Profile For Clare S.

I’m glad you decided to allow this post in the forum because I think it highlights the kind of frustration that could come up for anyone in this career. As someone whose still just in the “consideration” phase, it’s oddly helpful to see all sides. I could write this post, with different details, about my current job and industry. We all hit the wall wherever we work and I can’t imagine the frustration of dealing with those dollar accounts. I happened to just be reading Papa Pig’s account of his adventures before I saw this new post. If nothing else, Jonathan you can maybe step back and see what didn’t work for you and why. Maybe you decided to give it another try, I have to think some company will take you but I can’t say for sure. Or maybe you really are done with this industry and need to look elsewhere. That’s also a good thing to come to if it isn’t the right thing. I appreciate this forum a lot because it isn’t always the same story or the same angle. There’s an honesty and reality here that I appreciate a lot. I know I’m not alone. Good luck Jonathan, wherever you end up! And thanks Old School and the other moderators for opening up these discussions.

I really appreciate everyone chiming in on this topic. I can’t tell you how helpful it is just to have a little validation and support. Ya’ll are awesome ❤️

As I continue to research trucking and really consider what this life will be, I find myself getting really excited but also getting pushback from people in my life. My boyfriend is supportive for the most part but I think he has massive doubts and also doesn’t understand why I even find trucking appealing. My parents try to dissuade me or just bring up things that they think are major cons. Thankfully, I have a cousin who is a retired trucker and she’s a huge resource and mentor during this. But I struggle dealing with other people’s doubts. For the experienced drivers, did you ever run into this? For people like me who are still considering a career, have you faced any pushback or doubt? Ultimately of course, my decision is my own and no one else’s. I’m just curious what other people have experienced. Thanks as always, everyone!

So I’m still researching trucking and weighing all my options but everyday during my commute, I think about this career. Something I’ve noticed more lately is that regular drivers seems way, way worse than ever. More often than not, no one signals to change lanes, people are constantly texting, fussing with their music, etc. This is stressful during my forty five minute commute in a Buick but I can’t imagine how obnoxious (and dangerous!) this is for truckers. Is this something you guys have noticed over the years? How do you deal with other drivers that don’t respect semis? And do you notice this bad driving trend at all among newer truckers? Thanks for your input and I always love any stories you guys want to share 👍

Hey Chris! No worries at all. Happy to see another Michigander on here. And thanks everyone who has put in their two cents so far!

Hey, thanks for such a quick response! I think you nailed why people like myself tend to think of private schooling as “better” and you make some great points about company training. That may ultimately be the path that makes the most sense because, yeah, saving even a few hundred at my current job is near impossible. And as for the commitment aspect, you’re completely right that a year or so with a company is nothing compared to what could hopefully be a great career.

Hey all! I’m a 28 year old woman looking pretty seriously into trucking as a new career. If I can get it together financially, I’m leaning toward the private schooling route but I’m also researching paid company training. Any Michigan based truckers out there who know of good schools to look into? Or any Michigan or Midwest based companies that train? My cousin drove for 15 years with Stevens Transport and loved it, but Dallas might be a little far to travel for training all the way from Flint! Thanks for any help you can offer!