Is truck driving a good career?
Asked by dillharvey
I am 36 years old and have a 12 year old daughter, I have a class B cdl already and have drove a dumptruck for almost a year. I cant seem to get a good job. I was wondering if I go to truck driver school and get my class A is there a good chance of getting a local driving job so I can be home everyday or would I have to drive 48 stste for a year? Any good advise would be greatly appreciated.

Best Answer:
Well, being a truck driver normally means good money. My father was one since I was born, up to maybe a year ago. Where you'll go depends on where you'll work, but most of the time truck drivers have 14 hour drives, and work night shifts back and forth to far places. You say you have a 12 yr old daughter? My advice, don't become a truck driver. My father missed out on a lot of things with me and my 2 sisters growing up, and I know he regrets it. Find a job closer to home if you can, and spend time with your daughter, that's what will matter in the long run! Sorry if I didn't really answer your question, I just thought I'd pass on some experience! I hope I helped a little though!
Personal Experience
Answered by PurpleRose

I'm not an expert, but from what I've heard you do have to be on the road at least three weeks out of the month. But I could be wrong. If there's nothing else you can do to support your daughter, then I'd go ahead and get the job.
Answered by asturiasangel

My brother drove a semi for a long time. If you drive for someone else you make more money. Brother stayed gone for awhile then got into a local job. He doesn't regret not driving anymore. Long hours on the road. There are a LOT of stupid people out there. Just be careful.
Answered by GLENDA S

Truck driving is actually a pretty decent paying career. The only real issues you'd most likely face is being away from home a lot and staying awake while driving for so long!
Answered by Steven B

it is. its good for america, and the pay is pretty good. but your always gone, miss out on lots with your familiy. But if it is your means of supporting them, then I say a man has got to do what a mans got to do. I'm not sure if there is a such thing as local where you can be home everyday. I have been in jobs where I have dealt with truckers on some level or another, and they travel great distances... Good Luck to you! On getting your license and a better paying job! America salutes you and so do I ! p.s. Hey man, Trick my Truck is a new show about truckers getting their trucks tricked out. these are all good deserving men who support their familys by trucking... check it out, its pretty kool.
Answered by gyrl_interupted

My son-in-law just went through all of this last year and so far, he's loving it and making decent money. However, he did do a little time driving over the road before landing a local route. That depends on the company. A lot of that depends on where you live, is it a trucking hub or close by one? The more firms working out of your area, the more likely a local route will be. Bear in mind the locals tend to make less overall. A couple of tips - as I wish someone had warned him before he got started - beware the recruiters. They promise all sorts of things. If you can get your CDL without having to sign on first, do it. He started with CR England, who put him thru training and so on, but he paid dearly for it in the long run.... He did alright with JB Hunt although the bennies weren't good, and is currently very pleased with the company he's with -TMC, pay, bennies, trucks, and routes. If you're interested in TMC, let me know and I can hook you up with him. Layover.com is another good information resource. I don't think they'll get wealthy with him driving, but he's supporting a wife and 3 young children and they're getting by. Might be a good option for you, best of luck!
Answered by Alison B

if you like trucking.and are thinking of working for yourself look up pepeelapu@yahoo.com on the web sight in the groups area go to oo total independent trucking there a belt buckle.it's for people that want home time and at the same time make a good living for there families.its for USA drivers.
Answered by Marcel SJ Rossignol