Thinking About Switching Jobs, Would Trucking Be A Good Fit?

Hello all!

I've been thinking about making a change, and I have thought about becoming a truck driver several times just never actually took the time to look into it. I've delivered pizzas for round about 5 years straight, and i have grown tired of having to rely on the kindness of strangers to make a living (being a tipped employee and whatnot). I'm not the type of person who wants to be in a warehouse or in a cubical, I have tried to work those jobs and they just were not for me.

I love to drive, no kids, and no girlfriend/wife to worry about. I prefer to be alone, so I'm fairly certain being in a truck by myself wouldn't be an issue. I'm a fairly laid back and patient person. The only issue that has me a little worried is the amount of sleep I would be getting but I'm sure I could get used to the erratic sleeping patterns.

I have had only one at fault accident and that was when I was 18 (I had just got my license not a week before) I am 27 now. I have had 2 to 4 tickets, I can not remember how many due to being so long ago, but they were for lights being out and no proof of current insurance, and from what i remember I got those tickets removed/thrown out by sending in pictures of the lights working and proof of insurance during the time of the ticket. I did get a camera intersection ticket for turning right on red (which was kind of strange) but was not required to pay it. I have not had any speeding, reckless driving tickets, nor any dui/dwi.

What do you all think? Do you think this lifestyle would be a good fit for me? any information, criticism, and help will be appreciated.

Sincerely, Alexander

I can't answer on the tickets but, really it's a personal decision on the rest.

You're living in a tiny mobile apartment with no bathroom or sink that you could easily cause some damage with on a road. You shower at truck stops and eat out of the truck or from truck stops, homecooked is when the waitress looks like your mom or that crockpot on the floor. Wifi isn't always available. Data plans can get spendy. People do ridiculous things around semis. Others will look down on you for being a trucker. Your social life is reduced to Facebook, Skype, and other truckers until you go home for a few days. Your sleep schedule won't be consistent all the time. You'll work hard mentally and physically. You'll make major decisions every day regarding time, roads travelled, and loads hauled. You'll see things you never thought of (both good and bad), places you've never been, you'll achieve things you didn't think were possible (can I really learn a rig stick shift? No way the truck is getting in there.) You'll drive in conditions unheard of. You'll see some of the most beautiful scenery America has to offer. You get to live in a new place multiple days a week. You'll hear interesting stories, meet interesting people.

Does that sound like the life for you? :)

Jessica lists all the not-so-great stuff, and she's right. Bit the last little bit, about setting the Rest of America, more than balances out for many people.

Nice picture, Errol. And, who knows, maybe someone fantasizes about living in a tiny mobile apartment with no running water. :P

I tried to start with the down and end on the up! Like the top of a hill, you just have to get there first.

Hello all!

I've been thinking about making a change, and I have thought about becoming a truck driver several times just never actually took the time to look into it. I've delivered pizzas for round about 5 years straight, and i have grown tired of having to rely on the kindness of strangers to make a living (being a tipped employee and whatnot). I'm not the type of person who wants to be in a warehouse or in a cubical, I have tried to work those jobs and they just were not for me.

I love to drive, no kids, and no girlfriend/wife to worry about. I prefer to be alone, so I'm fairly certain being in a truck by myself wouldn't be an issue. I'm a fairly laid back and patient person. The only issue that has me a little worried is the amount of sleep I would be getting but I'm sure I could get used to the erratic sleeping patterns.

I have had only one at fault accident and that was when I was 18 (I had just got my license not a week before) I am 27 now. I have had 2 to 4 tickets, I can not remember how many due to being so long ago, but they were for lights being out and no proof of current insurance, and from what i remember I got those tickets removed/thrown out by sending in pictures of the lights working and proof of insurance during the time of the ticket. I did get a camera intersection ticket for turning right on red (which was kind of strange) but was not required to pay it. I have not had any speeding, reckless driving tickets, nor any dui/dwi.

What do you all think? Do you think this lifestyle would be a good fit for me? any information, criticism, and help will be appreciated.

Sincerely, Alexander

I cant and wont tell you should or shouldnt do something but i can talk about the sleep question of yours. I was really worried about that also you know about a company making me team drive and trying sleep during the day in a moving truck or just trying to sleep during the day period would be hard for me so thats why i chose flatbed when i stop driving the truck stops same if my trainer is driving that day. I know there might van and reffer companies that do the same but the flatbeds used it as their selling points and its been truth. So if thats one of your hold backs i would start doin some research and look into companies that wont use you as a team driver.

Thank you for the replies!

Well, I've pretty much made up my mind....I'm going to start calling some companies tomorrow and grill their requiters, and start studying more often. And after I've saved up enough to cover the bills through training and then-some, I'll get rolling.

Most of what Jessica listed is about what I was expecting. I DO want to live in a tiny mobile apartment! I've always wanted a pop-up camper and camp around America (good retirement plan I think)! haha :-)

Errol, you are correct getting to see the states and maybe even Canada is one of the biggest selling points for me.

Redbeard, I was just worried about the amount of sleep. As long as I can get 4-6 hours of sleep I'd be good. I can sleep just about anytime anywhere, as long as I am laying down.

Again thanks for the replies!