Anyone here drive a truck for a living?

Question

Just got my CDL ...Is driving as in demand as I am reading? Any tips/info you think I should know? Appreciate your comments/experiences

Answer 1

I have been driving for a while now. You will NEVER be out of work if you keep your abstract clean. Drivers are in very high demand. Visit most truck stops in the U.S and some companies are offering same day employment. I am Canadian, and drove long-haul for some time in the U.S, but that is no life for anyone with a family. I was fortunate enough to get a local job with a big, well known company...a dedicated run and home every night. These jobs can be hard to get, when you have less than 2 years experience.. I lucked out! The guy who said not to do it because you will end up poor, was doing something wrong. There is BIG money, especially if you are willing to drive long-haul. For the time I was doing it, I was away Mon.-Fri., home weekends (usually), and if I was willing to bend a few log-book rules, I could have made at least $1000.00/week... maybe$1300.00 if I really pushed it. I don't recommend that though...big,big fines if you get caught.
My advice....Just get some experience with a company willing to hire new drivers, and then get yourself a local thing. You can still make good money. I make decent money....about $18.00/hr., which I think is pretty good, and I'm home with my family every night. Good luck....and as they say...'keep on truckin'!

If you want to hear any more from me, just click on my avatar and contact me through Yahoo! Answers, or my e-mail.

Answer 2

I've been driving for about 4 1/2 years now. If you have a clean CDL, you will never have to look for a job. I get contacted by at least one company trying to hire me every week. Getting your first year or two of experience is the biggest step. Some companies will only hire drivers with at least two years experience. Not much I can tell you that would help. Some stuff you need to learn on your own. Don't take any unnecessary crap from an employer, and be real careful if you sign a contract with someone. There are lots of dishonest people in the business. Rule #1 - Don't Hit Anything! Ever! (Except a dock) Good luck.

Answer 3

yep I have CDL class A email me I can answer any questions [e-mail]
I been driving 6 years.
You can make decent money driving a Dump truck local in your area. In Florida I work 10 hours a day 5 days a week. Before tax I make around 800 dollars.
If I work on a Saturday I clear 1,000 dollars
not bad to ride in a 2006 Mack Granite series
with automatic,A/C, even a CD player

Answer 4

Your dad could answer this better than anyone on yahoo. Suffice to say, you get paid more per mile for deliveries, but you are responsible for overhead. (truck payments, maintenance, fuel, insurance, food, etc) And, you have to seek out your own contracts. I would think you probably come out about the same as a company sponsored truck.

Answer 5

Well I started a few year's back ,Been around the block a few time's all I can say is do not hurry take your time and
be safe. I don't want to sound funny but watch out for the eldery driver's and do make sure you don't overload cuz'
the DOT man would love to stop ypu and keep you stoped for up tp 2 hours, I know

Answer 6

I drove for 25 years
Take my advise,Find a different career.
You will retire a poor man and all crippled up if you do this job for a long time..

Answer 7

companies are begging for drivers -missing us old farts who gave it up -offering sign on bonuses etc --its decent paying but aint near as fun as it sounds -takes a special kind of person to do it abought went nuts when i got home to stay and even god hates the d.o.t.

Answer 8

no but i heard if u drive over along period, u can have helath problem due to breatihing thef umes of the trucks