Comments By GREG D.

Hey Greg, two things here, first, you can leave out when ever you are ready. Don't let a recruiter rush you. They get in a big hurry sometimes because that is how they get paid, basically they are going to get some sort of a commission when you show up. But ultimately the decision on when you are ready to get started rests upon you. They will still need you next month or even next year, so don't let them rush you.

Second, don't let your size be an issue for you. I have seen some little ladies out here moving there Big Rigs across the country who weren't even five feet tall. My friend Daniel B. (one of our moderators here) couldn't weigh a hundred pounds (even with his fishing waders on). When I first met him at a truck stop over in Springfield MO, I pulled into the lot and I was grinning at the little kid who was standing by his dad's big truck and waiving at me as I pulled in, only to get out of my truck and realize it was Daniel B! Ha!, he's gonna kill me now, but I'm just trying to make the point for you that this is a non issue. It will only be an issue if you let it. If you want to do this, then get past that fear and get yourself moving in the right direction.

Thanks for that Sir. Many have told me now that my size won't matter however I can't help but think about it. I think the hardest part will be the first time in the seat.

Well, I have applied to 2 schools. Knight Transportation and Prime Inc. I'm hoping that I can wait until about February to leave out so that I can have enough money to get my wife through with the bills and myself through surviving on the road and what not. I have got to tell you though that just after filling out the second application I got this feeling of "OMG am I doing the right thing here?" The scariest part of the whole thing is the uncertainty of leaving my desk job for the life on the highway. While I have no doubt that I can do this, I just can't get the butterflies out of my stomach. Obviously I will have plenty of time to study if everything goes the way I hope I can have my permit in hand by the time I leave out. The biggest thing I think I'm worried about is that I'm the smallest guy I know (5'2") and learning to drive a big truck like this is a little scary for me. ( can I reach the clutch pedal?) is all that is going through my mind right now. the closest i've been to driving truck is driving the deuce and a half down I-95 during my time in the guard.

Honestly I'm not even really sure why I'm taking up space on your forum here with this. Maybe just to get it out IDK... I will say this. I AM COMPLETELY TERRIFIED...LOL

Does anyone have any experience with Knights CDL program? If so, please tell me about your experience.

I did find that video as well as many more on you tube and they are very insightful as to what i should expect. Thanks to all for your advice... Be safe out there!!!!

Greg, as a father and husband, I know what your going through. There are a few of us here that have experienced what your going through.

Everyone here has provided you with some AWESOME advice. I started my career in 2012, (my 2nd yr of marriage to my wife) I will tell you, that first year was the make it or break it of our relationship, but we beat it and I got 11 months OTR and found a local gig (not the best but it got me home nightly and I made about the same as OTR)

If you start now, complete schooling and get on with a company that will train you, you can get yourself out solo at the latest of Feb. giving you 3 months to get set up to being home for graduation. (its doable) HOWEVER, trucking is not a set routine. You can try all you want to get certain days off, but sh** happens and you'll not make it as planned. I strive every year to have my anniversary with my wife, Ive gotten 1 yr successful with that. Missed the first yr OTR, was a shame but I made it up the next time I was home.

I don't know what you make a yr now, but as a first year rookie you'll be looking at 30-32k for that yr. Is that the max? No, you can do more, but its an avg. Local drivers can see about 32-35 in a first yr. (This is from Salary.com) your 2nd yr you could see 35k+ and as the yrs go on, you can see more. In the 11months I did OTR my first yr, I got roughly 29k (missed 1 month which could put me at 30-32 depending on my miles if I'd stayed)

Truck driving is a lifestyle more than a job. You'll be in a space the size of a walk in closet, with no one with you. Its solitude at its finest. when your family is at home eating a great t-giving dinner, you'll probably be eating at a restraunt if your lucky or eating whatever is in your truck. You'll find yourself longing for the smell of your wife, a simple kiss, cuddling in bed or on the couch. Im not saying this to discourage you, but this is what its like. I'm not ashamed to say, Ive cried like a baby a few times in this career just because I was missing my wife and kids (im sure others have).

This biggest thing is, making sure not only you support your decision, but your wife and kids do too. As i said, the hardest part is the first yr. Its a test.

Good luck to you, and I look forward to hearing more on your story. We all are here for you and will help answer whatever questions you may have. -David

Dude!!! You really hit a nerve there. I mean I almost got choked up reading that. You guys have really given me some good advice and while My wife isn't accustomed to me being away since we have been together I am pretty familiar with the family separation thing as my time in the military has prepared me for that. However, there were some others there to keep me company during those times. It seems as though You guys whether it be on websites like this or just out on the road are really a good band of brothers (and sisters) and now more then ever I look foreword to sharing the roads with you. Maybe even enjoying that holiday dinner at a truck stop along the way... Thanks to ALL of you. I'M IN!!!

Honestly, guys you have no idea how much I value your advice. I have been kicking myself ever since i graduated from drafting school as my wives cousin started truck driving school at the same time and was working and making decent pay before i was out of my second month of 16 of schooling. I love driving and maybe this is job that I have been meant for all along. Especially since I should be able to land a decent job around home. I'm right off of I-80 in PA and there is big time Oil and Gas going on right now. (Dubois, PA) if you were wondering, not a booming metropolis by any means but plenty of trucking jobs around as far as I can see?

Lots of great feedback!

Just something I would add, going to school and training itself was about 3 months for me. The 4th month I was working, before I changed to a different company that allowed me to be home more. Depending on where you live, there are a lot of different options!

Also, I wish I had been in school in the winter, it would have better prepared me for it, and allowed me to take advantage of instructors information. Handling the truck in the winter is different, but same as smaller vehicles in a lot of ways. Slow and easy. The mountains are the biggest thing about trucking in winter to worry about, in my opinion. To this day, I still haven't actually put chains or cables on. Technically I know how to do it, but don't have any actual experience. If I had been in school during the winter, I am sure this is something that would have been taught more thoroughly. The weight of the trailer helps with traction, but bobtailing around in snow and ice can be a very slippery affair!

Thanks, that is what i was wondering... Maybe I will consider doing the course in the winter. The school here also offers training for the oil and gas industry and i know they teach off highway driving and tire chains in that segment for sure.

I'm curious to know if I should go for all of the endorsements or just stick with the basic Class A. Like, should I go for the Hazmat, tanker, and Oil and Gas industry training while i'm there instead of the 160-180 hour course it goes to 280 hours.?

Well, I take it your son will be graduating sometime in May; that is roughly 7 months away. Lots of LTL and dedicated runs are in the NE, so I am not seeing where you will be OTR for a year unless that is what you want to do. With school and training, I see at most 4 months tops before you are on your own. Also, if you are doing anything other than OTR, I do not see where it will be a problem to attend your son's graduation, because you are home every weekend or every other weekend. Just make it known to your FM that you need to be home the day before graduation, just to be on the safe side. Good luck.

That was very insightful, I was under the impression that I needed 1yr+ OTR experience. I think though if i want help paying off my tuition that i need to sign for a 1 yr OTR with one of the companies. Is this not true?

But my son won't be graduating for about a year and 7 months and my wife's one stipulation is that I be there for him when he walks across that stage. and also be there to see him graduate his basic training.

Just a thought, Why don't you take a ride along with one of your family members and see how just observing the job, the duties etc. would effect you?

Actually that is something I am working on... My wife's Uncle drives a Maggot wagon from NYC to NJ and has offered for me to ride along with him and has also offered to try and hook me up with his company after I get the required experience... I know for certain that what he brings home in a week is double what i bring home every 2 this is why I think i need to find other work. I'm so tired of being broke on payday and trying to figure out how i'm getting back and forth to work for the next 2 weeks.

OK, I'm about to be 37 years old. My youngest child is 13. Ive been in a number of different positions from car sales to the desk jockey job I have now. Nothing seems to be paying the bills and I'm so tired of stressing over the bills. I have a few family members that drive and I can't get a straight opinion out of any of them. They have either been driving to long and are sick of it, just ok with it, or have little experience and love it. I've been married now for 5 years and while I don't want to spend tons of time away from my wife or miss my only son's graduation next year I'm tired of not being able to provide for my family the things they deserve. I'm a very short guy (5'2") and i worry that it could affect my ability to operate a big rig. But i've dealt with these obstacles all my life and have yet to find something i can't succeed at. So anyone like to share any advice? should I just quit worrying and go for it or should I just be satisfied with getting by?

Graduating school is a major point in life. While that is an important time cause your a parent its not the end of the world. Giving what I know from kids growing up and the age of your marriage as much as I really hate to say it I would talk you out of trucking. At least at this point. He is starting into a point in life that mom can not help as much as you can. While there is not much of a guarantee in trucking I will promise you that you will miss a few major events in his life.

If you can hold off until he graduates and out on his own then you and he will be much happier and more well adjusted. And then there is mom to thin k about. Just think of all the stuff you do right now at home.....well all that would be moved to your wife's shoulders. Just my opinion but I see it as a bad point in time for you to make a decision that will have you gone so much.

Man, I really appreciate your honesty. I think Maybe I should tell you more though about my son. Currently He is a 17 year old junior. Next school year will be his senior year and I thought maybe this was the right time as I am hoping to find a local job by the time he graduates and also I thought maybe over the summer I could get him to ride along with me on a couple trips and maybe get some quality time. I know he plans to join the military after graduation and I am very proud of him for that. My wife and I have been friends since middle school and while we've only been married 5 years we have been together for 10 and dated briefly in high school. our paths went in different directions after high school as i went off to the army and she married and had children. It was something of a miracle when we found each other again after each of us had failed marriages and have been to gather since. So maybe that will help. Thought?