Hours Driving? and more

I'm thinking about getting into this.
Q: how many hours are you driving to make 35 to 40k.
Q: how do YOU deal with the boredom?
Q: is there a large amount of down time waiting?
Q: will I be able to take my dog?
Q: how easy is it to get local jobs?
Q: is it going to be tough on a 52 yr. old man?
Q: is it very physical?
Q: is it okay to drink off hours?

thanks for any help.

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Sep 29, 2013
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by: Hervy

Sir, Type in your questions here

Most of this stuff has been written about in detail. You are not asking simple answer questions. It takes explanations or it leaves room for assumptions.

Other questions about my experience won't be relevant to you as a new driver or individual.

For instance....Would I do it at 52 knowing what i know. My situation is likely not what yours is. I don't have kids or a wife. I don't plan on driving at 52 because I don't want to drive with wife and kids. See what I mean... If I already had them or didn't want them, I probably would drive at 52.

Now I probably will drive at 52 but not for a living just to smell diesel fuel, lol.

What did I like, everything. The unpredictability and seeing the country, alone time, meeting people in strange places is what I like.

My job was hauling furniture. Specialized to a certain extent. I didn't do a lot of sitting. Some trucking companies do and some don't. Hours vary like I said, you just have to read what all of the parameters are so you know what to look for.

And some of your questions I took time to answer the 1st time, you asked them again.
Sep 27, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		another Q
by: Anonymous

If I get through the training, typically, how easy is it to get a job? I see them advertised all the time?
Sep 27, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Follow up Q's
by: Rande

Thanks for the response.
I realize there are many variables to my questions. I'm looking for your experiences, what your situation is and, you being around it must have heard about other companies and such.
• So just to get a general idea, typical driving hours?
• what are you guys actually making $.
• Weekends? Will I be stuck somewhere for the whole weekend?
• are they, for the most part, places you CAN do something.
• Home time?
• What companies are the best to work for/avoid?
• Can you trust companies to give enough hours? or time off when you need it?
• Have you been looking for a local job? how long?
• What are good local jobs to have?
• Is a class A good enough? is a class /BC better to have? a lot more dangerous? worth it?
• Benefits good? do I pay a portion?
• what do you like about the job?
• would you do it again? worth it.
• Knowing what you know, would you do it at 52 yr of age?
• I've been sitting in front of a computer for 27 years. Not in real bad shape tho. Built a couple of web sites. So, I'm not the most mechanical or brightest bulb in the shed; will I have problems with the school? What would be the toughest parts.
I've done a practice test so far the permit questions aren't to bad?
• any other advice before I decide the rest of my life?

Please if you don't know exactly what the perfect answer is, just tell me what you've experienced. That'll give me an idea.
I value your comments.
thanks for any help
Sep 26, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Trucking life questions and answers
by: Hervy

I'm thinking about getting into this.

Q: how many hours are you driving to make 35 to 40k.

A: It depends on the rate per mile, mph of the truck, legal speed in state you are traveling, average length of loads.

Q: how do YOU deal with the boredom?

A: Personally, I don't get bored. I have many interests which include, writing, reading, researching, helping people. I found things to do that fit those interests.

I wrote books, built a few websites, read and researched information.

Also, there are places to go where you stop in many cases. You might have to spend a little cab money if your company doesn't allow bob tailing. Did that too occasionally.

Plus there are internet at truckstops, TV's, video game, laundry lounge, some even have weight equipment now.

Q: is there a large amount of down time waiting?

A: Depends on the company that you go to.

Q: will I be able to take my dog?

A: Depends on the company that you go to. Ask about the pet policy. Also ask about the rider policy.

Q: how easy is it to get local jobs?

A: Not easy until you have more than 1 year experience. Then it still might not be easy. Depends on the demand where you live.

Q: is it going to be tough on a 52 yr. old man?

A: Depends on the 52 yr old man. If you are in good shape. No sweat. If you are open to learn, no sweat.

Q: is it very physical?

A: Depends on the trucking job. Most are not very physical for a new driver. You will see them say something like 95% no touch freight. The term 'no touch' means typically the driver doesn't load or unload.

Flatbed you do not want to do, if you don't want physical work.

Q: is it okay to drink off hours?

A: It is illegal to drink in the truck.

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