Profile For Drew D.

Thanks guys. And no, my family and friends think trucking is a great career path for me. I currently drive for AAA Washington as a Wheel lift / Hino Flatbed / Service truck operator and love being the "captain of my own ship" as opposed to dealing with co-workers and people on a large scale. I am moving from Washington to Idaho and this nessitates a career switch as AAA does not have a dedicated fleet in Nampa. A ton of jobs I see listed are for CDL drivers. So, naturally, I went down this rabbit hole of trucking and watching YouTube videos of OTR drivers and their experiences. I keep seeing this idea of self aware trucks popping up so I figured I would ask the experts. Nothing is going to deter me from getting into this field. My absolute favorite thing to do is long haul towing. Maybe I am just that anti-social or what have you, but I enjoy hitting the road. I just wanted assurance that I will have a job in ten years or so, but I digress. You have all been extremely helpful. Thank you!

So I don't know if this has been beaten to death around here, but what is the general consensus on computers taking over trucking? I ask because I am well on my way to getting a CDL and really want to get into this world. However, there seems to be a ton of belief that truck drivers are going to become obsolete in the near future. Thoughts? I would like to get at least a decade or two out of trucking before I hang my hat.

You have all been incredibly helpful. I was merely inquiring of the possibility. It is nice to hear from experienced drivers that safety isn't a major concern at least in that respect. I am very glad I joined this community and hope you all stay safe and healthy. :)

All great information. Will definitely take everything into account. I just feel like if I am doing a pickup/drop on the south side of Chicago.... Well... Ya know..

Thanks all! I was just curious as I currently drive a flatbed tow truck for AAA and they have a strict policy as well. But the Seattle area has gone to absolute Hell and it has become uncomfortable to do some of these roadside service calls. I am definitely making the jump to OTR trucking once I move out to Idaho later this year and was curious about some of the personal safety protocol drivers take as I assume we carry precious cargo and issues with unsavory types, while possibly rare, still happens. I have a buddy that used to work for SAIA that carried a .40 everyday on the job but wanted a more well rounded opinion. Thank you all for the input. Stay safe!

What is the overall rule when it comes to carrying a pistol or conceal carry weapon? Is this frowned upon in the trucking community? Or is it more of a "don't ask don't tell" type situation? Just curious because I personally carry my firearm with me everywhere aside from my current job at AAA. Wondering if this is something of an option when I go OTR next year.

Drew,

I agree with the others: go for it. You already have a head start. The best backers I observed in my training were farm boys who backed equipment and wagons everyday from the time their feet could reach the pedals. My brother in law was a farm boy. He never backed a 18 wheeler, but I saw him back his tractor hitched to a bailer and a hay wagon (3 separate pieces) into the barn with a 90 degree turn and up a ramp barely wide enough to accommodate the equipment. To this day, it was the most amazing backing feat I've ever seen, but it was just a routine thing for him.

Before I was able to start trucking, I was in construction. I've had multiple trailers over the years and backed them up on a regular basis. Was it the same as backing a tractor & 53' trailer? No, but at least I understood the principles of backing, as do you from your experience.

You seem to fit the profile for a natural OTR truck driver. My first advice to guys like you is to learn G.O.A.L. My only mishaps as a driver were when I disregarded the principles of G.O.A.L. Good luck, man.

Thanks for all the useful input!

Also, As far as the Get Out And Look thing, that isn't a problem for me. When I have to back stuff into really tight spots in the greater Seattle area, you are constantly having to get out and evaluate elevations and obstacles. Especially when you are in a wheel lift and there is a divot that can rub a tailpipe or bottom out your boom/stinger. But thank you all for the great advice. As far as homes in western Idaho, we have a significant amount of money to put down so im not overly concerned there. And I plan on being with an OTR company for at least a year if not two. My family has already signed off on this and they accept that it is a sacrifice they are willing to make for a better living later. Besides, I love long haul towing so I can't see this being any different as far as enjoyment goes.

Thank you! I plan on taking full advantage. I am very excited and pumped to begin this journey!

Hey everyone,

Been poking around at the idea of trucking for awhile. I currently work for AAA Washington and have about 6 years experience operating a Hino flatbed with air brakes around downtown Seattle and other various tight areas of the city. I also have a couple years of wrecker experience backing cars into tight spaces and all of the situational awareness that comes with that. I know backing a full sized trailer and a car into spots is different, but would any of these skills transfer over even slightly? I am planning on paying for my own CDL school when I move out to Boise in a couple of months. And I have to admit, I am slightly nervous for the first time about getting in a truck. I never had too many white knuckle experiences behind the wheel of a freightliner, International, or a Hino, but for some reason I am a bit unsure of myself here. I still want to do it regardless because I need something more than what I am doing now. And my wife fully supports me going OTR for a year or two to pay the dues before getting a local gig in the greater Boise/Nampa area. Any beginner tips, advice, or words of wisdom? I am already familiar and okay with being in a cab for 10+ hours. I currently do this right now in my current profession. I actually prefer the concept of long haul trucking because I don't really care for people all that much and the idea that my interactions can be limited is appealing to me. My goal ultimately would be to get a semi local or regional gig after paying the dues. My boys are both very young and I want to get the grinding done now so I can be present later on.

Thanks!