Truck driving

[kingjulian 80]

Are any truck driver out here? Got few questions, is it a good career to embark on? In terms of money, career stabilit, what's the best type of truck driving should I consider? Thanks

[millefleur 5,046]

**Moved from Off Topic to Finding Work in America; OP may get answers faster there**

[Sarge2155 4,587]

9 hours ago, kingjulian said:

Are any truck driver out here? Got few questions, is it a good career to embark on? In terms of money, career stabilit, what's the best type of truck driving should I consider? Thanks

Professional truck driving is a fairly good career, but I might add just starting out it's fairly hard work depending on what carrier you work for. There are several different types of drivers but I will discuss the long haul driver and the local (city driver). Both type professional drivers will required a commercial driving license hence after called a CDL.

 

Some driving does not require a CDL, but if you want to go career and make the money you will want to get a CDL. Getting a CDL is another subject and some people find it fairly difficult to obtain it. There are several endorsements that go along with a CDL that you must obtain also in order to be able to operate that configuration for example double trailers (double) triple, tanker. All will require the air brake endorsement. Bus drivers will need the passenger endorsement. You can also get a hazardous materiel endorsement that you have to renew every 4 years and it's quite difficult to obtain (you have to go through DHS) to get this endorsement I might add.

 

From a career stand point the long haul driver is where the money is at looking at it from the just starting out stand point. However if you have a family it would suck big time example some companies keep you on the road 3 weeks then a few days home then right back on the road. So if you are a family man that values your family and family time the long haul truck driver would not be for you. Depending on your state of residence the laws vary and the employers are varied too. As in any job there are &*^%*& employers and good ones it's all a matter of hit and miss till you find your fit.

 

City drivers can be had by the new driver, but are very hard to obtain as they want you to have a few years driving (over the road) under your belt. In summary a professional truck driver can be a rewarding career good money and stable. During this virus situation trucks are STILL rolling for obvious reasons so that should answer your stability question. Again it's hard work not for the faint at heart or the weak!!!!

[TBoneTX 45,304]

Sarge has given an excellent answer.  This member retired not long ago from a career as a long-haul trucker:

https://www.visajourney.com/profile/53300-luckytxn/

Send him a personal message with a link to this thread.

[kingjulian 80]

14 hours ago, Sarge2155 said:

Professional truck driving is a fairly good career, but I might add just starting out it's fairly hard work depending on what carrier you work for. There are several different types of drivers but I will discuss the long haul driver and the local (city driver). Both type professional drivers will required a commercial driving license hence after called a CDL.

 

Some driving does not require a CDL, but if you want to go career and make the money you will want to get a CDL. Getting a CDL is another subject and some people find it fairly difficult to obtain it. There are several endorsements that go along with a CDL that you must obtain also in order to be able to operate that configuration for example double trailers (double) triple, tanker. All will require the air brake endorsement. Bus drivers will need the passenger endorsement. You can also get a hazardous materiel endorsement that you have to renew every 4 years and it's quite difficult to obtain (you have to go through DHS) to get this endorsement I might add.

 

From a career stand point the long haul driver is where the money is at looking at it from the just starting out stand point. However if you have a family it would suck big time example some companies keep you on the road 3 weeks then a few days home then right back on the road. So if you are a family man that values your family and family time the long haul truck driver would not be for you. Depending on your state of residence the laws vary and the employers are varied too. As in any job there are &*^%*& employers and good ones it's all a matter of hit and miss till you find your fit.

 

City drivers can be had by the new driver, but are very hard to obtain as they want you to have a few years driving (over the road) under your belt. In summary a professional truck driver can be a rewarding career good money and stable. During this virus situation trucks are STILL rolling for obvious reasons so that should answer your stability question. Again it's hard work not for the faint at heart or the weak!!!!

Thanks so much for the in-depth response..I'll do some more research into this based off the response you have given..I'm thankful once again.