Thinking About Career Change From Law Enforcement To Truck Driving

Hey all. With the current events in our nation, I've been considering the change from law enforcement to driving truck. Ive done tons of research on internet as well as stopping at one of the local truck stops to just talk to drivers.

Has anyone in here made this change and if so how is it working out. Any regrets or wondering why you have waited to make the change.

Appreciate all your help as many of you know how stressful this decision is on family.

Hey all. With the current events in our nation, I've been considering the change from law enforcement to driving truck. Ive done tons of research on internet as well as stopping at one of the local truck stops to just talk to drivers.

Has anyone in here made this change and if so how is it working out. Any regrets or wondering why you have waited to make the change.

Appreciate all your help as many of you know how stressful this decision is on family.

Others can quote specifics but I'm sure lots of LE have gone on to trucking careers after retiring.

Good thing to pursue. And I sure as hell don't blame you for looking into it.

Not retiring.....actually I have 8 years left to obtain a pension of $35,000/year. Just not sure 8 more of this current career is worth it.

Hey Danny B. I'm planning on going into trucking when I retire from law enforcement in 4 years. Lots of great info on this forum and a wealth of knowledge from the truck drivers here! Welcome to the forum brother!

Thanks for what you do and I hope things change. I think after the election things will get back to normal.

One of our Moderators, PJ, is retired law enforcement. He is leased to Quality Carriers and pulls tanks.

I have nothing to contribute, but I just want to thank you for what you do sir. Hopefully things will get back to normal but just know you are appreciated and you have more courage in your pinky than I have in my entire body. Stay safe!

Thank you for replying and the words of courage with my current job. Yes Im sure things will die down but my heart really isnt in it anymore. Granted I make about 60k a year and home every night with my family. Just curious if I can atleast make the same to support our current life style. I know I will have to pay my dues and be gone a lot the first year but does it get better financially and home time the more experience you have?

Welcome Danny. And thank you for your service sir!!

I retired 7 1/2 years ago. I was with a small agency in central Ca. I had a wonderful career. After 10 months I decided to go to school and get my cdl and have been driving since. Since you have 8 years left to secure your pension that is what I would do. That is security for your family that will always be there no mater what else happens in life. You are on the downhill side. My retirement pays all my household bills and trucking is all extra for me. Which translates to a lot less stress in my life. I am also single, so that makes my situation far different than raising a family.

I understand how difficult the job has become lately, but things will improve. These days remind me of the state of policing in the late 60-70’s. That was before my time, but my brother was in LE in the 70’s and we have had many a conversation.

Think back about the reasons you got into LE to begin with. Those of us that have made career’s out of it did so because we wanted to have a positive impact in our community. With your experience level you are looked up too by the junior coppers and this can be a great teaching moment to help shape them. 2 of the best I ever worked with and help train are now the leaders of my old agency. You never really realize the impact you have until much later.

Entry level trucking you can expect to be home roughly 40-50 days a year and make approx 35-40k. After that first year income will increase but you can expect approx. 3-4 years before your back to what you currently make. These are general expecations, some do better and some worse.

I hope some of these thoughts help you make a good decision for you and your family. I am just speaking in general terms because I don’t know your specific situations. I am always hanging around if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Stay safe!!

Not retiring.....actually I have 8 years left to obtain a pension of $35,000/year. Just not sure 8 more of this current career is worth it.

I really appreciate your public service. Especially in this current climate. You’re a true hero. God bless you.