Is There A 'best' Time Of Year To Enter The Trucking Profession?

Brand new here, hello everyone :) My current plan is to begin with a company school in late October. Is that a bad time to begin considering the approach of winter weather? Thank you to all for your helpful info on this site!

Welcome aboard Vegas Kev!

Well, ideally it's not the best time as far as weather is concerned. Also, by the time you head out on the road it's going to be mid-November and you're only a few weeks away from the slow season starting in trucking. It's pretty slow from about mid-December (as Christmas shipments wind down) to early spring (when Northerners begin coming out of hibernation). Some companies don't slow down that much, some slow to a crawl. Refrigerated companies tend to stay more on an even keel where dry van companies tend to fluctuate considerably.

So there's no real reason not to get started in late October, but I can't really think of an advantage to it either. Sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do.

Welcome aboard Vegas Kev!

Well, ideally it's not the best time as far as weather is concerned. Also, by the time you head out on the road it's going to be mid-November and you're only a few weeks away from the slow season starting in trucking. It's pretty slow from about mid-December (as Christmas shipments wind down) to early spring (when Northerners begin coming out of hibernation). Some companies don't slow down that much, some slow to a crawl. Refrigerated companies tend to stay more on an even keel where dry van companies tend to fluctuate considerably.

So there's no real reason not to get started in late October, but I can't really think of an advantage to it either. Sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do.

Thank you Brett, I have been reading that winter is slow for some companies... in that case I will most likely delay getting started until maybe late February or early March.

In my opinion, you want to expose yourself to some winter. It's better to learn how to drive in the winter with a trainer next to you making sure you're doing everything correctly than learn by yourself the hard way.

And your first few months will be slow anyways, winter or not, slow season or not. You don't become a solo driver and all of a sudden get back to back 3,000+ mile weeks. You work your way up.

Personally, I started in Dec and went solo Jan. I learned how to handle winter conditions with my trainer so when I went solo that really helped me survive. Starting in the summer time is the worst in my opinion. They will be completely clueless when winter hits because they'll be so used to dry conditions. They won't know how to handle a downgrade without jake brakes.

Also, like I said, your first few months are slow anyways. If you start before the busy season that'll give you the opportunity to prove to dispatch that you can handle yourself out there and can handle more miles. By the time the busy season comes around you would have proven yourself to be a safe, reliable driver to your DM and you'll actually be getting good miles.

As a first month rookie, just because it's the busy season doesn't mean you'll be busy. You'll work your way up.

I wouldn't shelter yourself.

See, there's two sides to this topic. But I personally am not a fan of starting during the dry months. You'll be a blind mouse when winter comes around. If I had to name a perfect time, I would say early March. That way you still get some winter driving experience but you're not out there during the worst of it (Feb).

In my opinion, you want to expose yourself to some winter. It's better to learn how to drive in the winter with a trainer next to you making sure you're doing everything correctly than learn by yourself the hard way.

And your first few months will be slow anyways, winter or not, slow season or not. You don't become a solo driver and all of a sudden get back to back 3,000+ mile weeks. You work your way up.

Personally, I started in Dec and went solo Jan. I learned how to handle winter conditions with my trainer so when I went solo that really helped me survive. Starting in the summer time is the worst in my opinion. They will be completely clueless when winter hits because they'll be so used to dry conditions. They won't know how to handle a downgrade without jake brakes.

Also, like I said, your first few months are slow anyways. If you start before the busy season that'll give you the opportunity to prove to dispatch that you can handle yourself out there and can handle more miles. By the time the busy season comes around you would have proven yourself to be a safe, reliable driver to your DM and you'll actually be getting good miles.

As a first month rookie, just because it's the busy season doesn't mean you'll be busy. You'll work your way up.

I wouldn't shelter yourself.

See, there's two sides to this topic. But I personally am not a fan of starting during the dry months. You'll be a blind mouse when winter comes around. If I had to name a perfect time, I would say early March. That way you still get some winter driving experience but you're not out there during the worst of it (Feb).

Thank you Daniel, I had some of those same thoughts myself. :) I guess my biggest concern about starting during the slow months was being able to earn enough money to get through them. I am planning on starting with Prime Inc. Being new, I just don't know how much work they have for their drivers in the winter months. Thank you so much for your comments!

EXACTLY!

Which is why I made this thread. I know exactly what you guys want to know.

Here is a thread I made documenting each weeks paychecks of my first year. In other words, I give you all of my personal income for that first year. I don't mind sharing it.

I started at .28cpm. You'll start at .43cpm at Prime. So boost these numbers slightly to compensate for your increased pay.

Notice how the paychecks are inconsistent? That's just how trucking is.

I also provide my weekly miles as well as additional bonuses I've accumulated. Everything you need to know!

Daniel B.'s first year income!

Keep in mind, I went solo in Jan during the slow season.

Keep in mind, I went solo in Jan during the slow season.

Thank you Daniel, from your comments I am thinking I will make it through my first winter in good shape at Prime Inc. Again, thank you!