after the 1-2 year mark; however, I don't want to waste my time going to school and continue to deliver pizza's because I'm too young and lack the experience to work anywhere?

By the time they turn you loose you will be 25 and welcomed by many to come join them so they can train you THEIR WAY

4) Is there anything else I should know about the trucking industry before I even attempt to go for a permit?

Most everything you should know is available in the archives of this forum.

I've just just devoured 3 books that gave the low down on the trucking providing both the good, the bad, and the ugly of the trucking industry. I hope to know if there is anything I should be aware of before considering driving a truck for a living. A lot of you guys have hundreds of thousands of miles behind the wheel and have wisdom that a person like myself would see as invaluable. I look forward to any input that you guys can provide.

I think the most important attributes necessary for becoming a successful otr driver can only be answered by you ;

a.) Do you have relatively quick reflexes ?

b.) Are you masochistic enough to accept the extreme conditions, punishment and very undesirable situations you will encounter ?

c.) Are you, at least, a little mechanically inclined ?..the more..the better.

Your consideration for others is noted here and would be welcomed by the professionals already on the road.

[mssmith]

You are the perfect age to begin truck driving...DO NOT pay for your training, there is absolutely no reason to do that..drive for a big company and they will train you. The training is better, because you will be driving their vehicle, they will train you right. Even if you train your self or pay for it your self, your still going to be a rookie and at the lower end of the pay scale, won't help you get a job. By going the company route you know you have a job before you train, pass training your working...It is a necessary evil. Yes you will be paid poorly, yes you will work your a$$ off, but the training will be free and after two years or so, you can write your ticket.

I remember my father telling me once you get your CDL you'll never be out of a job...he was absolutely right, I never have. There are plenty of companies that do their own training, they all need drivers and they all are hiring, and they are all about the same, pick one you like, JB Hunt, Schneider, PAM transport, Stevens, they are all the same, if you think their trucks are pretty go for it, at 24 they will all hire you. You will have to drive for them for usually a year or own them for the school. But once that is done and you are accident free and have a year or two under your belt, life gets much better as well as the pay and equipment, and you can then pick and choose a better company, or you may like where your at and stay, you will still be paid more, but not much....

Driving is not that hard, every one worries about the driving part, and the gear shifting, that is the least of your worries, training takes care of that part, it's the mental part that separates drivers from wanna be drivers and you won't know that until you actually do it for awhile. People can tell stories from now until the cows come home, but until you live it, you just don't know.

All I can tell you is IF you are considering this for just a paycheck, find another career because you won't last, I promise you. You have to love driving, this is a life style and once it gets in your blood, you'll never stop, and once your driving for awhile you will want your own truck, that is when it gets FUN...lol...good luck too you, keep us posted.

[bungafoo]

I still think of you highbrainpattern and I'm curious as to what you decided.

Also, part of my response troubles me :

This leads me to believe you are female since I can't imagine a 24 yr old male not being familiar with shift patterns and apprehensive about backing a trailer.

The truth is I was also apprehensive about My backing (the box trailer) for the first 4 or 5 years especially and still was when I backed my last trailer after 17 years of practice.

I appreciated your very well composed post and maybe you willl update us ?

[juno_hoo]

Something tells me that HBP was a one-post wonder and has never returned to check responses. HBP could be one of those people who already made up their mind that trucking was the way to go and was looking for confirmation, rather than information. How many times have we seen that over the years?

IMO, trucking nowadays isn't even an option if HBP truly has higher brain power. Consider the options and related benefits:

College -- used to be a no-brainer, right? A degree in anything was a ticket to easystreet but those days are long gone. It is now easier to offshore many skilled jobs and more than a few people with degrees are gracing mom and dad's sofa... I'm not hinting that the right kind of college degree might be the way to go, but a person must think long term and proceed accordingly, even it the GI Bill picks up the tab. Who would have thought that a CPA or architect's job could have been offshored so easily a couple of decades ago?

Trucking -- So easy a caveman can do it (and some are) but that's the problem isn't it? The guy who was toting the "Will work for food" sign a year or two ago is today's professional bigrigger.

When the economy tanked in '07 every other blue collar industry provided a tsunami of new meat in the seat and that hungry enormous pool of available (cheap) labor doesn't bode well for anyone expecting great pay and bennies in trucking. That won't change until the economy perks up and that isn't going to happen for years because we vote stupid.

I'm betting that HBP called a few companies and inquired about the pay/benefit package. Let's see, pay, rock bottom and it has been for years. Healthcare? Crappy to nonexistent. Retirement? Well, a 24 year old could probably expect 50 years of trucking and then be found dead in his sleeper berth. Some retirement...

I realize that HBP will never see this, but I think he/she already walked away from the best option -- at least until a clear career path pops up. He/she would only have to serve another 16 years in the military to receive lifetime health care and retirement together with pretty decent pay over the years. If the previous military job sukced, another enlistment could guarantee a new career field offering better opportunities.

There is always the possibility that HBP got tossed out and/or is barred from reenlistment, but of the three options the choice seems obvious to me. Personally, I hate to see young, bright people with options in trucks.

[bungafoo]

My Army recruiter, when I was 17, advised me to go in the Air Force or Navy.

Good advice that I didn't listen to and wound up in "line" outfits..Artillery then Infantry.

A very large percentage of soldiers back then were draftees..serve their two years and get the hell out.

A common phrase was "I'd rather pick s--t with the chickens.

Good advice for all young people..serve a hitch then decide for yourself if you want to stay.

Age 18 to 38 is a lifetime in the minds of most young people and those with a bit of intelligence and backbone would rather accept life's challenges than surrender their freedom for three squares and a (barracks) roof over their head..or in some cases..a foxhole.

I am in contact with many veterans connected to the V.A. hospital located in my hometown and though they are not necessarily retirees, their disease racked bodies at a premature age, are not worth whatever "Uncle Sugar" gives them.

[chadjb72]

Hey all! I have also been thinking of getting in the drivers seat. I have started some training when I lived in WI with Roehl Transport, but due to situations at home, I had to jump out only a week into the program. I learned a lot in that week and would give anything to go back and finish with Roehl, but I am now living in FL. 2 weeks ago I spoke with a recruiter from Roadmaster schools. He told me my options and also gave me info on how to get Obama to pay for the training.

Have any of you gone through your training with Roadmaster? And are they a good school?

The recruiter said when I complete the school, and even before, I can have a job all lined up and get started right away. Then he spoke of how some places are offering sign on bonuses. One was as high as $6000.00.

One thing that has me wondering about trucking is....When the wife and I take road trips and after 2-3 days of driving, we get that motion sickness feeling. Is that not as much of an issue in the big truck due to being higher up from the road? Not sure that would be a factor in the cause of it.

Either way, The wife and I appreciate all your hard work as drivers. Thank you.

[juno_hoo]

Hey all! I have also been thinking of getting in the drivers seat. I have started some training when I lived in WI with Roehl Transport, but due to situations at home, I had to jump out only a week into the program. I learned a lot in that week and would give anything to go back and finish with Roehl, but I am now living in FL. 2 weeks ago I spoke with a recruiter from Roadmaster schools. He told me my options and also gave me info on how to get Obama to pay for the training.

I believe Obama stopped paying for driving school and it is now the US taxpayer who pays. If the outcome is a gainfully employed new taxpayer, I'm all for it. On the other hand, if the US taxpayer doesn't pay for it we could very well have more unemployed people paying no tax at all and depending on the government for assistance... Not good.

Have any of you gone through your training with Roadmaster? And are they a good school?

I had one acquaintance who attended the Roadmaster school long ago and said it was pretty comprehensive. The simple fact is, the school makes little difference providing the student gets a CDL in the end and that is the sole purpose of the schools. They are not intended to provide a "finished driver" ready to hit the road. You'll learn more in your first week on the road (even with the worst trainer) than you did the entire time you were in school. At the end of your first month on the road, you'll be amazed at just how little you learned in school.

Best bet is to shop for the cheapest school approved by the companies in your area. Call them and ask. Don't overlook community colleges since they often provide the most bang for the buck.

The recruiter said when I complete the school, and even before, I can have a job all lined up and get started right away. Then he spoke of how some places are offering sign on bonuses. One was as high as $6000.00.

Recruiters are salesmen in the business of selling you on something. Call the "places" and ask questions.

One thing that has me wondering about trucking is....When the wife and I take road trips and after 2-3 days of driving, we get that motion sickness feeling. Is that not as much of an issue in the big truck due to being higher up from the road? Not sure that would be a factor in the cause of it.

I'm no expert on motion sickness and never experienced it. I do wonder why it takes 2-3 days to kick in since it apparently has to do with your inner ear and should effect you as soon as you start in motion. Have you tried Dramamine?

If anything, I'd think that a truck would be more likely to aggravate motion sickness. It's about geometry and since you sit higher in the air the movement of the truck would be magnified. Trucks don't ride like Buicks...

Either way, The wife and I appreciate all your hard work as drivers. Thank you.

What hard work? Dollar for dollar, trucking is the easiest available job on the planet. Actually, it's too easy and your health can suffer if you're not motivated to exercise a little and watch your diet.

We do wish you luck.

[chadjb72]

Thanks for your reply Juno Hoo. I was doing some digging and found that Knight Transport has training within the company and then you can drive for that company. If they are as good as Roehl was doing for me, I might look in that direction.
As far as the Obama thing goes, thanks for the heads up on that. I will be sure to check that out better.
I have used Dramamine for motion sickness when out deep sea fishing. works well out there.
As far as your hard work goes...dealing with the idiot 4-wheelers, crabby shippers / recievers, breakdowns, and the BS fuel prices. Why does the Gasoline price drop and Deisel seems to stay above 4.00 a gal? Here in Ft Myers area, gas is down to 3.65 a gal and deisel is still at 4.13 a gal. Has been for a while now. Anyway, have a great day and drive safe.

[juno_hoo]

As far as your hard work goes...dealing with the idiot 4-wheelers, crabby shippers / recievers, breakdowns, and the BS fuel prices.

I think if we drive defensively and expect some (certainly not all) 4-wheelers to do silly things, it's a non-problem. We're supposedly the pros so we automatically drive defensively and avoid bad situations before they even happen.

As for crabby shippers/receivers, again, I smile, realize that I probably won't see them again for years and it's another non-problem. There is no way in hell that I'll let some dropout on a forklift ruin my day, but the choice is yours.

Breakdowns are another rare problem so I don't spend a minute anguishing over them ahead of time.

The bottom line is that most of the things you mention are minor irritants and only a problem if we develop an attitude. Contrast those irritants to the irritants of the poor clown in the 4-wheeler next to you. Unlike me, he's probably fighting traffic on his daily commute to and from a crappy job every day and has a nasty boss looking over his shoulder all day. Hmmm, they pale in comparison and trucking looks like the gravy job that it is.

Why does the Gasoline price drop and Deisel seems to stay above 4.00 a gal? Here in Ft Myers area, gas is down to 3.65 a gal and deisel is still at 4.13 a gal. Has been for a while now. Anyway, have a great day and drive safe.

Unless you're paying for the fuel in your own truck, it's another non-problem, no? It's also about supply and demand but I read an interesting article on the topic years ago. Long ago diesel and unleaded regular were indeed very close in price, then diesel (and jet fuel also ) started climbing. The oil exec interviewed opined that the transportation industry has little choice when it comes to using fuel. The motoring public has more choice and can limit unnecessary driving, but also -- they far more likely to bend the ear of their elected representatives and bring pressure on big oil... I'm inclined to believe his words.

Seriously, trucking is the easiest job I've ever had but if someone can find an easier one for the money, they'd be a fool not to snap it up.