I Can't Decide...any Suggestions

I know that topic can go anyway unless I explain. Well here's a little about myself ! I have spent 12 years with the aviation industry, everything from loading luggage and all the way up to management. Now I am in school, about 9 months from completing my second year in college for my aviation maintenance license/associates degree in applied science. I've maybe gotten it into my head that this isn't what i want to do, granted i probably should of stopped before getting this far. Anywho, I've always wanted to drive trucks, i've driven box trucks for delivery companies, but none were nearly as close as a rig. I've been studying left and right for my CDL permit and also maintaining my studies in school. The only thing currently holding me in school is my promise to myself to finish my degree, though i might never use it. (Note: getting the degree only gets me a piece of paper, to get the license, i gotta spend about $1500 and test about 12 tests.) Back to my trucking question, i have a few ideas about what companies, i want to go with. Mainly ones with whom i can take my cat with me and possibly my gf/soon to be fiancee. My question is what should be my decision, I really wanna get on the road and learn something i have interest in, but also i don't wanna just give up on my degree ! Are there any thoughts from anyone?

Matthew, I would assume that you are a young Man, 30ish maybe? The hard facts are that a Majority of people that get into this Business don't stick around long. If it were me, and I had already committed to Higher Education, and was almost 2 years in, I would stay the course. There will be plenty of Truck Driving jobs around for Decades. IMHO, finish up your Aviation studies, It will give you one more feather in your cap as you navigate the next 30 years of your working life.

Another suggestion would be to read Brets book on here about becoming a trucker. It's free and I'm sure someone will put the link up....take to right now myself. Read it and see if this is the lifestyle you really want. This site is a fantastic resource to help you make a decision....best of luck to you!

Matthew,...this may seem like a dumb question but, "why do you want to be a truck driver"? No one here is going to make this decision for you, but I agree with the green Tractor, finish your schooling. No one can take that away from you. A career in trucking will still be available once you graduate.

You have been on this forum for almost 4 years,...you obviously (assumption) have read most of the material. So not sure what else I can suggest.

Good luck.

Thanks for the reply's, honestly i agree with all of your comments. Thing is, I am "burnt" out on aviation, the passion i once had is somewhat flamed out. Yes i've been on this site for 4 years if that is what is says, honestly, i haven't looked. I do understand the trucking lifestyle, no i haven't read the book you mentioned. I have a few close friends that spent time over the road and some still do it. Its taking me a few years to build up the courage to convince myself to even put my time forward to study the material. Family is supportive, that's a big plus !! Financially, i've been saving money to go away to school or to a company based school.

Staying in school is my priority and as long as i don't flunk this current class, ill be fine. I do appreciate all the end sight that a few of you have given me. I do have a few questions though.

1. I was looking at Wil-trans and Jim Palmer, loved the review that this site posted and even talked with a few drivers. Does wanting to go with a company that has the rider and pet policy that i am looking for matter, over pay and mileage?

2. I really want to get into flatbed, i know i could go with prime and or knight (sapa), but should i spend the time and get some basic dry van experience first?

3. I've seen a few video's on youtube and i know you cant believe everything you see, my question is, Can a driver who hauls refrigerated also haul dry van with same type trailer for same company?

Over The Road:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

SAP:

Substance Abuse Professional

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.

Wil-Trans:

Darrel Wilson bought his first tractor in 1980 at age 20, but, being too young to meet OTR age requirements, he leased the truck out and hired a driver.

Through growth and acquisition, Wil-Trans now employs over 200 drivers, and has a long-standing partnership with Prime, Inc. to haul their refrigerated freight. The family of businesses also includes Jim Palmer Trucking and O & S Trucking.

Matthew continuing the discussion:

I've seen a few video's on youtube and i know you cant believe everything you see, my question is, Can a driver who hauls refrigerated also haul dry van with same type trailer for same company?

Yes, it's not only possible, but at times expected. I run both.

He also asked this:

I really want to get into flatbed, i know i could go with prime and or knight (sapa), but should i spend the time and get some basic dry van experience first?

I prefer to let Old School or Pat answer this more definitively, but if that's what you want, you don't need to wait. Just realize there will be the added learning curve and stress of load securement and dealing with the elements more than you would in a dry or reefer job.

The rider and pet policy is many times carries a cost passed on to the driver. I would make sure you know this in advance so there are no surprises.

Ok,...so here is the full treatment, including Brett's book:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

My suggestion would be to finish school first. You have made mention several times that that is your top priority. I would focus on that first. Once you get out on the road, time will be more limited. Not saying it isn't possible to pursue a degree while driving a truck, but, the schedule of driving might make it more difficult.

I would look inside yourself and answer the question g town asked. Why do you want to be a trucker?

You say you have burned out on aviation, what happens if you get into trucking and get burned out on that in a short time? Having that degree would be nice as something to fall back on. I'm sure you can make a pretty good living on aircraft maintenance (I'm assuming that is what you are in school for).

Sometimes people look at trucking and are excited to get into it, only to find out after a few months that it isn't what they thought it was. Don't get me wrong, trucking is good honest work and many find success in it, but it's best to approach it with a bit of caution and inquiry, because it is a commitment. It's more than a job, it's a different lifestyle.

I would look into it for sure, but be sure it's what you really want before jumping in. Granted, it's not a lifetime commitment. A person can leave the industry any time they want.