how do I get involved in trucking industry?

Question

hi,my name is sam I have a small trucking company in the chicago land area. i'm having a hard time getting my foot in the door.Need some advice thanx.

Answer 1

so to Schiender they are always hiring....My brother works for them..

Answer 2

I'm sure you've noticed all of the MAJOR construction projects springing up in the Chicago area. On most of these projects the contractors need trucks to do hauling. This could be anything from stone, sand, dirt, hot-mix asphalt, ect. Seriously, there is A LOT of hauling work to be done in the Chicago area, and they pay very well.

I would suggest visiting the Illinois Department of Transportation's web site (www.dot.state.il.us). From there go to project information. You will find some sites for some of the large construciton projects in the Chicago area. I would suggest finding out who has the contract for hauling. Once you get this, contact them (usually a larger trucking contractor) and tell them that you have trucks and you're looking for work.

Additionally, you will have to obtain a dump trailer of some sort for your trucks to pull, and also have wet-kits on your trucks to move the dump trailer up and down.

I wish I were closer to Chicago, because I would be all over the work there. Unfortunatly, we're too far.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Sam,

Have you considered leasing your trucks on w/a larger company and work as a small fleet operator until you discover your niche. This will give you a good income while learning the trade. E-mail me if interested.

Answer 4

Most truck drivers make their career their life. They eat, sleep, and breathe every road, highway, and interstate of this vast and diverse country. They can tell you what sunrise looks like in Phoenix, and tell you what sunset looks like in Miami. From the view through a windshield, the country looks much different. Drivers see only passing glimpses of their surroundings. They leave just as quickly as they came, unnoticed to the everyday lives of those arround them.

My job is to educate, empower, and help to employ any driver that I can. While still new to trucking, I have dedicated much of my free time to learning more about the industry, and to finding anything I feel would be of aid. It is in such a regard that I write this month's article not on the material success of a truck driving career, but rather on how drivers can choose to function while participating in a driving career.

Now, I'm not talking manners or phone etiquette, or suggesting finishing truck driving schools. What I want each driver to consider, however, is the steps they can make to take an active role in the functionality of the industry. Once upon a time truckers stuck together through good and bad times, and there was more to the industry then insurance rates and mountains of frustration.

I'm here to say that once upon a time can be now. By getting involved in your industry, you stop becoming a victim of circumstance, and start becoming the ebb and flow of business. You become equipped to handle more, and to make more – simply by giving more.

Getting involved in a not-for-profit organization like Trucker Buddy can not only make a positive impact on some very excited grade schoolers, but leave the trucker buddy driver with a sense of purpose, honor, and empowerment. Trucker Buddy takes regular drivers with a valid CDL and turns them into pen pals and teacher aids. Simply by writing a letter each week, a trucker buddy can educate his classroom on a wealth of topics about our country, about the trucking industry, and about life itself. Students not only gain an appreciation for the industry, but learn valuable facts about trucks that help make roads safer when the young generation starts driving.

Becoming a part of an association like the Owner Operator Independent Driver's Association (OOIDA) is a good way to stay educated and informed about the industry. As they say on their website, "Be a part of the solution!" The OOIDA dedicates themselves to getting involved in every issue that has anything to do with trucking (both good and bad). They testify at major court hearings, take an active role in legislative activities on both the state and federal level, and participate in conferences and organizations pertaining to the industry.

Taking a part in some of the numberous charitable events throughout the industry held each year, such as the Tennesee Trucking Association's "Big Rigs for Little Kids Golf Tournaments", not only gives you the chance to meet other drivers and industry partners, but gives you the chance to donate your time to a great cause! For some of these events, simply showing up is enough to make a difference, so be sure to ask the trucking association in your area about upcoming activities.
If you still want to get involved, but can't seem to find your niche – make your own! The industry needs a few movers and shakers to get the ball rolling sometimes, so it might as well be you. Get some friends together and start a Bible Study, a movie club, anything you want! It's your industry, so claim it!

For more information on the Trucker Buddy organization, you can call 800-MY-BUDDY, or go online to www.truckerbuddy.org. For more information on the OOIDA you can call 800-444-5791 or go online to www.ooida.com. To find the trucking association in your area, go online to www.everytruckjob.com and click on "trucking associations".

Answer 5

FIRST- OF ALL YOU SAY YOU HAVE A SMALL CO. ,ARE THE TRUCKS TRACTOR TRAILER OF STREIGHT JOBS. SECOND- HOW FAR DO YOU GO --OVER THE ROAD OR JUST LOCAL. THIRD -DO YOU MAKE PICK UPS AND DELIVERIES. FORTH - WHAT ARE YOUR RATES. NOW IF YOU ONLY WORK LOCAL GET INVOLVED WITH AN--I.C.C. CARRIER AND SUBLEASE YOURSELF TO THEM TO MAKE PICK UPS AND DELIVERIES AND LET THEM GIVE YOU A RATE. BECAUSE IN TODAYS WORLD OF $3.00 A GAL., MEDICAL COVERAGE, AND TOLLS YOU HAVE TO PAY YOU HAVE TO GET A GOOD RATE , IT'S NOT EASY , GOOD LUCK