Comments By Mark F. ( DAYBREAKER )

Question for you buddy, I too am on disability and wandering if they offer a program that pays for schooling like unemployment does. I haven't called them yet to find out. Plan on doing that today. But for the same reasons as you. Money is tight and looking for a job isn't going well. So trucking has been my passion but will I be able to get a shot being on disability? I've been shot down by 2 CSS's due to no work history in the last 24 mths. No kidding I've been on disability. Best of luck to you. Mark

I suppose I should start this with a little about myself. I'm not 100% though by any standards I'm pretty green still. I first got my CDL through a company sponsorship 8 years ago, made some dumb rookie mistakes I won't go into (I doubt I would've made them if I had known of this website), got fired, and didn't renew my license. I worked several dead end jobs, got married, had kids, ect. Now I'm on social security from an accident I had ten years ago and because disability pay crap I've been looking for a job with little luck, so here I am at the end of my ropes and I figure why not I apply through driver's solutions and get a job. My DM told me I wouldn't be able to find another job in the truck industry when I was fired eight years ago. Either way here we are today and I take my DOT physical next week and ship for school around the end of August. I'm very exited to be going out on the road again and plan on documenting my journey through trucking truth. Until next time, keep 'em sunny side up and greasy side down.

Troy, Thanks for the day by day. I had a NTTTS rep come to my house last week and He was pushing the 540 hr course in N Andover Ma. The price was ( r u sitting? ) $ 10, 250.00 for 5 mths of classes. OMG!!! I have been studying and I have a friend who went to another school and is driving local right out of school. Anyway, my main concern and was not answered to my liking was the recruiting by companies during school. Of course He said oh yeah they come in and talk to you. Most don't get hired but some do. Impressed? Not at all. Why the hell would I spend that kind of money to have a license and no where to use it? So I'm still studying and checking into different options. But I'm studying until I make the decision. Good Luck Sir. Keep us posted. We need the input. Mark

Well day 5 and week 1 came to an end. I feel very prepared for the learners permit test on Tuesday. Once that's complete we can focus on some real practical learning . We also had our first company come for a visit, Gypsum Express. Pretty interesting presentation, and a place that I could see myself driving for. They did have a few negatives however, such as no tuition reimbursement, so I'll have to see what others offer. Still it's nice to know we are all wanted for the most part!

Next week I'll start a new blog and call them NTTS WEEK NUMBER 2 (and so on) from here on out (hopefully that's acceptable Brett?)

Anyway look for my continuation next week and have a great weekend!

Troy

I absolutely understand what your saying. What I don't understand is after all the work it took to get where she is to just walk away after such a short time. I am in no way trying to give advise on something I know so little about. I apologize if I came off that way. I just don't understand how someone can just quit after all it took to get there. That's what makes us all who we are I guess. Mark

Mark F wrote to Chelsea:

Wow!!!! From the prospective of someone trying to get their CDL and be a trucker. First of all, the process of earning that license is not easy. It is a lot of work and dedication just to get the license. Than you have to find a company that will take a chance on you. Again a lot of time and energy invested. And trust me I am finding out quickly. Even at 55 yrs old its not easy to hear NO from someone and keep that motivation that you had at the beginning. But one thing I do know from life's experience is this. A QUITTER IS A QUITTER. Once you have the choice to quit or figure the hard stuff out to make life easier and you choose to quit because it's easier, you will always quit. Every time something gets to tough you will quit. If you stick this out and figure it out and fight the good fight and come out the other side smiling and looking back and yelling YEAH BABY I DID THAT! You will never quit again unless it's the absolute last resort. Keep in mind I'm not a driver YET, but I have kids, grandkids, and have been through a lot in my life and quitting has always been an option but I never take that road unless I have a better plan in place. But always think everything through and once you have made that decision own it and never regret. Which ever way you go DRIVER, own it and best of luck to you. Mark F.

Mark I think your heart is in the right place, but perhaps for Chelsea quitting, is her only option because it's very obvious her heart and soul is not in this at all. Under normal circumstances I would agree with your point about quitting. This is different, and until a person experiences it first hand, it's virtually impossible to truly understand it or rationalize it. Unless you are highly motivated to really want to be a professional trucker, willing to sacrifice many aspects of your current lifestyle, take on a huge responsibility, it's best to walk away when you realize you are over your head. This is not the kind of job where you can fit a "square peg" in a "round hole", at least not for long. It's just not like that. Way too many variables and potential risks to overcome if a person is not committed to seeing it through, laser focused, thick skinned, and extremely patient.

Read all of the responses that were written especially from Old School, Brett, Sue, and Rainy...these folks know the ropes, offer great insight and advice to our friend Chelsea. I too believe she is doing the right thing by walking away and extend well wishes to her. This is not her calling.

Wow!!!! From the prospective of someone trying to get their CDL and be a trucker. First of all, the process of earning that license is not easy. It is a lot of work and dedication just to get the license. Than you have to find a company that will take a chance on you. Again a lot of time and energy invested. And trust me I am finding out quickly. Even at 55 yrs old its not easy to hear NO from someone and keep that motivation that you had at the beginning. But one thing I do know from life's experience is this. A QUITTER IS A QUITTER. Once you have the choice to quit or figure the hard stuff out to make life easier and you choose to quit because it's easier, you will always quit. Every time something gets to tough you will quit. If you stick this out and figure it out and fight the good fight and come out the other side smiling and looking back and yelling YEAH BABY I DID THAT! You will never quit again unless it's the absolute last resort. Keep in mind I'm not a driver YET, but I have kids, grandkids, and have been through a lot in my life and quitting has always been an option but I never take that road unless I have a better plan in place. But always think everything through and once you have made that decision own it and never regret. Which ever way you go DRIVER, own it and best of luck to you. Mark F.

Chelsea...I don't think you should give up. I mean...your driving a freakin 18 wheeler...how many of your friends do that? I think of all the jobs I've had...none of them paid me to basically look out a windshield all day, none of them had a 3 foot commute..lol. I could never go back to a desk job. You've only been out for three months, it does get easier. I won't get into the whole leave Celadon or stay....but before you give up..take a look around to see what else is out there. Plenty of companies (mine included Roehl) offer weekly hometime...for your reset. Roehl even offers some tremendous extended programs...like 14 on....7 off.

Good luck with your decision, but I would encourage you to stay and fight!

Brett, I absolutely agree with you. Why on earth would you do something for so many yrs if it were that miserable? I don't get it. But some people are just negative in all they do and are never happy. That however will not change my mind. It just drives me even harder. Be safe. Mark

I must have heard people on the CB a thousand times say, "If my kid wanted to become a trucker I'd kill him!"

Baffling.

I mean, your father was prime working age in a time when you would have your choice of high paying factory jobs that would support the entire family comfortably and get you home for dinner every night. It's not like anyone was making him do it. I wonder what his response would be to that? Why didn't he do something else if it was that terrible?

Baffling.

For me, the biggest thing I was looking for was an adventure. I wanted a job that was unique, interesting, and challenging. Nothing to me is worse than knowing what comes next. To do something that is tedious or predictable makes me want to gouge my eyes out. And yet most people thrive in that environment. Most of my family worked in factories and some still do to this day. They absolutely loved it. I tried it for a bit and all I could think about was whether or not the roof was high enough to jump off of for a clean suicide!!

Without a doubt you have to be the right person for trucking and trucking has to be right for you. I absolutely loved my years on the road. I could make a list from the ceiling to the floor of all of the great times I've had, all of the great sites I've seen, and all of the lessons I've learned from it. By nature I'm the restless type so nothing for me lasts forever. After 15 years I was ready for new adventures and new lifestyles. But those years were priceless.

Mark, keep in mind that you can always give trucking a shot and walk away anytime. I mean, even six months on the road is going to leave you with enough memories to last a lifetime. You'd be telling stories to your Great Great Grandchildren just from that short time on the road. So there isn't a whole lot of risk in giving it a shot if you think you'd like it.

Absolutely awesome sir. Thanks so much for the time spent and sharing your knowledge with us trying to get started. Mark F.

Thanks a lot 。

Morning Sue, From my experience in talking with old timers is they all pretty much say the samething. I've always wanted to be a trucker. I'm not sure why but it has always been in me to be out on the road going from place to place. Can't explain it really.... At this point in my life, I'm 55 yrs old this yr., been married for almost 30 yrs., the kids are grown and there are now 9 grandkids. All of which are scattered across the country. The wife and I are not the clingy, need to spend every moment with you type of people. In fact we haven't taken a vacation together in more than 10 yrs. When we met I was a helper on a furniture hauling truck and was gone 4 days a week. She put the breaks on that if I wanted her in my life. I reminded her of that recently and she said " lol that was many yrs. ago and I can handle it now". Primarily because she takes off to visit the grandkids for 1 week at a time once a mth. I visit mine in Fl. once or twice a yr. So at this time in our life it would work just fine. :) I am not the type of person that listens much to what others think about something I am doing or want to do. There are always those that have something negative to say about one thing or another. So I make a decision and go with it. I've always been that way. I think things through as thorough as possible, and once I've made a decision I go with it. Good or bad! This is in my heart and blood. I just hope I can jump through all the hoops to get there. My dad asked me why did I want to do this and my answer was to see the country and make a living doing it. He said well son? The best time to drive is at night when the idiots are supposed to be sleeping and you can make the most miles. So when the day breaks ( hence the cb handle) you find a place to sleep and let the idiots do their thing. So you wont see the country from your sleeper or in the dark. Find a different career to make yourself happy. Gotta love it. M.

My dad drove for 44 years and he would have said something quite similar.

He passed away a few years ago and would be rolling in his grave to know I was driving OTR. Just follow your heart and realize that trucking is a lifestyle not suited to everyone and it's tough out here and you do have to make sacrifices to do this job.

When people asked me what my family thought about me becoming a truck driver after 20 years in healthcare, my reply was this: "I really don't know what they think, because I didn't ask for their permission." In reality my children who are grown for the most part, knew I'd love it out here and were ok with it. I gave up (happily) years of my life to devote just to them. It's my turn now.

Morning drivers, The other day I was talking with my father who drove tankers for 45 yrs before he called it quits. I asked him what he thought and how I thought it would be a cool thing to keep the legacy going. His CB handle was DAYBREAKER. I said what do you think if I kept your handle going? I think that would be cool hah? His answer was this. I missed you guys growing up. I've had 2 failed marriages. I made good money back in the day, but what did it get me? Find another career. Trucking is a hard life and in todays world not worth the money and aggravation. Mind you he is 75 yrs old now. I just looked at him and said you missed the entire message here. He said no you did. That is typical of our relationship. All that did was motivate me even more to be a trucker. I know this sounds sappy, but just thought I would share this with you. The thoughts from a 75 yr old retired driver of 45 yrs otr. Be safe! Mark F.

Morning all, I'm in the same truck as you brother. I have found this site to be a great help with any question you may have. Even the silly ones are answered by one driver or another. But one thing is for sure! You may not always like the replies you receive, but they will all be honest answers from their experience on the road. One thing I can tell you as a fellow wannabe a trucker. STUDY, STUDY, STUDY. Use the material on this site to STUDY and pre-test. I could not figure a lot of this out like finding the applications for certain companies. I asked on here and got a lot of help. So two things to remember. STUDY ALOT, and ask questions during your breaks from STUDYING :) Good luck young man. Mark F.

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Lots of good info here. Its what I used to make my decision. Good luck!

Well 1 down and many to go. I got an email from a Prime recruiter saying do to the fact I've not worked in 4 yrs they want to see at least 2 solid yrs of employment before they will consider me. Oh well, I just keep studying and applying. :) Just wanted to let you know Rainy D. Thanks and be safe! Mark

I have a record as long as Texas and I been driving for a year now you won't have any problems

Stump, I love your brutal honesty! Good Man.