question for the truckers beginners and veterans

by Jeff
(Austin Tx)

I am 32 years old recently married and considering trucking as a new endeavor. if you have recently started driving or you have been driving for many years do you ever regret driving or do you really appreciate this lifestyle? has trucking basically been a blessing or a curse in your life and or your relationships? I am just trying to ask the right questions to figure out if this is what I would want to do thank you for your time

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Dec 20, 2010
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Nick gave you pretty good advice.
by: Al

About the only thing I can add to that is that you will have to realize that you will be living in basically and 8'x8' tuna can. Its a hard demanding lifestyle that can make or break the strongest relations. As he said communication is the key to keeping it alive.

I've been doing this for over 30 yrs now. Was married for 19 of them. When our daughter left for college, the ex did not want to change to a simpler life. She wanted the luxury that trucking can give you but didn't want the staying alone part. Nor did she want to ride along or get her own cdl. Currently I run team with my gf and it is working out very well for us.

Wish you the best of luck.

Dec 07, 2010
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Thanks Nick
by: Jeff

That helps me a lot! My wife and I are really considering this as it's the only way I can think of to get into a job where it can pay at least 40 grand a year. My current job is at a hotel washing dishes and it's only paying 8.50 an hour and I can't find much with my felony. I have been told that trucking is a way to go and I like to drive long hours. Wifey can ride along with me as she works a seasonal job and she could ride along on her time off. the time away from her would be greatly appreciated too as too much togetherness can be overkill also. I am only thinking about being otr for 3 years at the very most then try to find a local company to drive for where I am home every day. Thank you for your advice! it was greatly appreciated. Have a safe and blessed day :)

Dec 06, 2010
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Wow
by: NickV

Yeah sorry about that Jeff that was kinda rude but I will try and help. It took me a long time to find a job due to some stupid things I have done in my past so when I found a job it was no question I had to go. I went out and was with a company (CRST) for 9 months, having a couple days a month home every month. Relationships are hard to keep out on the road. Depends on the strength. I made it through but it wasnt easy. You have bad days on the road and things start to mess with your mind and things can get taken out of context real quick. Im sure if you just got married then its to a woman you really love and you may be able to make it. Some relationships dont go long and then its up to you to quit a job that can get addicting real quick or lose the woman you love. Im off the road due to a bun in the oven. Some drivers would say that im not a real trucker and some would say I would do the same. Its all up to you and the decisions you make. If you want to make money trucking it is going to have to consume your life. Your not gonna be home, your not going to be spending time with kids, family, friends. Most people dont give that good of thought to that. Most places you can quit, get in your car, and drive home. Truck driving your in Maine when someone pisses you off and your like F this and last time I checked its a long way to Texas (trust me I know Im in San Antonio).
Im not telling you that trucking sucks. I miss it every single day. Its fun, its flyin by the seat of your pants, its good conversations and good people. But the ones you love are sittin at home thousands of miles away at times. Best bet would be to see if your wife would be interested in going with you, shoot maybe if she likes it she could get her CDL too. Somethin to kick around. Hope this helped you out man and if you got anymore questions just shoot. Someone will help. Best advice I can give you for keeping a relationship alive out on the road is definitely communication. The more you communicate the better it will be. Text messages are dangerous cause things can get taken out of text. Funny how that works but it does. Good Luck

Dec 01, 2010
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did I ask this in the wrong section?
by: Jeff

kind of didnt even answer my question lol ok

Nov 30, 2010
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What Trailer?
by: Jimmy

A step deck will handle a 10' high payload. A normal flatbed deck is about 5' from the ground and will handle a 9' payload. How long is this 10' payload? Jimmy

Nov 30, 2010
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flatbed or double drop
by: Phil

I'm a new freight agent. I have 10 ft high load that needs to be tarped - will I need a flatbed or a double drop trailer? Thanks

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