Hi Carl. Thank you for your service and welcome.
I don't know of anybody here that works DOD.
YouTube videos are a bad source for information. Usually a lot of dramatics for views. Do any of these YouTubers post statements? I can go on YouTube right now and title a video "make 10k a week", how many views do you think I would get?
The thing about oil fields is that it's unstable and saturated. People make good money this week and next to nothing the following week. It also requires a lot of time away from home.
You can buy your own rig, but why? Freight prices are dropping and O/O's are struggling. Customers want to ship their products at the lowest possible prices. So let's say you're able to get 2 dollars a mile and move 2500 miles a week. That's 5k a week, right? Not exactly. Now deduct insurance costs (very high for someone with little experience), maintenance costs, truck payments, repairs, side money to pay all of this while your truck is down or you want to take a vacation or if you can't get a load and don't forget about taxes. Aside from all the accounting you have to do, you also have to make sure the wheels are turning.
I'm not trying to discourage you, but I don't see the appeal of buying a job. And basing your decision on what some YouTube guys say isn't a good move. I wish you the best, Carl. Please stick around and keep us updated.
Operating While Intoxicated
Once you get a year's experience you could check with tristate. They have another division but I'm drawing a blank. They specialize in hazmat and if I remember correctly they do dod work as well.
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
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Good day truckers & supporters
I am Carl P. 46yrs currently in SW Utah. Married 27yrs. USMC Veteran, Honorable. Two sons in the USMC. I have a Service Dog of 6 years,
Currently in CDL class with 2 weeks left. Have endorsements, TWIC , and TSA Hazmat in process. No felonies.
I have been told in class that the first year is critical for building a good driving history. I am interested in Hazmat specializing in DOD. I would like to chat with truckers that are in this field or have been in this field and learn how to work towards DOD Hazmat.
I am also interested in hearing from those that have worked in the oil fields. I keep seeing 5K a week in you tube videos, and I am curious if the fast money (If legal and safe) would provide me the ability to expedite the purchase of my own rig.
I hope to make friends and build professional relationships.
Sincerely,
Carl P.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
HAZMAT:
Hazardous Materials
Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations
TWIC:
Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Truck drivers who regularly pick up from or deliver to the shipping ports will often be required to carry a TWIC card.
Your TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric card which acts as both your identification in secure areas, as well as an indicator of you having passed the necessary security clearance. TWIC cards are valid for five years. The issuance of TWIC cards is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.