Questions From Someone Considering Trucking

Hello! I've been considering becoming a trucker for a while, and I think I'm going to go for it pretty soon. I have a few questions.

I live in Pittsburgh and I don't have a car. I could potentially get one soon, but I'm concerned about parking and how going home works. Is there usually somewhere in cities to drop off, or should I start looking specifically for a place to live near somewhere I can park? Basically, how does going home work if you live in a city?

Does it really not matter where I live as long as companies are recruiting in my area? I would have to go to company sponsored cdl school and I've been considering Roehl, Knight, and Prime.

I have depression and anxiety I am being treated for and have under control. I take medication, but nothing that would impair my ability to drive. Will this be a problem and if so what can I do about it?

I'm also about to file for bankruptcy, do companies care about things like that?

I'd really appreciate any advice I can get.

I also don't have much upper body strength. I can pass a physical but what kind of trucks don't require a lot of lifting or manual labor?

You should probably call recruiters for the companies you listed and ask them. Make sure you have pen and paper to write down the information you receive along with the name of the person with whom you spoke. As far as the bankruptcy goes, can you postpone it? Not sure if it's a factor.

Hi Kate.

Basically, how does going home work if you live in a city?

You'll normally park the truck at a truck stop or at a place specified by your company. They may have drop lots or major customers in the area where you can park. Otherwise you look for any lot large enough to park a truck and ask permission. I've parked at fire stations, malls, grocery stores, abandoned buildings, and vacant lots. Make sure you get permission if it's a place of business, and you might want to speak with a police officer about it also just to make sure you won't get towed away.

Does it really not matter where I live as long as companies are recruiting in my area? I would have to go to company sponsored cdl school and I've been considering Roehl, Knight, and Prime.

That is correct. As long as they recruit from your area that means they know they can get you home easily enough. That's all they're concerned with.

I have depression and anxiety I am being treated for and have under control. I take medication, but nothing that would impair my ability to drive. Will this be a problem and if so what can I do about it?

As long as the medications are approved by DOT doctors then you're good to go. You'll want to call a doctor that gives DOT physicals and ask them if your prescriptions might be a problem. You'll also have to verify that with any company you're considering going to work for. Companies themselves have the ability to approve or disapprove a drug at their discretion.

I'm also about to file for bankruptcy, do companies care about things like that?

I don't expect that will be a major concern for most companies.

A very strong word of caution - trucking, especially the first year, is incredibly challenging in so many ways. You're completely turning your life upside down, there's a ton of stress and uncertainty on a regular basis, and it's very difficult process for almost anyone to get through. The fact that you have depression and anxiety before beginning your trucking career is of great concern. It's not uncommon for people who thought they were truly cut out for trucking to have bouts of depression and anxiety early in their career so you can imagine how much more difficult it may be for you. Only you know your state of mind and what you can handle so just be sure to do your homework before getting started in trucking so you go into it fully prepared for the challenges you'll face.

My book is a great place to learn about life on the road and it's free to read here on the website:

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

Thanks very much for your feedback! I understand it's common for people to have depression issues starting out, but since I already have these issues and know how to manage them for myself, I think I'll be okay.

Brett makes awesome points. I'll point out that stress is relative though. I worked for the post office for 18 years.. if they thought we took too long in bathroom they used our vacation time....would threaten us with federal charges for delaying the mail if we called out during a blizzard which shut down the roads. We were spoken to in nasty manners and yelled at.

now trucking although frustrating with the backing.. seems so un-stressful to me. My biggest problem is backing. Most stressful was the teaming during training. After that is was smooth sailing. Think about your triggers and research those triggers when it comes to trucking

Well one of the reasons I'm interested is all the stress of trying to find a decent paying job. Another is that I do much better in situations when I'm alone. Honestly? I think a job like this would actually be really good for me. I'm mostly trying to figure out if I can do this without buying a car, at least at first.

Well one of the reasons I'm interested is all the stress of trying to find a decent paying job. Another is that I do much better in situations when I'm alone. Honestly? I think a job like this would actually be really good for me. I'm mostly trying to figure out if I can do this without buying a car, at least at first.

Why do u need a car? Mine is in storage. Since sept I have been home three times. I'm paying 250 per month for storage. I'd say no... don't buy the car. Would be cheaper to rent a car when ur home if u really want one