Getting The Jitters

The time for me to make the jump into trucking is getting closer and I have to say I am getting spooked. :(

I made the mistake of looking at employee reviews at websites like glassdoor and indeed and there is so much hate on there of all trucking companies.

My real concern is if I am going to make enough to cover my bills each month that are only 600 a month.

Being out on the road for months at a time does not bother me the least bit. In fact I really like the idea. But I don't want to be sitting at a truck stop for 2 days wondering if dispatch forgot about me. Does that really happen?

I am still debating between tanker or flatbed. Both sound fun and challenging to me.

Breeeeaaathhhh. You should be able to make $600 a week easy with most carriers. Just take your time, go nice and easy and have fun.

How often do you call Pizza Hut and tell them how great the pizza was? However, if it's 5 minutes late and not piping hot, you're on the phone in a heartbeat! Same concept with reviews about companies. Some are better than others, but in every company, you will always find current and former employees griping about something. Your attitude and expectations are important parts of the overall experience. If your bills are $600 a month, get out there and get some experience, while talking to other drivers at the truck stops(you will have to sit sometimes) about the other companies. Look for the ones who have a positive attitude because they will be more truthful.

How often do you call Pizza Hut and tell them how great the pizza was? However, if it's 5 minutes late and not piping hot, you're on the phone in a heartbeat! Same concept with reviews about companies. Some are better than others, but in every company, you will always find current and former employees griping about something. Your attitude and expectations are important parts of the overall experience. If your bills are $600 a month, get out there and get some experience, while talking to other drivers at the truck stops(you will have to sit sometimes) about the other companies. Look for the ones who have a positive attitude because they will be more truthful.

I see what you are saying. I am one of the few that will go to the website on the back of the recipe and leave good feed back. Lol. I wish there were more truckers that went to these sites and left positive feedback. You would get more drivers into the industry if that happens.

Okay I'm going into my fifth week out my first three where pretty rough....nerves, paperwork, where do I go, how am I gonna do a 90deg blind side back behind a building into a loading dock with three foot walls I can't see, why is dispatch making me sit for so long....but the guys here at TT.com kept giving me sound advice incouraged me to ask questions and I am having the time of my life. Like "the dragon" said breath in breath out and TAKE IT SLOW!! And it'll all work out I promise!!

I started with the number one most hated training company as a company team driver and I have no complaints. Dispatcher gave us good loads, never had to sit around waiting, and made a little bit of money too.

It is their job to keep you going, if you are not making money then neither are they. Just do what it takes to get the job done.

Thanks guys. I guess I was just having one of those what the hell am i doing moments. The thing is I've been a security guard for nearly 15 years now. This is something so new and totally different for me and it's a little scary.

You could always join the military and be an 88M. You'd get to see the world, and drive a whole bunch of vehicles, all while making new bills, ruining your credit AND probably getting a divorce or two. Yeah, good times....

You could always join the military and be an 88M. You'd get to see the world, and drive a whole bunch of vehicles, all while making new bills, ruining your credit AND probably getting a divorce or two. Yeah, good times....

I'm a little too old and fat for the military lol.

I leave next Friday for Prime. You want jitters, I've got enough for the whole forum. I'm also a security guard and have been for the last 4 years just about. You'll be fine. Tanker sounded fun too after I get some experience but I'm going reefer first.