I want to start driving a truck, bigger the better. I want to be paid to train/get CDL.

I was told by owner operators that owning your own truck was a great way to make a lot of money or lose a lot of money.

I'm making comfortable to me money as a company driver.

 

Up to their cashflow and biz plan. Everyone is different.

 

Agreed. It’s just how things have ended up.

I used to be on a home daily account. I was asked to swap contracts, because of their claim of having issues with another driver. Did the swap, knowing the guy was quitting. Guy quits and was expecting to back over. They put a retiring driver on it. He retires. Then, they put a felon on it, because a state law passed and he could no longer into certain accounts we have. I figured he would screw it up and be terminated, but, he’s still here. This company have been the worst and I’ve been steadily pursuing other opportunities. Sometimes, it just takes time for things to fall into place.

@dtalbott I work 24 of 28 days, on this contract.

 

^^^ lived it.

^^^ I had good luck using the phone app: CDL practice tests. Did the school with a trucking company and went straight to work there.

 

I figured you worked most of them. Wasn't sure if he knew.

 

OK, so I've applied to the 2 month Truck Driving course at my local Jr. college.
I've taken and passed the CLP- permit at the local DOT.
I've just taken and passed my DOT physical- 2 yrs (max) card.

* I'm already enrolled/reserved a spot to start August 18th/ '25.
* I have to wait until the Jr. College gets my official notice online (1-2 days),
Then I can register and pay dfor the class.

Even though doing it this way (paying up front) costs more than letting then train and pay me to train at a company,
I still feel I'll be coming out ahead b/c I don't have to then work like a slave, away from home woking 14/10's for 12-15 months just to pay them back and let me then be free to work somewhere else.

** Intterestingly, the place I got the DOT physical and drug screen, is one of the places I used to work!

* While I'm still applyig for PA-C jobs, I feel after 30 yrs. F'it, I'm ready for a change.

** I don't think there are many other professions this far outside my trained profession that I could get a 2 month certificate and make the ind of money CDL drivers make. Yes, It'll still be a major pay cut.
* on 6/12- I just turned 65!

 

Left out last Monday.

69 hours of driving, 3000+ miles

 

Never divide your gross pay by the hours worked.

Keep posting your progress.

 

I don't know if congratulations are in order yet because you've still got to go actually drive a truck and pass your tests, but I'm excited to hear your progress and looking forward to hearing more. Pretty cool to see someone chasing a dream.

 

Like watching someone pursue their dream of getting rich racing with WERA.

 

Congratulations Todd! You did the best thing paying for it yourself! I can guarantee,if you go through school,and keep up with the slut/bought drivers,you will see they usually get shit loads,pissed off,pissed on,and quit.
You can kinda pick now,and use to be some companies will reimburse you for the school costs.
Just train your brain for any,and everything,and you will be ok.
Also remember,the cdl licensing, is just a cock hair in the scheme of being a good truck driver. Have fun man! and keep us updated!

 

Never believe a recruiter on how much you are going to make.

 

These kinda threads make me realize that I chose well when I decided to scoop dog shit rather than drive trucks when I semi(yukyuk)retired.

 

Maybe you missed this, or maybe it doesn't apply to you, but here it is again:

Is your father, mother, or maybe even you a veteran? If so talk to the admissions person at the school you want to go to. Paid tuition is a government benefit for veterans AND THEIR CHILDREN.

I expected to pay out of pocket for my CDL school in 2020, as it turned out all I needed was a copy of my Dad's discharge paper.

 

Your first year, expect the shitty hours and the shitty miles.

Expect to gross between $30K and $45K.

Expect to spend bunches of money out on the road.

After you graduate and accept your new job at Company X, expect to attend orientation where you'll get basic training on company policy. After orientation, expect to spend 2 to 4 weeks on the road with an instructor.

Then you'll get a truck, if they don't try to push you into running teams with another driver.

 

Granted it was 19 years ago, but that is precisely my experience. And about a year from orientation, there will be 2 or 3 people left from the 20 you started with. It ain't for everyone.

 

I might go this route. I got laid off from my engineering job last week. Im in a bit of a daze.

I really cant do OTR with the life situation at the moment. So the question is whether Id be able to find a local job (E Iowa) without OTR experience.

 

Shit, man. Sorry to hear that.

 

Talk to the local guys.

 

Check out earthmoving companies for dump truck or equipment delivery gigs if you want to play with big trucks without having to roll OTR.