I'm A New Member Here, Getting Ready To Enter The Trucking Industry.

Hi, my name's Reuben, I'm 24. I just recently got out of the Marines as a Sergeant after doing 6 years as a reservist. My MOS was 1345-Engineer Equipment Operator. During my time as a reservist I worked full time for a commercial landscape company, and also did a a few various short duty assignments in the Marines(recruiting duty and spent some time in Norway). I chose to get out of the Marines because it was no longer benefiting me positively(So much more I could say about this).

I recently graduated from a 16 week truck driving school(TDDS) about 1 month ago(Received the top gun award for best student in my class-if that really means anything). I got all my endorsements(Hazmat, Doubles/Triples, & Tanker). I got my TWIC card and I also have a passport.

Since getting my CDL , I began working for a construction company driving dump trucks, using light and heavy machinery, and learning the ropes of the construction industry.

Working in construction is interesting, hard, sometimes fun and sometimes not... I'm not going to say I don't like working in the construction industry; however feel a very strong desire for a different lifestyle at a different pace. I don't like being at home and I'm not happy with living in Ohio where I've lived in the same area for my whole life. What I've observed about the truck driving industry really appeals to me; specifically the appeal of being by myself, away from home for long periods at a time, traveling far distances and being out on "missions". I realize I only have the outward perspective on this industry right now and there's going to be "suck" to it as with most careers.

My current boss strongly wants me to continue working for him and learn a'lot more about construction, but I really feel drawn to entering the trucking world. My boss knows I want to go drive truck, the last thing he told me when we talked about it was that if I stayed working for him until November(3 more months) he would have me sufficiently trained up in construction and bump me up to $18/hour. I went ahead and got pre-hired to go work for Transport America. Transport America told me they don't want to wait much longer for me to put off attending orientation and that the longer I put it off the harder it will be to get hired by a trucking company because of how long I've been out truck driving school.

...So basically what I'm saying is that this is turning out to be a hard choice to make. When I put my full effort into something and apply myself I have the potential to do great and excel. If I enter the trucking industry my ultimate aim would to become and owner operator. I'm glad I found this forum to participate in and learn from; any input would be appreciated. I"ll definitely stick around here if I go into this industry.

-Thank you for reading.

Welcome Reuben.

Ohio? What happens to the construction job when it gets cold and things like concrete and blacktop stop moving? What will you be doing?

If you think you'd be happy driving OTR , your window of opportunity is shrinking. Most of the carriers willing to employ an entry level driver and road train, want a current graduate. Waiting too much longer will possibly require a refresher course or some may want you to repeat schooling.

The fact that you made your first post on this specific topic, indicates your OTR interests are more than casual. Keep something in mind, after a year of OTR experience, safely operating your truck earns you a ticket to a colossal number of opportunities. Stay with construction for a year, not so much. Depends on what you want.

Have you read either of these?

Truck Driver's Career Guide

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

Fork in the road...decision time.

Good luck.

Hello Reuben, I don't know, but $18/hr doesn't sound like enough to me to prevent me from entering another career/lifestyle. If he were offering $22, $23, $25... maybe I'd ride it out. As far as Transport America's 'ultimatum,' I believe they're telling you that to coerce you into signing on with them right now. At most a company may ask you to take a refresher course, which most will pay for, or reimburse you for the cost. Recruiters will say just about anything to bring you on. I'd do several things: decide the latest you might wait to enter trucking; contact several-to-many companies and give them this date, ask what will be required of you. Perhaps nothing, perhaps a refresher course. Find out. Information is free. Re: OTR lifestyle, yes you can kiss Ohio goodbye. I'm based out of Houston, my official residence is listed as Austin... I haven't set foot or tire in Texas in nearly a month. Good luck with your decision!

I think from what you've said the biggest difference you'll find between construction and trucking is that construction is a job, OTR trucking is a lifestyle and an adventure.

Are you the type that prefers a set routine, or do you like every day to be filled with new challenges and unknowns?

You've already said you love the idea of getting out of Ohio and travelling, so I don't have to ask if you'd rather stay rooted or wander about.

The earning potential in trucking is almost certainly going to be better overall, and the fact that you can live in your truck without the need for a home or a vehicle means you can stash a lot of money away. I lived that way most of my 15 years on the road. I could carry everything I owned in the world in two duffel bags. Had a lot of fun travelling and saved a lot of money that way at the same time. Money and fun are two primary pursuits in my life, I'm not ashamed to admit it.

In your circumstances you really have the luxury of this being a choice of preferences, not necessity. And as someone who loves to travel and loves adventure I would say you already answered your own question in my mind:

....feel a very strong desire for a different lifestyle at a different pace. I don't like being at home and I'm not happy with living in Ohio where I've lived in the same area for my whole life. What I've observed about the truck driving industry really appeals to me; specifically the appeal of being by myself, away from home for long periods at a time, traveling far distances and being out on "missions"

Transport America certainly wouldn't be your only option, though I'm sure they're a good one. Investigate other companies also.

But it sounds to me like the road is calling you. From what you've told us I think you'd love the adventure and the challenges and the lifestyle you'll find out there.

My current boss strongly wants me to continue working for him and learn a'lot more about construction, but I really feel drawn to entering the trucking world. My boss knows I want to go drive truck, the last thing he told me when we talked about it was that if I stayed working for him until November(3 more months) he would have me sufficiently trained up in construction and bump me up to $18/hour. I went ahead and got pre-hired to go work for Transport America. Transport America told me they don't want to wait much longer for me to put off attending orientation and that the longer I put it off the harder it will be to get hired by a trucking company because of how long I've been out truck driving school.

My girlfriend is working on her Masters and just got hired on with the local school system as a school bus driver for $18 an hr. If that's what you want to make I suggest you check the local school systems and see what they hire at. Full benefits too!

Transport America is our sister company and you would have access to all CFI terminals as we have for theirs. Other than that, I know nothing about that company. You seem to have the attitude for trucking. It will certainly be an adventure. Good luck.