I'm finishing this semester in college and going to school for truck driving. I would like to take a year or so off from school to see the country and make some good money. I've read about the hardships that truck drivers go through like layovers, fatigue, logging miles honestly, idle laws, false DAC reports, etc. Any experienced truck drivers have any advice on dealing with the issues? Is it worth it to put up with all this?
2007-02-11 03:32:33 · 7 answers · asked by Live4theWeekend 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
There are a lot of hassles. Mainly be careful of your hours of service. Dispatchers will try to push you and a violation will cost you big bucks. That being said, it can be fun, but it can also be lonely. Do yourself a favor and when you stop at a truck stop, don't worry about where you park. Park in the way back and walk. Too many drivers park in fire zones just so they don't have to walk as far to get to the buffet. And it shows.
2007-02-11 03:44:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not a truck driver BUT, I used to wait tables in a truck stop and one thing I saw happen to a lot of younger drivers is they got way fat, lol! I can't tell you how many of those guys would suddenly switch from two eggs over easy, hashbrowns with gravy, buttered toast, four slices of bacon, and a slice of pie, to oatmeal and coffee, after they packed on 20-30 pounds in their first few years. If you have any inclination at all to weight gain, might want to remember to get some exercise in whenever that truck stops. :D
99% of the drivers that I got to know were great people though. It's a hard profession filled with a lot of hardworking, underappreciated folks.
2007-02-11 11:41:49 · answer #2 · answered by Jadalina 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am a truck drivers wife. I'll start by saying they spend too much time away from home. I raised our three children by myself. He drove for 25+ years, now he is local in a tri-axle, home all the time. ( We also had our own business with a truck and trailer of our own for about 5 years. That was just as much work, with him away all the time plus working on the truck and trailer. And trying to catch up on loss sleep. ) Yes the paper work involved is a lot. Wow!! I could just go on and on.
It is very hard on a family. I wish you the best.
2007-02-11 12:13:28 · answer #3 · answered by fulltimehoney 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just don't fall asleep while driving. A truck driver fell asleep and ran his truck right through the Long John Silvers in my town. Be careful on the road.
2007-02-11 11:37:16 · answer #4 · answered by honeybear 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I tell you what. I drove a year with nothing but problems. I didn't know if I was coming or going. I met these people at www.drive4more.com & they got me a huge bonus, A dedicated route & I get home every weekend. These guy's know trucking. They can also get you training. Check it out.
2007-02-11 13:38:48 · answer #5 · answered by CHUCK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from lot lizards.
2007-02-11 12:32:33 · answer #6 · answered by FlyChicc420 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch them curves.
2007-02-11 11:41:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋