What Did You Do Before Becoming A Truck Driver?

Worked for Black and Decker/DeWalt for 18 years doing various design aspect jobs. Finished my career there doing 3D Surfacing. Got out from behind the desk to go into the fitness world, then to USPS for the benefits (3 new kids) and now starting my trucking career. Leaving Bangor, ME to school with C R England.

Own a store in Philly. I'll do it a few more years, but I'm looking to be a truck driver when I grow up. I just love going places, I guess. Don't care for fancy places. A crossroads in the middle of nowhere is just as interesting to me as Central Park, NYC.

I drove trucks in the Army for 5 years then worked as a wildlife and nuisance control technician and had been thinking about getting back into it. On dec. 31st, after watching my drill slide down a 14-12 old shingle roof that was about 4 stories up,I realized that could've been me had I shifted my position anymore than I did...I made my decision to get back behind the wheel. Here I am on my 2nd week with my mentor with Swift...his truck had 78k when he picked me up and now were about pushing 87k today. Running wide open!

Started in ‘96, I was a croupier in a casino in E. St. Louis, IL full time and my part time gig was bartender in a sports bar in south county ( St. Louis, MO). I was just done with crowds and liked driving from home to school, FL to IL, so why not try to get paid to do it. Still at it, just another “Gator” from G’Ville, CHOMP!

Still VERY new here. Talking with different companies to start my journey. But what did I do before decided to be a trucker? I was a cop and a DOT Inspector at that. The best part was meeting all the really honest, hardworking men and women who make this country go! So, I am trading in my badge and my gun for a Peterbilt (or Volvo, or whatever they assign me!). And no, I DEFINITELY do not miss being a cop!

Bill

And no, I DEFINITELY do not miss being a cop!

Bill

Bill, I miss the clowns, but not the circus. Did 28 years municipal, part of that time I held state certification for truck enforcement (non-DOT, mostly weight, 2nd division equipment requirements, and title and registration stuff) before getting promoted. You will likely become a resource for other drivers, once you let the cat out of the bag (if you do let it out... )

Lots of different careers, my previous profession was an operating theatre nurse. Worked at some of the major hospitals in London, it was a little full on. I then crashed and burned, took years out as I was struggling to even look after myself let alone anyone else. Got my sh1 together and took up driving vans which led to 7.5 tonners, then on to class 2 rigid and then on to articulated lorries. It was a job where I was in my own head space and well needed at the time. Now I just enjoy driving the things.

I worked in a mortgage call center. Loan modifications, collections that sort of thing. Didnt like the job as it was very toxic and draining both from customers and the demographic of people the job attracted (employees and managers).

I used my dissatisfaction as a spring board and motivator to make positive changes in my life and work toward being a trucker. My first run starts in the next 3 days.

I miss the clowns, but not the circus.

That about sums it up Mr. C. I'm going to start using that when people ask me if I miss it.

I retired from 26 years in law enforcement six months ago. My last 10 years were in computer forensics dealing with internet crimes against children. Because I had a lot of specialized training, certifications and experience I always thought I would continue to consult or teach computer forensics in retirement. But after six months of decompression I have realized how much stress dealing with that crap was causing me. So I've decided to go a completely different direction with something completely unrelated to law enforcement or the legal system. My grandfather was a truck driver and my dad drove truck for about 15 years after retiring from the Navy and I've always admired the independence and self reliance that truck driving requires/offers. I just had my DOT physical yesterday and registered at a private truck school today. With this whole COVID thing DMV can't get me in for my permit test until July 20th so I'm scheduled to start class July 27th. I'm itching to get going, but at least I'll have time to study and prepare more.

Newbie. First post.

Ken

Welcome Ken to the site. I agree with you and Mr C completely. I retired 7 years ago. It was the right time for me. I made it 11 months before I got bored. I did 28 1/2 in central ca. I don’t miss it one bit.