Profile For TCB

Just get started. Pay for school or get company sponsored. OTR is a great way to learn how to handle a rig. Either way, you will need to take a road test with a local position, so you have to know how to handle a truck. Once you are a good, safe driver, the positions are out there, especially in NJ. The pay is usually based on either hourly (usually $18-$25 per hour) plus overtime, or daily pay plus activity money. Either way, you should earn btw $750-$1500 per week as a local driver. It really depends on where you are and what you are doing. These positions are limited, so if you can find one, jump on it. If you have someone you are already interested in driving for, make contact with them and let them know your intentions, they may bring you on sooner than normal and it will give you the incentive to get through the bumps and bruises of learning.

Jopa, you are correct sir, thank you for taking a unbiased stance. The only reason one would be offended is if they fit the category of the negative driver. I run into people every day from many companies that are picking up/delivering at locations all over my area from all parts of the US who ask me how to get a position where they can be home more. I in fact have referred a dozen or so to my company because I know they actually care about their drivers. I thought there may be a group of people that like the idea of driving, however not OTR. I started in the Flatbed division OTR and learned how to drive hard, work hard, and be clean and eat healthy to boot.

Every day I ran across people driving box/reefer trucks (flatbed busts their butts, so it is tough to stay tidy, but you can do it.) that do not take pride in who they are or what they do because they are obviously overweight and not clean. I believe the "new" age of drivers are educated, responsible, and looking for a job/career with a future or security. My company has many driving options all over the country, and I happened to come across a local position where I can go to the gym every day and care for a sick family member while still driving and building on my experience and hanging out with friends and family.

As for me, I dismiss the negativity as an inability to transform with new industry standards. I thought we were all on here to help. I liked OTR traveling and seeing the country, especially the Northwest, however when you really are attached to where you are from/live, it is helpful to new drivers to know there are other options out there. My intentions are not to offend any OTR drivers that hold themselves to higher standards, it made me a great driver, I have driven over/through all the major mountains/cities in this country. OTR is a great way to earn/save tons of money with virtually no overhead. My top priority when I decided to drive was to be a safe driver, and I believe I have done that. I sacrificed months of my life, however I am glad I did to get the experience I need. Again, my advice is to do your homework, find a course of action and make it happen. Cheers and good luck to all debating/transitioning to the industry.

I am sorry Thunder, I do not understand your grammar. I do know that the company I now work for understands that there is a new breed of driver. One that appreciates the joys of home and family. The days of "Old School" truckers taking illegal drugs, running dual logs, and not bathing are almost a memory. I am just trying to motivate a new generation to try some new things. I do agree that these CDL mills are turning out a lot of drivers right now, but remember back in the day it was easy to get your CDL with virtually no training. Now it is a process and you do have to pass all the requirements. Lets try to motivate on here instead of the trucker negativity that we are trying to overcome. Oh, and yes in Texas, Driving Careers are booming. Obviously you have to be safe and care about what you do. Lets promote this as a job,career, or whatever you need it to be.....

I know there are a lot of people pondering the idea of learning how to drive a big rig. I was one of them. Time away from home, friends, and family are a deal killer for many people. I thought I would share my situation to shed some light on the topic. Go to a company sponsored CDL program.(PRIME, INC has a good program that gives you some solo exp as well--but I would not advise working there long term) Within 6 months I had my CDL and the experience I needed to score a sweet local driving job M-F nights and weekends off making good money. Take it seriously, run hard, drive as much as you can. (they will give you a road test and assess your driving maturity) If you are a good, safe driver who makes their deliveries on time, you will find the position that works for you. Just keep calling companies until you find the right job for you. The smaller companies tend to treat their drivers better and are more concerned with your personal happiness. This industry is booming and there are tons of opportunities for good drivers. Many companies are providing many new driving options such as 7days on/7 days off, 14/7, 7/3, 7/4, 14/3, etc.... Good luck!!