Full of promise or full of crap?

by TC
(Johnstown, PA)

I am currently seeking a trucking company that will offer not only training and employment, but also the opportunity top lease a truck upon graduation since I see long haul trucking as the last job I will ever have.

I am just coming out of the coal mining industry where I operated a Caterpillar 785 Rock Truck. After talking with many OTR truckers I have decided to make this career switch. Just need my CDL.

My brother in law is also a OTR driver and he has warned me of getting into this, telling me that many long haul drivers don’t get the miles they were promised and make barely enough to make their payments and buy fuel.

He also said trucking recruiters are a lot like military recruiters...telling you just what you want to hear.

So bottom line...what are my chances I will get what I am hoping for ?

Sincerely...TC

Comments for Full of promise or full of crap?

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Jun 12, 2014
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Well NEW
by: Seth

I would just work with a company and save your $$$ and buy a good used tractor out right because lease = payments, Non Payment = Repo, Repo = Loss of money, work, sanity and whatever else you can stack up on the problems of unemployment.

Mar 25, 2013
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DO NOT LEASE NEW
by: Tara

Don't do it! DO NOT LEASE. I've attached some links for you to view from a great website.

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e87103037635e93610a651b06&id=f9165b59a0&e=96c10e8f3b

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e87103037635e93610a651b06&id=9f458a447e&e=96c10e8f3b

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e87103037635e93610a651b06&id=898414f966&e=96c10e8f3b

Mar 25, 2013
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May 04, 2012
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Sometimes Trucking Is A Good Job NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi TJ,

I do not really know much about trucking it self but I do the bookkeeping and tax preparation for my husband, he is self employed and he makes a lot of money. One year $155,000.00. Truckers self employed/owner operator have a tax advantage and that is 50% (sometimes even 80%) is taken off the top of your gross income and that includes daily per deim. Which means you can choose to stay in a motel or not and still take the credit even if you sleep in your truck. You still must pay some taxes for your retirement SSI/Medicare. We live a happy fun filled life, we always have money for entertainment (sometimes another tax write off!). We are going to Hawaii next January! :) One thing I can say is it is hard work but good money if you are an organized person. Keep in mind Trucking is not for everyone. Good Luck in your new job venture.

May 04, 2012
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you should listen to your brother in law NEW
by: Anonymous

Listen to your brother in law, he's telling you the truth. Wishing it wasn't true, isn't going to change the fact that it's true.

May 04, 2012
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Educate yourself first! NEW
by: Joe Creek

Buy and read my books on trucking at SemiRetireTrucking.com That's the best advise I could give you. J C

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