Is It A Bad Time To Start A New Career?

There's really no good reason to try and time the market. There's always truck driving jobs available. If you want to do this just jump in and make it happen.

It will be a little tough right now to land that first job. The hiring has slowed, but it's not at a standstill. There are pockets of the industry that are doing worse than others. There are other areas that don't even feel affected by the economic slowdown.

Trucking is always looking for competent effective drivers. Don't allow the daily news to dictate your career pursuits. Make up your mind and move on your decisions. That's good advice whether you want to drive truck or be a banker. Just go for it and prove you've got what it takes

Well, the majority of the jobs are now in a big recession, so most of the jobs would be harder than they were 8 years ago

You live in a solid location for trucking, and there is a solid training company based in Shelbyville, TN. Titan Transfer offers paid CDL training and has OTR and regional positions available straight out of training. They have locations all over Tennessee, and into the Midwest.

As BK said, there are many factors that go into whether or not it's a good time to make a career change into trucking. It really depends on where you are personally in your life situation and finances. You can fill out an app for paid training on this website that will go out to several companies. I don't know if Titan Transfer is one of those companies, but perhaps someone who is more familiar with the various companies available through this website's app can chime in on that.

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

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

There's really no good reason to try and time the market. There's always truck driving jobs available. If you want to do this just jump in and make it happen.

It will be a little tough right now to land that first job. The hiring has slowed, but it's not at a standstill. There are pockets of the industry that are doing worse than others. There are other areas that don't even feel affected by the economic slowdown.

Trucking is always looking for competent effective drivers. Don't allow the daily news to dictate your career pursuits. Make up your mind and move on your decisions. That's good advice whether you want to drive truck or be a banker. Just go for it and prove you've got what it takes

Old School, I really like reading the positivity in your response. I am generally a positive person and look for reasons to say yes over saying no, so I have a like-minded view.

Well, the majority of the jobs are now in a big recession, so most of the jobs would be harder than they were 8 years ago

This is true. I have never really felt the crunch of an economic downturn because I’ve always been a top performer in the industries I have worked in. I can see what you are saying, if I am an efficient performer for a company, these downturns won’t have the same effect as it does on someone that makes excuses for not getting things done.

I do think that current circumstances are pushing me more toward company paid training, though. Because you have to get started with a company to show them your worth.

Once again, thank you to everyone for your replies to my question.

Welcome, Lucus.

The first sign that you might be successful at trucking is the fact that you are taking the time to get the big picture. Sure, the economy is down, inflation is up, and freight is down for the 4th or 5th (I stopped counting) quarter, but that shouldn't stop you from pursuing your interest.

As BK said, companies are still hiring but might be a little more selective during this soft market we are experiencing in trucking.

I'm no transportation expert, but mid-size to big companies will probably do better than small companies during these times. Regardless, the difference will be YOU, the driver. If everything you said is true about not needing home time as much because your family will be out of the country, well, there is the second sign that you might be successful at trucking. That will make the dispatcher's job easier from a planning standpoint, and allow you and the company to maximize your time while on the road.

Unless people stop eating, drinking, and taking care of personal hygiene, freight will pick up again.

Also, if you haven't done so, check out the trucking podcasts. There is a lot to be learned from them.

Best of luck.

Lucus, it’s not a bad time to start a career but it is a more difficult time than it was a year or two ago.

The answer to your question depends on so many factors that are unique to you as an individual. Where you live can be an advantage or a disadvantage. Your age? Physical condition? Home time requirements? Etc, etc.

Most companies are still hiring, although perhaps more selectively due to the slowdown. But recruiters are still recruiting so it is very favorable for getting started, especially if you have what companies are looking for.

There will always be a need for new drivers because older ones retire, some wash out because they find themselves unsuited to the job and lifestyle while others get fired for some egregious violation or accident.

If you were more specific about your situation and goals, you could get better guidance here.

I have been in contact already with prime inc. I am a fairly healthy guy in my mid 30s. I have a clean driving record etc etc. I plan to send my family to my wife’s home in the Philippines and drive for a few years to have capital to start some businesses over there (we already own a house there) so hometime will be something I do not need much of. I will be looking to maximize earnings after receiving the best training I can.

Thank you for your reply. I had dreams/plans of hitting the open road a decade ago when I got out of the army but the timing wasn’t right. My wife and I have been together for 16 years, so we are rock solid. I think it’s the best timing personally that I have ever had to pursue this dream of mine to see America.

I am only worried, not from a place of negativity, but because I analyze things way too much.

I'm new to this site but I will tell you about me. My wife is also from the Philippines Iloilo. She went back to go to nursing school. I left the government after 15 years I hated my job every day was getting worse and worse. My neighbor who is a trucker also had a wife in the Philippines told me to get my CDL . My first year I thought I made a big mistake I didn't make much money. I was missing my wife so much I couldn't even afford to take time off to go see her. Fast forward last year my 4th Year trucking I doubled what I was making my first year. I was able to take enough time off to spend 6 weeks in the Philippines. My wife will finish school this year. However she now wants to stay in the Philippines and be with family. Last year we sold our home here in Las Vegas. I have a brother in Utah that I stay with for my home time. However I try to stay on the road as much as I can. I will be going back to the Philippines later this year. I will give you this advise. The first year you are learning and you will not make what you think you will. After that first year find a good company that keeps you moving and on the road. If your goal like mine is to live in the Philippines. Stay in the truck as much as you can save that money. Last year I spent about 2 weeks total time at my brothers for my home time. My goal was to save as much of my time and work as much as I can. I will have more time in the Philippines with my wife.