Getting A Trucking Job During A Recession

Hi TruckingTruth!

I was curious about the impact on the trucking industry and its hiring rates during a recession. I’m creating a back up plan in case I lose my job. I am young and I am thankfully able to work so I want to provide for my family.

I assume that everything slows down and there are fewer loads and miles, but does it have a significant impact on hiring rates?

I hope you all are safe on the road! Thanks to anyone who contributes to my topic!

Ross

Without getting into specifics, I'll assure you that hiring for the trucking industry is pretty much recession proof. The problem with wanting to jump into trucking when your other job fades is that this is not a "normal" job. It is a lifestyle change that requires a great deal of Commitment. You can't just think of it as a backup plan. You really need to want to be a trucker if you plan on succeeding at this.

When did a recession start? I must have missed that.

I think its a fair question to be asked Packrat from a outsider looking in. You don't? Thats just an honest question. I'm mean if things keep up the way they currently are, how could we not be heading into one? If these businesses, and stores are forced to remain closed, and when eventually this hoarding of food will die done. Nothing will be recession proof as long as these circumstances go on. In my opinion.

When did a recession start? I must have missed that.

The more people say we are, the liklier it is. In my non professional opinion, the economy is mostly just peoples FEELS

And I know where you are eventually going to get at Old School. That a dispatcher will always find miles for a top tier driver and I can respect. But given the current situation I don't see this ending in a few weeks. Were going to be in this for a long time. Its just being rumored that Chicago will now be ordered to shelter in place Friday at 4 pm. Only gonna get worse.

And I know where you are eventually going to get at Old School. That a dispatcher will always find miles for a top tier driver and I can respect. But given the current situation I don't see this ending in a few weeks. Were going to be in this for a long time. Its just being rumored that Chicago will now be ordered to shelter in place Friday at 4 pm. Only gonna get worse.

The OP mentioned getting a job in a recession. We will have to wait and see what happens after this two week period of mandated economic shut down. I was accepted to Prime but they postponed my orientation start date for two weeks. The DMVs are shut down in Missouri so even if I did train enough to take my test, the DMV is not testing. Bullitt VW said that the Pennsylvania DMVs are shut down. He can't get a CLP. I have never experienced anything like this in my lifetime. After 9/11 they halted air travel, but I was able to go to work. Air travel continues, but my son flew from Chicago to Denver. There were fewer than 5 people on the plane.

While I have my opinions as to whether this shutdown is wise, it will depend upon whether this continues after the 15 day period proposed by Trump. I agree with Brett that to continue to keep the economic functions of our world shut down is insane. The economic fallout of this shutdown for an extended period would, IMO, be far worse than the absolute worse case scenario of the Corona virus spreading as wide as the flu.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but people die from all sorts of disease every year. That's the reality of humanity since the dawn of time. However, another reality is our interdependent capitalist economy. People need to work to contribute to the economy and survive. You can't prevent that necessary function of our world forever.

Thank you for all the replies. I didn’t mean to sound negative by calling this a recession. A lot of jobs and money were lost in the past two weeks, I am simply trying to prepare for the uncertainty. The company I work for lost 65% of its value on the stock market, my spouse is in the hospitality industry and has no income at the moment. I am not the type that will wait for the government to save me, if I am able to work and contribute, well that’s exactly what I’ll do.

I understand the commitment that’s required for trucking, as much as one can understand without actually doing it. The only reason why I went a different route was family time, and available alternatives in the recently strong economy. I am aware that in order to thrive during emergencies sacrifices must be made. I am ready to sacrifice family time in order go to sleep every night knowing that I’m doing what I can to put a roof over my head and food on the table.

I have respect for every trucker on the road and all the sacrifices made to keep America going, and I sincerely hope you will roll through these times safe and sound!

Ross