An Introduction And Appreciation

My main reason for starting this thread is probably more as an introduction. I've been reading over every resource on this website I could get my hands on to figure out if trucking would honestly be right for me and I feel it's only right to at least say hi.

Basically, I've been unemployed for going on 7 months. I was let go from my previous job as tech support due to them downsizing and it just so happened I was fairly low on the totem pole of seniority. Since then I've been doing contracting work and running a personal blacksmithing business mostly specializing in hunting knives to keep the bills paid. Ultimately, I've done a lot of dumb things that have lead me to the situation I'm in and I'm liking trucking as a way to at least reset and get my life on track.

I figure that by year two of driving, I'll know if it's for me. I've devoted that time to far worse jobs with long hours that paid a lot worse in the past and I'm thinking that no matter whether I stay with the profession or not, it will be a positive step for me. If at the end of two years I decide it isn't my thing, then I can try to get back into tech or warehouse in a much better position financially than I'm currently in. If I end up enjoying the job then it might be that I look for something local so that I can spend time with family. Regardless, I think it's probably the most positive step I could possibly take for myself.

To that end, I've settled on looking for a company that pays for CDL training. Based on the area I'm in and comparisons of different companies, I'm settling on a short list of companies with CFI being at the top (thanks to the tremendous amount of information Big Scott has provided about them on these forums).

I'm sort of in a unique position in that my fiancee is currently living in Ontario due to health concerns with one of her family members so we wouldn't really be together during this time anyways. Plus, a lot of my friends and family play games so in whatever free time I have, I figure a wireless hotspot and a solid laptop can help me there. Finally, I'm used to traveling and have never stayed in one place for more than a few years throughout my entire life so I like to think I'm adaptable to most situations.

Now that you all know my life story, I just wanted to say that I appreciate all of the information you all put out there on this topic. It's been incredibly useful and helped cement my plans to at least give it a try. If I could devote 3 years of my life to a 3rd shift warehouse position that treated me like dirt for low pay and working 7 12 hour shifts with no end, I can at least devote the time to try and get my life on track.

Hey, Thomas, welcome to the forum! (Sort of... You don't seem very new, lol.)

This is normally where I would post some links to some great info on the site here. But you seem like you're pretty familiar with the site already.

So, I will simply say (as someone coming from an IT background) that this is a great path for a restart. Plus, c'mon man, this is the coolest job in the world!

So, welcome to your first post. Hope to see and hear more from ya around here!

Hey, Thomas, welcome to the forum! (Sort of... You don't seem very new, lol.)

This is normally where I would post some links to some great info on the site here. But you seem like you're pretty familiar with the site already.

So, I will simply say (as someone coming from an IT background) that this is a great path for a restart. Plus, c'mon man, this is the coolest job in the world!

So, welcome to your first post. Hope to see and hear more from ya around here!

Thanks Jeremy.

I actually just got done with what you've posted in your diary from your time with CRST. I had initially considered them, but the idea of Team driving just doesn't seem like my shtick. With that being said, who knows what said shtick will entail by the time I'm done. Glad to see that you've been enjoying what time you've gotten so far.

The first step for me is speaking to recruiters for various companies which I intend to do on Monday. One of the main things I', worried about is that a large number of them require positive references from previous employers and none of my previous employers are allowed to give professional references based on company policy. I'm hoping that won't end up being an issue, but there's only one way to find out.

Welcome to the forum! Even if you aren't actually new. I'm doing truck driving to get away from the medical field, still in training but I'm enjoying it. I went with Prime and for the 3 years verified employment if you have W-2s or paystubs that helps verification. Also got time not working or working self employed they will sometimes take a personal reference to account for that time. I'd say give them a look, but I'm sure other companies do similar things.

Good luck!

Welcome to the forum! Even if you aren't actually new. I'm doing truck driving to get away from the medical field, still in training but I'm enjoying it. I went with Prime and for the 3 years verified employment if you have W-2s or paystubs that helps verification. Also got time not working or working self employed they will sometimes take a personal reference to account for that time. I'd say give them a look, but I'm sure other companies do similar things.

Good luck!

Thanks for the response and the welcome. I'm hoping that between W2s and personal references I'll be able to get into a program with a solid company. There may be gaps in my history but they're not due to me being unwilling to work hard and put time in. Mostly over the last three years the gaps have been due to IT work in my area being more customer service oriented and so they get a large number of people and end up offloading quite a few of them.

Just the nature of the beast when you screw around in college and don't devote yourself because you were a dumb kid.

One of the main things I', worried about is that a large number of them require positive references from previous employers and none of my previous employers are allowed to give professional references based on company policy.

Welcome to the forum Thomas.

Do not worry about the above; all they require is employment verification.

If you haven't already invest some time in the TT blog section; found in the menu bars upper top/left.

Good luck.

Welcome to the forum Thomas. I assume you have your passport. CFI does runs to Canada which could get you close to your wife from time to time. I'm not sure where they go in Canada. When you fill out applications for trucking companies you will need to put down 10 years of employment history including unemployment. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.