Should I Become A Trucker?

Topic 11557 | Page 1

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John D.'s Comment
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Hello, I am a 55 year old man who is trying to figure out what to do with the last 15 to 20 years left of work I have before me. I have always loved driving long distances. Many years ago I drove a limousine. The field I have been in for the past 20 years had to do with computers. It's hard to get a job and keep a job. I do have some money put away for retirement and my daughter's college. So I am trying to figure out if trucking is the route I should go. I do have sleep apnea so I am not sure if that would cause an issue. However, I have it under control by using a cpap machine ever night. I am not looking to become an owner operator. I know this decision is ultimately up to me but I would appreciate some thoughts from professional drivers. Could I get good medical benefits with a driving job? How is the pay? Are there retirement packages? Thank you for your help.

Owner Operator:

An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.

Sleep Apnea:

A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.

In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.

It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.

CPAP:

Constant Positive Airway Pressure

CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

John, Trucking can be a "2nd" career, as long as you can hold up to the rigors of the job. Here are two items for your reading pleasure:

Brett's Book (Brett founded and runs Thieving Truth.)

Truck Driver's Career Guide.

(I'm 64, ex school teacher) You are looking at a 24/7 operation, away from home and family for at least a few weeks at a time. Living in a space smaller than most bathrooms, including your bed but no plumbing.

Then again, you can't beat the scenery out your window.

Post your thoughts and questions. Many people here will chip in to answer.

Anchorman's Comment
member avatar
Brett's Book (Brett founded and runs Thieving Truth.)

I did a google search and found that there was no ThievingTruth.com. Luckily, Brett has not turned to the dark side as Errol stated.

Although Errol may have created a good nickname for us to use for the other various trucking forum websites.

rofl-2.gif

Michael's Comment
member avatar

Well hello, as long as you have your sleep apnea under control yes you can, as far as pay goes it varies, and since most companies are jumping on the band wagon of buying trucks with automatic transmissions it would be like driving a car except for the turns of course. As far as benefits go I believe most offer coverage from BC/BS, and going out on a limb here and being conservative making 30k a year would be a walk in the park and some companies pay more or less. All depends on what you want to do, and as stated earlier sometimes the view is awesome and sometimes when crossing certain states don't expect to see very much, but at the same time your getting paid to see the country.

Sleep Apnea:

A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.

In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.

It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

Thanks for pointing that out, Anchor! We wouldn't want to cast aspersions on Brett or this wonderful site, now would we?

But, you know, "ThievingTruth.com" has a certain ring to it.

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