Is It Still Worth It To Become A Trucker?

Topic 30995 | Page 1

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Jake B.'s Comment
member avatar

I had a cdl years ago and never used it because my driving record was bad at the time. Now I am wondering if it's a good idea to get into the field. Or is it bad and it's best to go into the computer field, etc. nowadays? I almost feel scared to drive such a big vehicle again lol. Being in the right gear at the right time etc. Which is why I would prefer automatic.

So, drivers, do you recommend getting into the field or not? If not, what other field with a short training time would you recommend?

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Jamie's Comment
member avatar

Of course it's still worth getting into trucking, but it all depends on the person. You can make some pretty good money depending on the type of driver you will be. Quick question, did you have your CDL this whole time or did you downgrade to a normal licenses?

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Jake B.'s Comment
member avatar

Of course it's still worth getting into trucking, but it all depends on the person. You can make some pretty good money depending on the type of driver you will be. Quick question, did you have your CDL this whole time or did you downgrade to a normal licenses?

I downgraded

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
BK's Comment
member avatar

Jake, it's a great time to get into truck driving. But it's not for everyone. Each person needs to figure out their priorities and what they want out of life. If you can't handle the potential for danger, do the computer job. Truck driving is listed as one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in America.

Personally, I want to see the country. OTR driving is a great way to get paid for seeing the sights. And getting a manual transmission truck is very rare nowadays. Automated trans are the way to go and 99% sure that's what you would get. I love my auto.

There is a machining company near Schneider HQ in Green Bay, WI. You can basically walk in the door and get trained to operate a machine there. $26.00 per hour to start, full benefits from day one, shift bonus, paid training. No experience required, only a drug test to pass. So if you want to stand in front of a big machine all day, that's the safe way to go. Standing in front of a semi is not a good choice, people get killed that way.

OTR:

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.

Kerry L.'s Comment
member avatar

I had a cdl years ago and never used it because my driving record was bad at the time. Now I am wondering if it's a good idea to get into the field. Or is it bad and it's best to go into the computer field, etc. nowadays? I almost feel scared to drive such a big vehicle again lol. Being in the right gear at the right time etc. Which is why I would prefer automatic.

So, drivers, do you recommend getting into the field or not? If not, what other field with a short training time would you recommend?

It's always the right time, if driving is something you want to do. Only you can answer the questions regarding willingness to make the sacrifices necessary. There is money to be made, but it requires making that truck your home for long stretches. If you don't have a problem with living on the road and being away from family most of the time, then it is probably a good time for you to become a trucker.

Keep us updated how things go.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Mikey B.'s Comment
member avatar

Yep, still worth it.

Anne A. (and sometimes To's Comment
member avatar

Apply For Paid CDL Training

I had a cdl years ago and never used it because my driving record was bad at the time. Now I am wondering if it's a good idea to get into the field. Or is it bad and it's best to go into the computer field, etc. nowadays? I almost feel scared to drive such a big vehicle again lol. Being in the right gear at the right time etc. Which is why I would prefer automatic.

So, drivers, do you recommend getting into the field or not? If not, what other field with a short training time would you recommend?

Many, if not MOST companies; are going full auto.

Yes, it's a great time to get into the 'industry!' << preferred word, or "Career!"

My dude's been in it for 20 plus; and we've got a paid off country acreage.

Wish you the best!

~ Anne ~

ps: You'll probably have to 'refresh' your CDL, so . . . here's this:

And when you get 'brushed up:' GO FOR IT!!

Apply For Paid CDL Training

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
PackRat's Comment
member avatar

It sure is worth it, just like it was 15 months ago when you posted the same question...

Steve L.'s Comment
member avatar

If you wait for all the lights to turn green, you’ll never get off the porch.

Joe G.'s Comment
member avatar

I thought about going into OTR trucking a while back, say 2017 or so. Not really sure if it's right for me. I thought the supply chain was backed up with the ships not coming into the ports? Why the transition to automatic these days? I guess it's less stressful that way?

Don't really plan on getting married with this Chinese virus going around. Sorry if that offends anyone on here.

OTR:

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.

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