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Posted: 2 years, 7 months ago
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Central Florida - Career change to trucking
Hi,
First, thanks to all of you who keep the country moving year-round.
I have been considering truck driving as a career change for some time now. I am 40 years old and currently a Law Enforcement Officer. I have 16 years on and currently a road patrol sergeant. I've been burnt out for several years even with position changes. I have 11 years before I can be eligible for retirement, which at one point I thought I would be completing. I have no desire doing another 11 years.
I've looked at the CDL programs offered by Schneider and other trucking companies. Being I have no CDL, I figured one of these programs would be best for me. I could maintain some income for a month or two before hopefully being able earn a regular income. There is a Roadmaster school located here in central Florida. I'm waiting to hear back from them to see what they have to offer. I understand most the trucking company CDL programs offer short-term commitment to pay the tuition back. I've been reading forums, watching Youtube videos, etc and it seems every person's individual experience is different with these programs. I've read where some guys struggle to bring home $1k in a 6-day week. Locally, I've seen entry level jobs with a starting pay of $65k a year requiring a CDL but no experience . I'm not sure if it's location, company, or just the quality of the employee and their pay reflects it.
I believe I'd be a well-rounded candidate for the job. My driving record has two accidents from 20 years ago. No DUIs, suspensions, revocations, etc. My current workdays are at the minimum 14-hour days. I work holidays, weekends, overnight shifts, and various other shifts so I don't see the schedule being a shock to me. I have previous automotive and diesel utilities mechanic experience that I know will be valuable on the road. I am curious If anyone is familiar with the central Florida area trucking companies and their training programs? I know many of the recruiters are looking to get you in the door to meet their obligations, so I am cautious about how to proceed when listening solely to their input. I'm the main income for my household, so I'm trying to make the best-informed decision before committing to anything.
I appreciate any input or direction.
Thanks,
Jarrod
Posted: 2 years, 7 months ago
View Topic:
Central Florida - Career change to trucking
Banks,
Thanks for the reply and information. I agree, email is typically my way to communicate. I usually have so much going on I can't keep track of phone conversations, so email gives me something to go back and review.
To make ends meet and know I'll be paying the bills, I would hope to make no less than $55K a year which seems possible from what I'm seeing. I'm open to the kind of route, rather it be OTR, regional, local. It seems the better paying local jobs go to the senior experienced drivers which I understand. I'm all about putting your time in and experience / seniority meaning something.
I'm going to consult with the local recruiters and see what they have to offer. I want to make some progress with this sooner than later. I've been researching the larger companies to see who's offering training in my area. I'm hoping with my clean background, work ethic, and desire to work towards something else I'll look good to someone.
I have spoken with my wife about this. She has been supportive and wants me to do something else seeing how unhappy I am. Our biggest fear is something don't work out beyond my control, and I end up jobless. Ultimately if I had to, I could return to LE work, although I have no desire to. I've read up on the physical and it seems straight forward. I had a concern about the hearing test. Exposure to heavy equipment noise when I was young and dumb, not wearing hearing protection, has left me with Tinnitus and some hearing loss. So, this is one of those things I hope wouldn't hinder my opportunity.
I appreciate your feedback. I'm not usually the type to get on forums and ask questions, but I don't know anyone personally in the field of work that would be worth asking. I've met a lot of truck drivers at work, but it’s always been professional and positive. I did speak in depth to a Coke driver who was delivering to a Publix. He seemed to love his job besides stocking the shelves. I think he said he was making $70k a year, got up early and was home by noon every day which sounded too good to be true. He had nothing negative to say.
Thanks again