Rough and Tumble
I'm not sure you have to be rough and tumble to be a truck driver :) So that's a good thing!!
But there are requirements of the job that can sometimes be difficult like crawling under trailers to adjust brakes, getting your hands dirty to change a bulb in the tractor headlights or turn signal. Sometimes you may have to do something as "difficult" as changing a fuel filter, or other basic maintenance. Part of the pre-trip inspection is to check the fluid levels in your truck daily. Does everyone climb up on a ladder or on the engine block to do this??? Probably not. But you need to know that it is part of the job and will need to be done. Checking engine oil levels sometimes can get dirty although you can wear gloves. Fueling is a smelly job and although you don't "have" to get dirty and smell like diesel....there will be times that it will happen.
Working long hours happens as well. Working 9 to 5 probably isn't going to happen right away although there are those type of trucking jobs --- it's just they're usually taken by people with experience.
There is no such thing as 100% no touch freight unless you work for a 100% drop nad hook company. Circumstances happen and there may be the opportunity where you are "forced" to unload a trailer because all the lumpers have called in sick that day....or something weird. (It's happened to me before!!)
So, there are no guarantees and I seriously doubt you will see $40,000 your first year. It just is highly unlikely. Whenever your first start trucking, you work for reduced wages usually to pay back a student loan. Some companies may start you out at $.30/mile or better, but those are few and far between.
There are companies who will pay for your student loan in full and giving back 6 months or more of your time in service is very common for payment in full of a student loan.
I know of a company that only requires 6 months of service for payment of an entire student loan. So they're out there. I am not sure I could ever commit to working for a company for 1 or more years for repayment of anything. But 6 months might be a tadbit easier although still challenging.
Of course you could always take out a student loan and repay it back unless you have some cash accessible to you somewhere.
If you can't go to a local community college or tech school, you only have 2 options:
1.) go to a company sponsored school for tuition payment or
2.) take out a student loan and go to a private school
Trucking isn't for the woman who is scared to get dirty but using the words rough and tumble aren't necesarily accurate. I see women wearing dresses and sandals from time to time - so you do not have to lose your femininity just because you drive an 80,000 pound vehicle. It's not an overly easy job --- although there are days that are incredibly easy.
It's all in what you can handle.
BOL to you!!
GG
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