Newbie with a question

[RickC]

Hi ya'll,
I have been researching a new career as an OTR driver. I've talked to a few schools and have read a lot on line about what is involved in getting a CDL A.
The thought just occurred to me that it would extremely beneficial if I could get a "bird's eye view" of a day in the life of a driver. I would love spend a few days with an experienced driver to really get an idea of what life would be like on the road.
If anyone would be up for that, or knows someone who would be, I'd be grateful to hear from you.
I live in south Florida and am available most any time.
Many thanks in advance ya'll
Rick

 

[RickC]

Two things you have to do first, move out of south florida, without years exp there, you'll never get a CDL driving job . Second lose your better than thou attitude. If you have that bad of an attitude towards people trying to give you advice then you will NEVER make it driving a truck.
First let me apologize if my sense of humor doesn't come across very well in writing. I mean no disrespect to those here who are experienced and wiser than I am.
What you see as a "better than thou attitude" is really just a very "positive" attitude. I know I can make it out there and I know that I'll succeed when I make up my mind to do something. I can "do math" too.
Maybe after a few years out on the road my attitude will change and I'll start whining and complaining. Or maybe it's just that all the drivers who are happy with their jobs and lives are out there driving.
I agree with you that south Florida is not a hotbed for trucking firms but my thoughts are to get my year or experience OTR, then hopefully the economy will have turned positive and I can get something local or regional with a quality company.
Anyway, I do appreciate the feedback.

 

[Cerberus]

First let me apologize if my sense of humor doesn't come across very well in writing. I mean no disrespect to those here who are experienced and wiser than I am.
What you see as a "better than thou attitude" is really just a very "positive" attitude. I know I can make it out there and I know that I'll succeed when I make up my mind to do something. I can "do math" too.
Maybe after a few years out on the road my attitude will change and I'll start whining and complaining. Or maybe it's just that all the drivers who are happy with their jobs and lives are out there driving.
I agree with you that south Florida is not a hotbed for trucking firms but my thoughts are to get my year or experience OTR, then hopefully the economy will have turned positive and I can get something local or regional with a quality company.
Anyway, I do appreciate the feedback.[/quote]


South Fl is real bad trying to get into driving and to let you know why, its because the companies will never be able to get you home , or so they say. The I 4 connecter is pretty much the cut off right now. So if your close to tampa or orlando , look for companies stationed there that train. Just aheads up, look into foodservice and beverage delivery, some are willing to train for the cdl. Even waste ,trash, companies are more leniete. Unless your dead set on OTR, there are many other options available out there. Your biggest obsticle is your location. Try googleing companies around big cities were you live and see what comes up. And do yourself a favor and don't go and sign no lease, no matter how good they try to make it sound.

Let me explain something else. Its not that i discourage new drivers to come in the business, its i discourage the pay that newbs are excepting. For that reason, the cpm has dropped way too low . All the .24 - 30 cpm per mile used to be a thing of the past. Now its back. So many exp drivers out of work now since companies now that only a new driver will except such low wages. There are companies that refuse to hire exp drivers now. Thats sad. And until new drivers stop this, this will stay the new trend.

 

[RickG]

The sad part is newbies accept the wage then find out they can't survive on 1500 miles a week at $.22 a mile . So they quit and are replaced by another , then another , then another . Companies are NOT adding trucks . They keep hiring because people keep quitting . Newbies are only competing with each other . They won't get any job that an experienced driver would find acceptable .

 

[Cerberus]

The sad part is newbies accept the wage then find out they can't survive on 1500 miles a week at $.22 a mile . So they quit and are replaced by another , then another , then another . Companies are NOT adding trucks . They keep hiring because people keep quitting . Newbies are only competing with each other . They won't get any job that an experienced driver would find acceptable .

Yep and this is where it starts to run up the totem pole. They are told by recruiters that they will make 700-800$ a week at .24/26 cpm and they will get 2200 miles a week. Reality sets in and they are only making 22 cpm and they can't idle the truck to stay cool/warm or they will get fired all while making 300-400$ weekly if they are lucky. They really got to break it down more. At 24 a mile it is only 240$ for every 1000 miles run. Most drivers are only getting 1200-1500 a week now.

 

[Johnarc]

@RickC Here you getting very good instances from our seniors about the hard side on trucking then I think you should think twice before choosing this occupation. Yes now a days nothing is so simple ,everything is associated with risk,hard work,tough time.

If you have really decided to go with this ,then go for it.Now without any further discussion.You consult with the experienced driver of your field .

 

[snowflake]

Yep and this is where it starts to run up the totem pole. They are told by recruiters that they will make 700-800$ a week at .24/26 cpm and they will get 2200 miles a week. Reality sets in and they are only making 22 cpm and they can't idle the truck to stay cool/warm or they will get fired all while making 300-400$ weekly if they are lucky. They really got to break it down more. At 24 a mile it is only 240$ for every 1000 miles run. Most drivers are only getting 1200-1500 a week now.

thats pretty much the way it is from everything the people have told us that we talk to..a team that just came to Mercer from US exp had made a grand total of 800 the last month they were with US Exp......I noticed the Rick C hasn't been on he probably gave up on us figured we were trying to protect our turf when we were trying to save him from a fate of financial death. oh well.....so much for honesty

 

[RickC]

Snowflake,
I have not given up ....yet
I have been away for a l'il vacation.
I do appreciate all of ya'll's friendly advice.
I take no offense to anything that has been said. I realize that you are trying to be helpful and not trying to discourage me. I am still trying to find a reputable school.
I have been to one which was not to my satisfaction and will keep looking.
My best to ya'll,
Rick C

 

[snowflake]

Snowflake,
I have not given up ....yet
I have been away for a l'il vacation.
I do appreciate all of ya'll's friendly advice.
I take no offense to anything that has been said. I realize that you are trying to be helpful and not trying to discourage me. I am still trying to find a reputable school.
I have been to one which was not to my satisfaction and will keep looking.
My best to ya'll,
Rick C

glad to here from ya sincerely wish ya the best.......