Comments By Marc L.

Thank you. This is what I needed to hear. I have a clean driving record, not so much as a speeding ticket in nearly thirty years. No health conditions at all, no surgeries, no medications, no adverse health history etc. Health wise I have ‘dad bod’ and have worked behind a computer for ages. I live a clean lifestyle never touching drugs and drink rarely on holidays. No criminal record. College educated. Good learner. Kids are just grown. Even some truck experience in the service, though limited and a long time ago. Basically I don’t foresee any barriers to a career in trucking. I have no doubt that if my fate is in my own hands I can pass. However, I am ignorant to the unknown. I don’t want to take such a risk without addressing issues that may be out of my control ahead of time. This website is helping and I have read the materials. What other hidden pitfalls await?

I have been reading many of the training school diaries here as well as other sites ‘testimonials’. I understand the idea of company sponsored training meaning that the company has invested in the trainee so they want you to succeed. However, some of the testimonies I have seen seem to show company schools accepting 8 but washing out 6 or out of 25 only half pass etc. I wondering if there is anything to the theory I saw that companies will have say 5 openings, they accept 15 and then hire the best five washing out the rest. They then because of the contract get reimbursed by the washouts training at no cost to themselves. Not pointing fingers or being a conspiracy theorist or anything but this seems plausible from a business point of view. Given I am considering walking away from my current job / career I don’t want to be a training casualty and end up unemployed. So entourage truth and encouragement is very welcome.

Yes thank you I did read the article and have been gobbling up other articles here as well. Lots of helpful information.

As for where I read about companies making people ‘redo’ schooling, I did read that in one of the forums topics here and a couple other web boards. Just enough to make me question if it’s a thing. Still not sure about which path to take -company or private school. Soooo many differing opinions and pro cons I am finding but that’s ok. Will probably end up coming down to timing opportunity and cost.

I have been reading that some people who choose to go private school and get their CDL and t he n get employed by a company that has their own school sometimes make the new hire go to their school anyway including signing the contract putting them on the hook for the training costs. Is that a common thing? Presently debating private bank company cdl school so if this is common practice it makes the choice clearer.

You didn't read that on here.

I have been reading that some people who choose to go private school and get their CDL and t he n get employed by a company that has their own school sometimes make the new hire go to their school anyway including signing the contract putting them on the hook for the training costs. Is that a common thing? Presently debating private bank company cdl school so if this is common practice it makes the choice clearer.

Yes Anne, many thoughts and even more questions. Much of what has been said confirms my research thus far. What I am hearing the groups say is my monetary goal isn’t likely to start but is possible but I am going to have to work hard to earn it. I think that is both fair and true. I wasn’t expecting to just take a cdl test hop behind the wheel then $$$ though I suspect many a fool has done so. I appreciate the candor from the group. At this point I think I have most of the ‘on paper’ considerations covered (the online book here helped). Now I am working on those things in everyone’s head when you consider something new- Can I do this? What if I suck at it? etc. There are two trucking schools nearby that I will be visiting to speak with career counselors at that I think will help.

For over twenty years I have been a civil servant. This career has taking a heavy toll on my heart and mind as I deal with human tragedy and crisis day in and day out. For this reason I want to take a leap into something completely different. This has brought me to this forum. Presently I make $64k a year and need to sustain this number to make my budget work. Between the want ads, recruiters and advertisements this number seems achievable (and then some) in the truck driving industry. What I need to know is, is this realistic or just recruitment hype? What can I truly expect to earn starting out?

You've gotten many replies, Marc.

Any thoughts, questions, decisions?

Stop back; ask, update, or all the above!

~ Anne ~

I have some experience ‘roughing it’ and can manage without some creature comforts. As long as I get enough rest on the road I will be able to adapt. What kind of mistakes are you taking about? Is it really that easy to wash out or fail? I have a college degree, 20 years of professional experience and prior military service driving a little so I had been confident.

I did better than the average rookie my first year, and I did all of those things that I mentioned, and I also made many mistakes starting out solo after training. The harsh reality is that I could have easily been a failed case of a rookie not making it, but my company decided to keep me on, despite some dumb mistakes. I mention this being a harsh reality because it's a razor thin line between making it and washing out.

Thank you for your kind words. I wish we got them from our employer and maybe I wouldn’t be looking at a second career. Sadly that is not the case. From my research over the last year I think my plan would be to do OTR. I think the earning potential is higher there. Maybe move to regional or local as I get closer to retirement and want to be home more. Does that affect anyones thoughts on my original question?

For over twenty years I have been a civil servant. This career has taking a heavy toll on my heart and mind as I deal with human tragedy and crisis day in and day out. For this reason I want to take a leap into something completely different. This has brought me to this forum. Presently I make $64k a year and need to sustain this number to make my budget work. Between the want ads, recruiters and advertisements this number seems achievable (and then some) in the truck driving industry. What I need to know is, is this realistic or just recruitment hype? What can I truly expect to earn starting out?

In addition to what the others said, I'll offer this;

Your income will be limited mostly, by your experience and self-imposed limitations.

By this, I mean that it's easy for some to predict the amount of money you could earn. But, what you're willing to do may have a bigger impact. I.e. if you wanna be home weekly, you'll likely earn less than if you were willing to stay gone 2-3 weeks. If you only wanna run southeast, you'll likely earn less than someone who is willing to do refer coast to coast.

Sorry I'm being fairly general, but there are a lot of variables. If your objective is to just get away from dealing with human tragedy and continuing to earn $64k/year, truck driving may only be one of the options. Also, there are some trucking companies that seem like nothing but crisis management. Maybe not on the same scale as you're used to, but it can get on your nerves.

We, as a country, seem to be heading into some very difficult economic times and that's going to put harsh challenges on many industries. Trucking may be one of them.

If I'm boring you now, my hope is that you'll take a good hard look at what it is you really want, and focus on achieving that. If it's truck driving, there are excellent opportunities and many fantastic companies to work for, WITH career benefits.

Whatever you're currently doing, you MUST be very good at it. You've survived 20 years at it and I hope you're adequately recognized for your performance in the face of adversity. Not everyone can do what you do and IT IS appreciated.

Good luck and I hope this is helpful!

For over twenty years I have been a civil servant. This career has taking a heavy toll on my heart and mind as I deal with human tragedy and crisis day in and day out. For this reason I want to take a leap into something completely different. This has brought me to this forum. Presently I make $64k a year and need to sustain this number to make my budget work. Between the want ads, recruiters and advertisements this number seems achievable (and then some) in the truck driving industry. What I need to know is, is this realistic or just recruitment hype? What can I truly expect to earn starting out?