Profile For Newbie solo guy

I'm back everyone. I never pulled the trigger to go out and drive. Stayed with my current office job. I'll be ready after my wife has the baby in 2-4 weeks. I want to ask for help on where and how should I start?

I want to do things right and go out for training for a little bit 1-2 weeks.

I want a job where I'm back home each weekend.

I need to make minimum if 1200 per week.

I have a old felony from 2006.

Where do you think I should start?

Thanks guys

Wow!! Lots of great info. Thanks for all the support guys. I think I'll take it slow and run 3 round trips to start. I am a newbie.

I called today to verify the miles and was told 2700-3900 miles per week. That is in 5-6 days which makes more sense to me now. It's about 450-490 miles one way so each round trip is 900-980 miles. They say I can legally do 4 round trips per week. I can see 3 round trips, but how can I possibly do 4 round trips? Thats closer to 4000 miles now. What do you guys think? I'm new to this so I'm not trying to kill myself out there. I think I can manage 3 round trips weekly, but 4 seems crazy.

Moutain girl,

Your words really helped me focus more and opened up my eyes to see things in a different view. I do have the confidence just need the practice out there otr. I will follow all your advice and keep my fears separated and not think of any of my financial issues while I'm on the road. I thank you for the great words and wisdom. I'm so happy I found this forum as it's really helpful to hear from experienced honest drivers.

God bless everyone in this trucker community!!

Hello everyone,

A little bit about me:

14 years+ dispatcher and operations manager experience in the industry. Class A cdl for the last 8 years. Past fleet owner running reefers from Chicago to Texas. I lost everything in the past. As my family is growing being in an office is just not paying the bills anymore. I have 2 months otr experience but that was 4 years ago. I have a friend of mine that hired me and I have orientation next week. Dedicated run drop hook on one side live load on the other 3500 miles weekly. I feel comfortable driving, but scared. I feel safe. I need practice still backing up, but something inside me still makes me nervous and scared. Please don't laugh at me, but I'm being honest. I'm really scared to leave my job with benefits, dedicated time, 40 hours a week, etc. How can I get over this?

My friend, I Kind of know just what you are feeling. From reading your post, if I understand it correctly, your worrying about what the future will could bring.

This may sound stupid, but this thought, has got me through more than one rough spot in my life;

Things are bad where your are at, you have the basic skills to begin a new career, so don't worry, it can only get better from here.

Throw yourself all in. Learn all you can from other drivers. READ BRETT'S BOOK. Things will be better because they can't get worse.

Jerry,

I really appreciate the advice and thoughts. I think I am going to go all in and hope for the best. I do have the basic skills just need to get over this nervous feeling. I think anything new in life is a challenge and over time things will get better. I did go to Kansas City NE unload and come back without any problems 2-3 times to help out a friend in need. I feel safe and confident with my driving just need more time to practice and get over all these scary thoughts and being nervous. I really appreciate all your help and support. Thank you for everything. Where may I find Brett''s Book? I'm interested in learning more.

Thank you

You said that you have previous 2 months OTR experience. How was that like? Why was it only two months? How comfortable were you driving then? Also, not that your friend is not honest, but 3500 miles a week is high. How about if you only get to do 2000-2500 miles, will the math still work in your favour? It sounds like you don't want to take the risk on being a trucker. Could you go back to your old job if trucking does not work out? I know, too many questions to ask yourself but you don't want to make this decision lightly. What does your heart say?

The 2 months I drove before was okay same feelings. I only drove 2 months because I did not like the idea of being OTR with my family, but now I need to make move as being in the office is not paying the bills anymore. Plus with this dedicated run I will be home weekends and maybe 1 day during the week. If I only ran 2000-2500 miles I would probably make the same money as I do in the office. I will not be able to go back to my old job as I'm leaving without notice since I had this opportunity pop up recently. My heart says I need to make a move and go because I'm in deep financial problems, legal issues with IRS bankruptcy etc. The run that I was offered I can make double my current income. Thank you for all your input.

With no recent experience your fears are well founded and good. They need to put you with a trainer for a minimum of a couple of weeks.

Thirty five hundred miles a week is going to be a challenge to do consistently for a new driver.

As far as getting past your fears, my recommendation would be to start this at a company like Prime who could provide you some good solid training while also paying you some top wages. Then after a year you could "roll the dice" with your friend.

I totally agree with Old School on this. You are waving several red flags that indicate a lack of confidence, and rightfully so. Taking one step back in order to go two steps forward in the future is the wise and prudent path to take. Good luck.

G-Town. Thank you for the input I do agree with you and Old School and thank you both for your feedback and support.

With no recent experience your fears are well founded and good. They need to put you with a trainer for a minimum of a couple of weeks.

Thirty five hundred miles a week is going to be a challenge to do consistently for a new driver.

As far as getting past your fears, my recommendation would be to start this at a company like Prime who could provide you some good solid training while also paying you some top wages. Then after a year you could "roll the dice" with your friend.

Thanks for the feedback and input Old School. I've already went through training and even tho still feel a little nervous. I appreciate the great advice.

Hello everyone,

A little bit about me:

14 years+ dispatcher and operations manager experience in the industry. Class A cdl for the last 8 years. Past fleet owner running reefers from Chicago to Texas. I lost everything in the past. As my family is growing being in an office is just not paying the bills anymore. I have 2 months otr experience but that was 4 years ago. I have a friend of mine that hired me and I have orientation next week. Dedicated run drop hook on one side live load on the other 3500 miles weekly. I feel comfortable driving, but scared. I feel safe. I need practice still backing up, but something inside me still makes me nervous and scared. Please don't laugh at me, but I'm being honest. I'm really scared to leave my job with benefits, dedicated time, 40 hours a week, etc. How can I get over this?