Thank You

I would like to thank all the members of this forum for helping me make the life changing decision. last year I was laid off, and thought about trucking. I used this forum nightly to dig deep into the world of trucking. I made up my mind and went to a local school, got my cdl , and off I went to SWIFT. Best decision of my life. I love it.

But, without the research I did on this sight, I think it could have held a lot surprises I may not have been ready for.

Time out on the road, time away from family etc. I was well aware of this because of this site. I prepared my wife and myself, and things are good.

last time out it was 8 weeks, a bit long, but as I said, I knew this could happen. To anyone thinking of a becoming a trucker, I highly recommend spending a month or two on this site to read the stories and advice of all the great members to know exactly what you are getting into. Thx TT members.

A happy trucker

That's awesome to hear Watchdog and thanks for sharing that with us. I've been convinced for a long time that a lot of people who are plenty capable of making a great career out of trucking never get past the first few months simply because they had no idea how difficult it would be in so many ways.

When people get started in trucking they tend to worry the most about learning how to shift, learning how to back, and picking a 'good company', none of which are worth worrying much about at all. Learning how to drive the truck itself isn't that horribly difficult. And all of the major companies can be great places to work, you just have to pick one that suits you pretty well and go for it.

But many aren't prepared for the really difficult parts of life on the road. They don't expect the days to be so long or the amount of information to be so overwhelming. They don't expect the stress, the solitude, or the constant obstacles standing in the way of a safe, on time arrival at each customer.

I'm really glad to hear you were well prepared and that you stayed the course through the difficulties. I'm also glad to hear you're happy with Swift.

It really does take a fierce determination and a lot of nerve to get through that first year out there. People underestimate how difficult it's going to be.

I think another issue is that training is more difficult than being solo. People see how hard training is and expect THAT to be the lifestyle. It isn't. You can't truly appreciate trucking until you are upgraded for a month or so. Once I got into my own routine and making my decisions rather than dealing with the trainer, I breathed relief.

I think a lot of people give up during the hard part before they get to the rewarding part.

As far as this site goes, not only did it prepare me for the written.... But old school and g town really helped with trip planning and errol helped with my backing. Crazy considering we never met or spoke. I really feel seasoned and my first year isn't up yet.

When I hear other rookies complain I send them here hahaa.

So yeah thanks brett

I'm still with a trainer, but I can totally get with the statement below. You basically sleep when they get tired, eat when they get hungry, and shower when they feel dirty. I basically sleep on top of my clothes because there is limited storage. It's temporary and I can do anything for 8 weeks. All of the things I dislike about trucking so far should diminish or go away once I am solo.

I think another issue is that training is more difficult than being solo. People see how hard training is and expect THAT to be the lifestyle. It isn't. You can't truly appreciate trucking until you are upgraded for a month or so. Once I got into my own routine and making my decisions rather than dealing with the trainer, I breathed relief.

I think a lot of people give up during the hard part before they get to the rewarding part.