Dragonslayer Posted August 2, 2012 #1 Posted August 2, 2012 As of July 1st a company from Kansas, Bickford Senior Living stepped in and took over the management of the Assisted living Community I worked at. To say the transition was a hostal one would be an understatement. Ruthless greed motivated corporate rat B@$tards would be more accurate. They literally threw all of the existing employees and a good many of what they felt were undesirable residents to the street. Including me. So, now I'm considering a career change. I'm thinking about going to Indianapolis and going through CDL training to become an OTR Big rig driver. I've always enjoyed my travel adventures on the road and think I might enjoy seeing the country through the windsheild of a big rig for a while.
etcswjoe Posted August 2, 2012 #2 Posted August 2, 2012 Wish you the best and hate to hear you lost your job, however I did just read an article that there where 200,000 job openings for truck drivers. I known Warrior (Mark) drives a truck and I am sure there are others that can give you advice along that line.
halfwitt Posted August 2, 2012 #3 Posted August 2, 2012 Sorry to hear that Dragon. I have heard so many people say that getting laid off from their secure job was the best thing that ever happened to them. It prompted them to do something they always wanted to try. I hope this turns into a blessing for you. Best of Luck!!
Flyinfool Posted August 2, 2012 #4 Posted August 2, 2012 Good luck in a new career. Talk to some OTR truckers, there are a few on this site, to learn the good the bad and the ugly. I know several CDL holders, they have told me that if you get a CDL, get the hazmat cert also. A driver with a clean driving record, drug free, and a hazmat cert is a very rare bird and highly sought after by the trucking companies. I just read an article that some trucking companies are starting to use hair samples for the drug testing. The current drug testing will only show if you used in the last week, the hair will show if you have used in the last many months. Even if you have been in the same room or just downwind with someone smoking drugs, you can now test positive wether you have used or not.
Snaggletooth Posted August 2, 2012 #5 Posted August 2, 2012 (edited) Sorry to hear about the job. Lots of that crap going on these day. The company I have been with for 7 years just sold to a larger company and it did not work out well in my favor either. About every employee that had any time in with the company is gone and replaced with minimum wage staff. They now have kids that were stocking supplies wearing white shirts and ties. Manager material.... sure, whatever ya say. They are cheap help. BUT..... after spending 26 years in the OTR game, both behind the wheel and as Director of Safety for several companies all I'm going to say is be damn sure you know what you're getting into from the start. If you are looking at companies that will put you through training and set up up as a company driver read all the fine print in the agreement before you sign on. You can end up married to them for a lot longer than you expected. They hook ya good. If you're looking at a truck driving school..... can be about as bad. Most are not cheap and include very little actual road training. Many companies are leary of the newly trained drivers if they will even talk to ya and you will still end up second seat for a long time anyway. I can't count how many newly trained drivers showed up in my office over the years with a list of companies that the school had claimed would place them after graduating. Nuttin' but BS. But I'll say I did enjoy my years behind the wheel. 13 years of traveling the US, Canada and Mexico. Saw about everything I ever wanted to see, (as well as ya can from a semi seat) and met a lot of great people. Back then I was single and lived in my truck. Looking back I gave up a lot also. Give a lot of thought to your choice. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just be aware that it is a very different life style and how it will affect the life you're used to. Either way, best of luck to you. Mike Edited August 2, 2012 by Snaggletooth
IH Truck Guy Posted August 2, 2012 #6 Posted August 2, 2012 Sorry to hear about the job,Bob...Way too much of this crap going on these days.. Read Snaggletooth's post...That sums it up real good.... Truck drivers have the 2nd highest divorce rate,right behind cops... This is especially true of folks getting into the biz as a new career.... I have 32 years out here on the road and am blessed to have a wife that puts up with having to deal with all the home stuff by herself when I'm gone for weeks at a time.. As I type this,I have been home for 32 days since January 1st.... The job can be very rewarding,but it takes it's toll on the driver and family..... And really cuts into riding time.... Before you jump into it,please pick the brains of the drivers on the site... There are some really bad deals to stay away from..... We can help you before you sign on the dotted line.....
Brown Angel Posted August 2, 2012 #7 Posted August 2, 2012 As of July 1st a company from Kansas, Bickford Senior Living stepped in and took over the management of the Assisted living Community I worked at. To say the transition was a hostal one would be an understatement. Ruthless greed motivated corporate rat B@$tards would be more accurate. They literally threw all of the existing employees and a good many of what they felt were undesirable residents to the street. Including me. So, now I'm considering a career change. I'm thinking about going to Indianapolis and going through CDL training to become an OTR Big rig driver. I've always enjoyed my travel adventures on the road and think I might enjoy seeing the country through the windsheild of a big rig for a while. Brother I can truly relate with you, when we met in May it was the same thing that has had me in shock and how they don't care, my world took a change and like my wife and I have asked ourselves is "what is really important"? First the people on this site have been the best and I have drawn so close to these band of people, take a huge dose of what we all do and hold on, make sure you want to do the truck driving. Cars, houses , and even money can be had again and again, but family is forever lost if they are on the loosing end. I love who we are and what we represent,"people who truly love to ride but love to serve one another"..... All I can do is be there for you to, you are not alone and I am still looking as well, yet things are better in balance than before... I live in Fort Wayne In. stop in if the road should lead you this way, you have a place to rest. Angel
Dragonslayer Posted August 2, 2012 Author #8 Posted August 2, 2012 Good luck in a new career. Talk to some OTR truckers, there are a few on this site, to learn the good the bad and the ugly. I know several CDL holders, they have told me that if you get a CDL, get the hazmat cert also. A driver with a clean driving record, drug free, and a hazmat cert is a very rare bird and highly sought after by the trucking companies. I just read an article that some trucking companies are starting to use hair samples for the drug testing. The current drug testing will only show if you used in the last week, the hair will show if you have used in the last many months. Even if you have been in the same room or just downwind with someone smoking drugs, you can now test positive wether you have used or not. Well today I went to correct the address on my drivers license and while there pulled a 7 year driver record which is 100% blemish free. I'm not worried about the drug screening because my body is pure except for an occassional scotch and water or gin and tonic every once and a while. And if they want to get some hair they will find it hard to get some from me. The Cdl course I've been looking at includes the hazmat training. I'm running out of reasons not to do it. I would be riding my bike to Indianpolis while there for three weeks. So, it's starting to feel like another bike road trip adventure at least for the time I'm up there.
Galapagos Posted August 2, 2012 #9 Posted August 2, 2012 Sorry you lost your job. I know alot of truck drivers, my old man hauled steel 40 years. I am also a service manager at a Mack/Volvo truck dealership. Tough life and not what you think. It is not the romantic life described by the guys with the cowboy boots and the chrome plated trucks. It is isolation, bad food and long hours. Dispatch wants to make money and if you are not moving you are not making money. It is one or two months from home for a long distance driver. It is missed birthdays and holidays with family. Starting pay sucks. $30K a year to begin. You need to move up the pack to get the good loads. How old did you say you were? Companies will promise you anything and then show their real face when you need them. Business is about money and not about you. Get a dog that listens and does not shed. Thats your sanity when things get tough on the road. "Keep that shiney side up and that dirty side down. Catch you on the flip flop!" You also have to learn another language. Truck driver lingo.
Dragonslayer Posted August 2, 2012 Author #10 Posted August 2, 2012 Sorry to hear about the job. Lots of that crap going on these day. The company I have been with for 7 years just sold to a larger company and it did not work out well in my favor either. About every employee that had any time in with the company is gone and replaced with minimum wage staff. They now have kids that were stocking supplies wearing white shirts and ties. Manager material.... sure, whatever ya say. They are cheap help. BUT..... after spending 26 years in the OTR game, both behind the wheel and as Director of Safety for several companies all I'm going to say is be damn sure you know what you're getting into from the start. If you are looking at companies that will put you through training and set up up as a company driver read all the fine print in the agreement before you sign on. You can end up married to them for a lot longer than you expected. They hook ya good. If you're looking at a truck driving school..... can be about as bad. Most are not cheap and include very little actual road training. Many companies are leary of the newly trained drivers if they will even talk to ya and you will still end up second seat for a long time anyway. I can't count how many newly trained drivers showed up in my office over the years with a list of companies that the school had claimed would place them after graduating. Nuttin' but BS. But I'll say I did enjoy my years behind the wheel. 13 years of traveling the US, Canada and Mexico. Saw about everything I ever wanted to see, (as well as ya can from a semi seat) and met a lot of great people. Back then I was single and lived in my truck. Looking back I gave up a lot also. Give a lot of thought to your choice. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just be aware that it is a very different life style and how it will affect the life you're used to. Either way, best of luck to you. MikeMike, I sincerely appreciate your insight. I have considered the points you mentioned and do value any of your and others input on the pit falls of taking this step. I have been talking to two different companys C.R. England and P.A.M. I'm leaning toward PAM They claim a 1 year committment to recoup the training tuition which they finance over that period of time with a $1,200 sign on bonus. The Training is provided by C1 Truck training in Indianapolis which is geographically closer than Salt Lake city. And they say they will gaurentee a job with a Georgia based company. As far as the burden on the family, I'm not married but live with a roomate and my grown son who are used to me being gone for extended periods of time. So, Im not concerned about that factor. If you could give me some heads up on what company's, deals or pit falls to avoid that would certainly be very helpful and appreciated. Bob
Guest scarylarry Posted August 2, 2012 #11 Posted August 2, 2012 I come from a strong union truck driving family, with that being said there are things one must consider and look into.. Your truck no matter the age will break down and most non-union companys will not pay you for the down time... Loading and unloading, some require you load and unload the truck, yes you can hire a trailer jockey and most do the cost of that I don't know anymore.. As for leasing to own not a wise choice these days, most are getting 80 cents to a 1.00 mile after expenses not much left for the owner, also make sure the contract company will handle collecting the money.. I have known some owner operators having to wait 30 to 60 days for their money and that can put one in a bind, truck payment comes before anything... Not saying all companies follow this, just check and read careful anything you sign Just my 2 cents..
pmelah Posted August 2, 2012 #12 Posted August 2, 2012 hey dragonslayer i did the OTR for 14 yrs loved every miniute of it and i miss it now i came off the road to watch my kids grow up and have enjoyed that even more. i will go back to it one day but please do your homework on this subject as it is not meant for everyone if you decide to do it get hour hazmat and a twic card. the twic card alowes you un escorted acsess to rail yards and ports for delivery and pick up. good luck on your endevor
Rick Haywood Posted August 2, 2012 #13 Posted August 2, 2012 Well today I went to correct the address on my drivers license and while there pulled a 7 year driver record which is 100% blemish free. I'm not worried about the drug screening because my body is pure except for an occassional scotch and water or gin and tonic every once and a while. And if they want to get some hair they will find it hard to get some from me. The Cdl course I've been looking at includes the hazmat training. I'm running out of reasons not to do it. I would be riding my bike to Indianpolis while there for three weeks. So, it's starting to feel like another bike road trip adventure at least for the time I'm up there. I do not want to discourage you but I have been in the transportation business for 30 plus years. I started as a truck driver and worked my way up. My suggestion is to get your CDL and then find a job driving local. A newbie running OTR can expect to make no more than $350 a week bring home. That is if you are lucky. Then new guy doesn't get the good long miles he has to learn how to make the money and get experience before he can accomplish this. Let me show you. When we were trying to restructure or pay scale we found some studies done by a couple of different places The average starting wage was 34 cents per mile, the average miles per week were 2009. This was all based on the first 18 months .34 cents x 2009 = $682 per week. minus taxes x .80 lets say = $546 bring home. Now the hard part. It will cost you $20 per day to live on the road and that is if you watch your money like a hawk and carry a fridge in you truck and just absolutely refuse to spend any money. 7 days x $20 = $140 that leaves you $406 and like I said if everything works perfect for you which only happens to a small percentage of new drivers. Now if you survive the first couple of years and get with a company that cares and youmlearn how to get the miles and make money then you will be OK but remember when ever you have to wait overnight for another load you spend more money. It is really tough. Now figure everything you are going to miss out on. The stress it puts on the marriage, the problems that come up and you are not there to help fix them. And as for the travelling it is a job and it is different when you are working verses being on Vacation. That's why a say find a local job. even if you find one for $12-$13 an hour and get 50 hours a week you will come out so far ahead and you will have a life at home.
Dragonslayer Posted August 2, 2012 Author #14 Posted August 2, 2012 Brother I can truly relate with you, when we met in May it was the same thing that has had me in shock and how they don't care, my world took a change and like my wife and I have asked ourselves is "what is really important"? First the people on this site have been the best and I have drawn so close to these band of people, take a huge dose of what we all do and hold on, make sure you want to do the truck driving. Cars, houses , and even money can be had again and again, but family is forever lost if they are on the loosing end. I love who we are and what we represent,"people who truly love to ride but love to serve one another"..... All I can do is be there for you to, you are not alone and I am still looking as well, yet things are better in balance than before... I live in Fort Wayne In. stop in if the road should lead you this way, you have a place to rest. AngelThanks Angel, Your right and I get it. I was actually relieved when they dropped the ax on Tuesday because I know I was days away from quiting. I knew that I didn't want to work for any heartless corporation in that environment of taking care of the elderly. If I couldn't come to work and do my job in a spirit of loving care I didn't want to be there. At least since it happened the way it did I can draw unemployment as a buffer before I start making money again. At this stage of life doing the right things for the right reasons is what is important to me. That is also why I love the people on this site. Since I have been involved here over the past eight or so years I have not had a bad experience yet with anyone I have met through the VentureRiders. As far as the change in life style this is a good time for me to make this move. My sons are grown my oldest is a local truck driver. I'm not married and my female room mate who has lived with me for the past 15 years is used to my bachelor sensibilities and wanderlust nature and is content on keeping the home fires burning. In fact I couldn't blow her out of here with a terrorist attack. If I make this move it looks like I will be riding the bike up to Indianapolis and will be up there for three weeks with Sundays off. It would be great to hook up if at all possible even if it was for just a short time. Good luck on your search and journey. Bob
Brown Angel Posted August 2, 2012 #15 Posted August 2, 2012 Bob your welcome to come here and have a room to rest and if you have them means to bring your bike we have a garage when you come here. PM me and get you my address and anything else to put this together. Angel:322:
playboy Posted August 2, 2012 #16 Posted August 2, 2012 I do not want to discourage you but I have been in the transportation business for 30 plus years. I started as a truck driver and worked my way up. My suggestion is to get your CDL and then find a job driving local. A newbie running OTR can expect to make no more than $350 a week bring home. That is if you are lucky. Then new guy doesn't get the good long miles he has to learn how to make the money and get experience before he can accomplish this. Let me show you. When we were trying to restructure or pay scale we found some studies done by a couple of different places The average starting wage was 34 cents per mile, the average miles per week were 2009. This was all based on the first 18 months .34 cents x 2009 = $682 per week. minus taxes x .80 lets say = $546 bring home. Now the hard part. It will cost you $20 per day to live on the road and that is if you watch your money like a hawk and carry a fridge in you truck and just absolutely refuse to spend any money. 7 days x $20 = $140 that leaves you $406 and like I said if everything works perfect for you which only happens to a small percentage of new drivers. Now if you survive the first couple of years and get with a company that cares and youmlearn how to get the miles and make money then you will be OK but remember when ever you have to wait overnight for another load you spend more money. It is really tough. Now figure everything you are going to miss out on. The stress it puts on the marriage, the problems that come up and you are not there to help fix them. And as for the travelling it is a job and it is different when you are working verses being on Vacation. That's why a say find a local job. even if you find one for $12-$13 an hour and get 50 hours a week you will come out so far ahead and you will have a life at home. That's some good advice. I own my own truck but started out driving someone Else's for a couple years hauling logs which is considered local. I had the itch to go over the road but after looking into it decided it wasn't for me or my family. There are a lot of jobs out there for drivers but like others have said without experience it's hard to get a good job and almost impossible to get a OTR job without going through someones training course and getting married to them. From what Have read you need to run from C.R. England not sure about P.A.M.. I would recommend giving OOIDA a call and check any companies references before signing anything. You might have to Google it to get there number but they are the Owner Operators Independent Drivers Assn.. Again not trying to discourage you from pursuing something just go into with both eyes wide open.
IH Truck Guy Posted August 3, 2012 #17 Posted August 3, 2012 Bob,please don't even think about C.R.England... You can read all about them and all the other bottom feeder companys and get info on schools at www.thetruckersreport.com..................... Won't cost you anything to join.. Also check out www.classadrivers.com www.truckersforum.net Good luck........
Phoneman1981 Posted August 3, 2012 #18 Posted August 3, 2012 Hello: Sorry to hear about the loss of your job. But change is not always a negative thing. My circumstances were different, but I made a change after 32 years with the same company. Rough decision at first, but almost 3 years later, it has been the best thing for me. I look forward to going to work each day now. Keep us posted on your progress and besure to let us know if you ever get out this way......
Evan Posted August 3, 2012 #19 Posted August 3, 2012 Bob, it looks like you are getting some good info. While I can't help you there, I would like to wish you well as you go down whatever new road that you decide to take.
Dano Posted August 3, 2012 #21 Posted August 3, 2012 If I make this move it looks like I will be riding the bike up to Indianapolis and will be up there for three weeks with Sundays off. It would be great to hook up if at all possible even if it was for just a short time. Bob Guess I'll have to find an open Sunday sometime......... Bob your welcome to come here and have a room to rest and if you have them means to bring your bike we have a garage when you come here. PM me and get you my address and anything else to put this together. Angel:322: Does he know you're 3 hours from Indy?????
Dragonslayer Posted August 3, 2012 Author #22 Posted August 3, 2012 Bob your welcome to come here and have a room to rest and if you have them means to bring your bike we have a garage when you come here. PM me and get you my address and anything else to put this together. Angel:322:Thanks Angel, I appreciate that. I'll keep in touch as things progress. If they do. Bob
Dragonslayer Posted August 3, 2012 Author #23 Posted August 3, 2012 Bob,please don't even think about C.R.England... You can read all about them and all the other bottom feeder companys and get info on schools at www.thetruckersreport.com..................... Won't cost you anything to join.. Also check out www.classadrivers.com www.truckersforum.net Good luck........Thanks for the input.
raybear71 Posted August 3, 2012 #24 Posted August 3, 2012 BOB.....sorry had to get your attention. I am also a driver. I love it. I worked for Cummins for almost 8 years and got tired of punching the timeclock everyday. That was 9 years ago. I trained with Schneider and after 4 months running over the road I was hired by a local company for a linehaul gig. I work nights running from Minneapolis to Des Moines and back.60-65k a yr.Home everyday and off on the weekends. If you would rather run days there's always pick up and delivery work and that pays around $20hr on average. There are LTL companies everywhere just like the one I work for and the industry is always looking for drivers. There's nothing written in the truck driver handbook that says you have to live in a truck. It's a lifestyle choice and it very much depends on the person. One thing I have noticed over the years is that ex-military personnel thrive on the over the road stuff if that is any indication. I think it has to do with self discipline. You should also check with your unemployment office about training. One of our drivers was in your situation and was given training at a local tech school paid for by the state!!! He collected unemployment while the state paid for his schooling!!! If you have questions feel free to give me a call, I will slap on the bluetooth and chat you up. I'm on the road from 8pm to about 4am m-f nights. 763-670-6667. Good luck, Ray:080402gudl_prv:
FreezyRider Posted August 3, 2012 #25 Posted August 3, 2012 Guess I'll have to find an open Sunday sometime......... Does he know you're 3 hours from Indy????? Yeah, but it's only 1.5 hours on a Goldwing!!!
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