Question:
what's a typical day in the life? Where do you drive? Do you like what you do? What's something you really don't like about the job...?
Just joined up - enjoy all the good info & debate
Answer:

This should be entertaining once again.
Boring mindless hours behind the wheel,boring mindless hours at customers. Boring mindless hours providing uncompansated duties,
Boring mindless hours associating with boring mindless people that believe
being a "Vagabond Gypsy" is some sort of "Lifestyle" for "normal" folks.
I'm retired. The wage paid today does not equal the sacrifices made.
I'm sure the "trucking" apologists and Recruiters will also chime in.
Answer:
I've been off the road for a while now; going back out soon,
Its a JOB,, eather you like it or you don't, if not get out, flip burgers or sweep floors what ever,
If ya think trucking is mindless, boreing, try working in a factory, stand in the same place, doing the same thing , all day every day, being told when to come when to go when to eat when to P. having some jerk of a forman thats hates the world ride your butt all day every day
there are trade offs no mather what you do to support your self, find something you can live with, and call it good. money is not every thing!!!!

Answer:

I predict a rude awakening in the future.

Interesting comparison considering wages and working conditions.

Substitute sitting as compared to standing.
I have yet to see any "factory worker" use a jug BTW.

That's correct but I believe it helps. The fact remains if the job paid more the professional Recruiters would be Drivers. The Drivers would not be recruiting for a pittance of a bonus.

Answer:
An awakeing I'm sure; rude , I don't know, after lurking here,?
Way back when we didn't have internet, we sat at truckstops; we had the
''Billy Bigriggers'' talking stupid, the guy who pissed & moaned about every and any thing, and the guy who just went about his daily work, taking the good with the bad. perhaps even enjoying his ''job'' So not all that different then now/here.
The braindead factory worker may not have to use a jug, but you have to ask permission to use the john. and depending on your super, you may have to hold it till it hurts, been there ,done that....
In my 40plus years of employment, I've trucked, did factory, been selfemployed, tryed farming [ want to talk about hours and pay] now I WANT to to try trucking again.
The pay, hours, and conditions are all part of the game.; if you don't like it find a different contest.
Like that song says; there aint no easy road

Answer:
I appreciate the feedback... I'm sure those questions have been asked before... It's funny, cause I feel like my job is mindless & boring - and I get paid a lot less than what I'd make OTR. Granted, nowhere near the responsibility & general hazards of driving... but I'm still relatively young & don't have much baggage - I feel like if I'm ever gonna take the plunge, it should be now... It just seems like, based on everything I've read in these forums, that I really have no idea what I'd be in for......
Answer:

That's good perspective uncle b - it's all about perspective, right? I mean, I actually think I'd enjoy some aspects of trucking - there are some that I KNOW I wouldn't enjoy, but then again, I've never had a job where I enjoyed absolutely everything about it all the time...
Right now I work in customer service - and I've said it more than once... "If I'm gonna work a job that I don't like, I might as well get paid as much as possible for my misery." And, I know that if I didn't like some parts of whatever job I'm doing, there's no way I could ever be successful doing it...
Answer:
Hey 2012
You will never know untill you tryed it for your self, I can tell you what I remember from the past; there are drivers here that will give you an updated verson; but it will all be slanted as to the opinion or mindset of the one talking.
Do your homework!!!! Find a truckstop, talk to at least 10 drivers, ask the same questions, then with a very open mind, review thire answers.
THEN go from there.
Anyone with acces to a computer can become Tommy Trucker,
Don't believe all that is written.
I myself never had a job I didn't like for very long, I refuse to be held hostage by pay, benifits, what ever. If your truly unhappy with what your doing, move on.
You aint doing anybody any favors by being there, not your employer, the costomer, or yourself, and all the money possible wouldn't change it.

Answer:

The fact is you "think" you are paid less than OTR will.
The fact is OTR hours surpass two full time jobs every week.
The fact is more folks leave the vocation before a year than stay.

Young,unmarried, and no family are IMO an asset concerning the
"lifestyle"(snicker) of OTR Driving.

The fact is your statement is fact. Countless numbers have passed through here refusing to believe the realities of OTR.
Answer:
Rabelam,you sir NEED to get a life. You have my best wishes. Disclaimer:Pick too ugly to post at this time,LOL.

Answer:
Well, 2012, I see you have met Rabelam. He's not really vicious, and as long as he stays chained up and you don't get too close, you should be alright. Just keep out of his reach and everything will be okay.As long as the paperwork's clean, you boys can do whatever you want to out on the road" Mad Max ...1979

Answer:

LOL - you guys crack me up

Yep, I believe it - I was actually looking for full time employment (after I'd moved) this time last year, and it was interesting to see all these ads in the paper for OTR drivers, all looking for 6 mths - 2 yrs exp. I was thinking, man, having my CDL would be great job security (hehe)... and now, I think I'm starting to see why I STILL see so many CDL/OTR ads in the paper...
Answer:
It is a nice form of job security to have a CDL in your pocket. Doesn't prohibit you from looking around and finding something else if it pays well, but it's nice to know that you always have something that you can fall back on. Lots of people are in a deal where if they lose what they have, they have absolutely no fallback plans. Trucking isnt the worst of occupations, nor is it the best. But if you make the best of it, you can do pretty well with it.
There are some prices to be paid getting started, just like in any industry, but once you get past that point, as we all did, you can make a much better deal for yourself and figure out what is most important to you. For some it's money, for some travel, some hometime, and so on.
I chose to do this, and while I have the occasional bad day, just like anyone else, I have a much higher percentage of good days. If the work fits you, and you are realistic about it, then this isn't a bad way to go.As long as the paperwork's clean, you boys can do whatever you want to out on the road" Mad Max ...1979

Answer:

I belive 2012 asked a question, for wich Rabe replied with his opinion...I dont know why he's not allowed to give it like everyone else.....
Also people come here with their minds made up already...why ask a question then??.....As for you ....I dont think a 20 year old wet behind the ears, should really open his friggin mouth concerning life making decesions.......yea yea...I know...you're 24 and a half.....LIARS SUKK

Answer:
27 and a half. I don't have a problem with anyone stating their opinions,but the constant ranting about how boring and mindless OTR is gets
nowhere. On the newbie forum it is more resourceful and helpful to give FACTS rather than one's own personal opinion. Mr. No-life was not happy and is bitter towards OTR. That's fine,but ranting about on EVERY friggin board has gotten old.Disclaimer:Pick too ugly to post at this time,LOL.