Retired Or Ex-cops Becoming Truck Drivers

Are there any retired or ex-cops who have gone trucking on here? How has it worked out for you?

Are there any retired or ex-cops who have gone trucking on here? How has it worked out for you?

There have been several ex or retired LEO's here (some are still here just don't post much).

I had the pleasure of training one of them when I was at Prime. Still friends with him, talk with him on almost a weekly basis.

Ernie

Former police officer here

Just turned in all my gear this past Monday; bulletproof vest, uniforms, patrol car, etc. (got to keep my gun!) I started my 8 week CDL school on Tuesday. Still to early to tell how it will turn out, but I am excited about going in to trucking! Been perusing this site for the past 2 years trying to make up my mind and it has proven to be invaluable in helping me make up my mind to go for it.

Thank for the replies. I'm about to retire. School is scheduled for April.

Ernie, how was the transition for your guy? What I'm trying to figure out is, if being a former cop helped with the transition. We have a hard job with lots of stress. I think my experience will greatly assist me in trucking. I think when it comes to the stressful and trying times, I will already be prepared to deal with it which will make trucking easier. As LOE's we are faced with impossible situations all the time. We get paid to keep a cool head and find a solution when there isn't one. I just think this will help in trucking. Instead of calling dispatch with every little problem I will find a solution on my own which I would think will move me up the ladder faster. Get the load there on time and need very little help doing it. This seems to be the way to show dispatch you are dependable which will get me better loads faster in increase the bottom line faster. I want to be one of the first year drivers that make $40,000 not $30,000. Am I on the right track?

Andre, How long were youa cop and how long have you been trucking? Is what I just typed above true, or am I kidding myself?

Diver, I can't wait to turn my equipment in. I never want to walk around with 30 pounds of crap digging into back again. Let me know how it goes for you. Which company are you going with? Best of luck o you Brother.

Thanks in advance.

AJ, I haven't made up my mind yet on which company. I've gotten pre-hires from Werner and US Xpress so far. Been hoping to land a LTL job, but odds of that happening down here are slim and none and slim is out of town, so I've been looking around quite a bit. Here lately I've been kicking around the idea of going flatbed. Cypress Trucking out of Jacksonville, FL has a Southeast Regional and home weekends for the most part. More physical than van work though.

You have no idea how good it feels to not be toting all that equipment around. My back feels a whole lot better. I haven't even had to see my chiropractor since I made the decision this past December to retire. Thanks and best of luck to you too brother!

As LOE's we are faced with impossible situations all the time. We get paid to keep a cool head and find a solution when there isn't one.

AJ, that one talent, "problem solving" is going to carry you through more than anything else ... doesn't matter where you learned it (my best friend is a retired Deputy Sheriff - Washoe County NV [Reno] so I know what you mean) ... the ability to "fix the problem" is numero uno in my mind - you can't wait for someone else to figure it out for you ... don't get me wrong, you'll have lots of people you can call and get hints and suggestions from, but ultimately it's gonna be all you 90% of the time ... $40,000 the first year is doable if you run hard and get 'er done ...

Jopa

I am currently still in school. Tomorrow is the start of weekend three of an eight weekend course. So far it has been pretty good. I've gotten one prehire which has an extra condition on it that I can show 30 days compliant with a cpap. Its with a flat bed company. I think I scored gold as it advertises 52k average which I'm slightly doubtful of considering that seems high for a rookie but it's also a dedicated run for a major home improvement store home nightly as well as weekend. So you can see why I'm leary of the salary. As for being former LEO it has already paid off. I took the permit test and some of the things weren't covered in class but from past experiences and common sense I missed only a few questions. Also when out on the truck it also helps I already know when backing not to panic keep calm and think it through. So I'd say it's a good thing. Also the one company who is willing.to accept me was very pleased with my background as a police officer.

Ernie, how was the transition for your guy? What I'm trying to figure out is, if being a former cop helped with the transition.

AJ,

So far it seems that his transition has gone really well.

Any questions, let me know, will do my best to help if I can.

Ernie

AJ, There are several of us hanging around, lol. I retired after 28 1/2 years in Ca. Your on track with your thinking for the most part. Dispatchers and Planners will be the ones determining your loads no matter where you go. As such like anywhere else you got good ones, decent ones, and the dreaded bad ones. Your communication skills will serve you well with everyone you deal with from company folks to customers. I've been at this 16 months now and I already got tons of stories where I have talked my way into getting things handled. You will find your alot different than alot of drivers in that regard, Dispatchers are used to getting problems dumped in their lap, not solutions so a good one will reward you for that. If you have any specific questions feel free to message me. I don't get on near as often as I would like to. I have been busy as all get out.