Comments By The Professional

Thanks everyone for the helpful information!!!

Hello all,

A friend of mine told me the following story (situation) about someone he knew who used to drive OTR but got out of it I think because he was good at hitting parked trucks (sounds like someone who should have never gotten into trucking).

He said one big problem he had when driving was arriving at a shipper and then having to wait forever to get unloaded. After having to wait so long, this person said his driving time for the day was up but the shipper still told him he had to leave.

What does a driver do in a situation like this? If he/she is not supposed to move the truck for ten hours yet the shipper is telling you to GO!

I'm sure I will have more questions in the future. I haven't started truck driving school yet, but when I get stories like this from people I know about trucking, I like to see what can be done to avoid this situation to begin with. My brother-in-law is supposed to talk with me about this tomorrow but I also want to hear from all of you who have experience in OTR.

Thanks!!

I'm starting this post as a response to the one about alcohol in mouthwash and other things that could cause a possible false read on a drug test. I sometimes us a protein supplement called carnivor. Here is a link that show the ingredients.

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/musclemeds-carnivor-chocolate-2-3-lb-powder/im-1012#

Does everything in there look legit? I;m wondering of the cocoa would cause any problems.

Thanks!

I use Colgate zero alcohol mouthwash. I also stay way from soaps that have alcohol. I have only seen one brand that had alcohol in it so now I check every bar before I buy.

T.W.

I too have done many things in life and have failed at many. I also have a ton of education but not much to show for it besides the incredible critical thinking skills . I used to work in the administrative side at universities and thought I would do that for the rest of my life but then 2008 happened and I was unable to get back into it after having lost my position.

I had a bachelor at the time so I thought I would get a masters while waiting to get into another university. My masters is in education with a specialization in English Language Learners (ELL). No jobs after finishing THAT powerful degree so I got into a doctoral program in education. The money ran out so I am now an ABD...All but dissertation.

I am currently considering trucking since my brother-in-law has given me information on it and I am studying some things on this forum.

Have you ever thought about teaching English as a foreign language? You could make some cash in places like China, Vietnam, and possibly the ME.

Good luck with everything.

In the end it is what you experience that matters more than how much money you made. My advice to someone like you and to myself is, don't compare yourself to others, fill your time with experiences, even small inexpensive ones, keep plugging away and finally be honest with yourself.

Phil

Word to live by.

I'm not surprised. This says it all.

The TSA Stops Another Terrorist - AIRPLANE! II Airport Security Clip

Home life wouldn't be a problem for me. I'm 47 and have been married 18 years and no kids. Regarding the driver TV lounge...are they allowed to smoke in there because I am a non-smoker.

Being married might make things a little difficult because you'll be away from your wife for long periods. you might be ok with it but what about her? I have watched video diaries of truckers with kids and for the most part they seem to do alright. Doing what they gotta do to support family.

Welcome aboard!

Go through our Truck Driver's Career Guide from beginning to end and follow all of the links you come across. That will help you understand a whole lot about what life on the road is all about and what it's going to take to get your career off to a great start.

I remember reading through that... it's a lot to take in I tell ya what...very informative though.

Thanks Phox. My wife wouldn't mind as long as some cash is coming in. Ha!!

Welcome aboard!

Go through our Truck Driver's Career Guide from beginning to end and follow all of the links you come across. That will help you understand a whole lot about what life on the road is all about and what it's going to take to get your career off to a great start.

Thanks for the information, Brett! I'll look through the truck driver's career guide.

Phox, being an introvert means you probably will stay out of driver TV lounges. That's a good thing.

A major issue with OTR is your home life almost doesn't exist. Yes, phone calls & Skype, but no sitting on the sofa, or mowing the lawn kind of things, either.

Home life wouldn't be a problem for me. I'm 47 and have been married 18 years and no kids. Regarding the driver TV lounge...are they allowed to smoke in there because I am a non-smoker.