Comments By Scott L.

Danial,

If Brian is in a similar "boat" then I am, which is over the last few years as a contractor for the Navy I've worked my butt off implementing technology that has helped improve the program I work with. As a result, even though I get a paycheck (and work from home) I am neither content with the job (even though I get a nice paycheck) and because I work from home my social life has depleted. Also with the stupid budget problems over the last years, not knowing for sure whether I will have a job or not is always stressful. So my youth dream of hitting the road in the rig is my plan, seeing the country (since I've been to many other countries) and making coast-to-coast pals.

Kewl beans will add them too it. Where ya able to log in to benie site today?

Brian,

Keep track of every penny you spend for this career change, you'll be able to deduct most (if not all...by doing it correctly) on your taxes. So take advantage of it as best you can. Check-out www.ehow.com/info_12048273_can-company-truck-driver-deduct.html also www.ehow.com/info_7946743_can-otr-driver-deduct-taxes.html.

I've decided to wait until after the new year to actually begin to take "action" (goto school, etc.) as I'm currently employed and I wouldn't be able to maximize any out-of-pocket costs.

Amanda - Don't hang out in the hotel during your "down-time" go explore the area.

Goto: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal

Login Click: Check Post-9/11 GI Bill Enrollment Status

The next page will show you summary.

BTW here is the VA link also: http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/searchInst.do

Anything that negatively interferes with an individuals senses, particularly while operating machinery and places peoples lives in jeopardy is not (and hopefully will never) be allowed. If there is one thing, and only one thing I can agree on as for Federal Regulations it is this.

I think our country should go a little further in the law, such as in Japan. If an individual causes an injury and/or death of a person(s) as a result of drugs and alcohol, however slight the impairment is, then the individual responsible for the incident should pay the life wages lost of his or her victim(s). I also think that for Professional Drivers, should be a ONE STRIKE your OUT....lifetime ban on ever driving commercial again.

Steve,

Like you I am a VET and also work for a company that has a contract with SPAWAR. I am done worrying about whether I am going to be employed every quarter, six months, or FY. So I am also seeking a career change to become a driver.

I have some remaining Post 9/11 I plan on using to earn my CDL and also to use for OJT/Apprenticeship. Because of how much I make now, compared to how much I won't be making my first year. I am making a list of companies that are approved by the VA for the apprenticeship program. Keep in mind, using your education benefits are (and must be) in addition to your wages. NOT a part of your wages, and good thing is that it is not taxable.

Here is what I have so far:

COMPANY/ APPRENTICESHIP LOCATION REMARKS CONTACT INFO Con-Way Y OK Vern Hartnett 405.634.8491 May Y OR Scott Smith, Kory Knox, Kim Garnica 800.547.9169 x. 8831 TMC Y IA FLATBED Duane Boswell 515.974.3447 Transam Y KS Russ Mcelliott 913.324.7808 Covenant Y CA-Pomona 423.463.3006 Roehl Y WI HEAVY Jacob 800.825.8367

Rather than taking a companies word that they are approved, recommend using the VA site for confirmation. Select the OJT/Apprenticeship and search for entire US rather than specific states as it appears it goes by the company HQ.

As I find out more info I will share.

Great discussion, I have a Staff-Pit he prob definitely too big for a company willing to allow me to take him, but I have another mutt I'd like to bring when I go. I assume O/Os have more lee-way?

So question on Per Diem, first of all I work for a company (non-trucking) that pays my Per Diem to me upon completion of travel. Do most Trucking companies pay their employees the standard Per Diem rate or does the driver need to do this on their taxes?

I can see now why newbies have financial difficulties. If say they grossed 28K but were away from home 300 days of the year and didn't write off employee expenses, per diem ($17,700), etc then they screw themselves out of good chunk non-taxable income.

Since there are prob a lot of drivers that don't want to spend money on hiring a tax accountant, since they charge. What would be a good software a driver could use to keep track of deductions, etc? I currently use Turbo Tax but think it would be more of headache for the avg driver to use this software.