Hey folks. Sorry about posting about a same subject again.
I worked as an auto tech for over 4 years. Working in a dealership, the pay isn't good as I thought. And it's not something I am super excited about doing. I thought about things I can do for a long time with some enjoyment and it's driving. I want to get into transport business, specifically, driving trucks.
I would like to known as a truck driver who also can fix cars.
The issue is where do I start? I know I need to go to school, but which one? Humber is too expensive.
And for those who are in the industry already, is it enough money to support yourself and your aging parents at least?
I am not into making alot of money, just a living.
Finally, I turned 30. Is it too late to learn a new career?
Please give me your insights, I know there are truckers in this forum, please help me out.
Thank you (sincerely) in advance.
And for those who are in the industry already, is it enough money to support yourself and your aging parents at least?
I am not into making alot of money, just a living.
Can you make money, well that really depends on you and your attitude, and who you work for. Ive been driving for 7 years on and off. I started when i was 21 and made almost 60,000 my first year. But that was back when my company truck did 130km an hour and i didnt know the meaning of a log book. Today every truck in ontario is capped at 105 and you still get paid by the mile, meaning you work longer hours for the same pay. After spending thousands of dollars on tickets and basically getting burned out in the first year ive moved around different companies in search of a normal job. I did local, short haul, long haul out west, containers...you name it ive done it.
In the last 7 years ive learned a lot about this industry and ill share a few of those points with you:
1.) 9 out of 10 companies will give you **** equipment, unrealistic deadlines, and waste your time due to poor planning on their part
I have sat 12 hours at a shipper waiting to get loaded, only to drive 5 hours back to toronto form michigan. i only got paid PER MILES DRIVEN. when i ran out of hours i was told to use another log book...
2.) Majority of the companies are crooks, you will get ripped off, its just a matter of how much and when especially when youre new
If i added up all the money ive gotten ripped off for in my first four years, i could go out and buy my 2002 corvette z06 with cash today
3.) When you are new to the industries they will run you like a slave, make phony promises and drop you like a fly the moment something goes wrong.
With that said, there is that 1 out of 10. If youre lucky to find this company its not that bad. It took me 4 years and plenty of ****** companies to find one thats worth my time. I almost gave up driving for good plenty of times because i thought all companies were run by idiots and thieves. Right now im looking at getting my own truck and doing a dedicated run...
This isnt to say its easy if you get on with a decent company. The hours are long, lots of regulations, and other things you have to deal with. But this comes with every job out there. You have to look at the pros and cons of the complete big picture. Personally id rather sit in a warm truck in the winter, listen to my tunes and drive than do physical labour outdoors. Only you know yourself and what you want and what you are willing to sacrifice...
The issue is where do I start? I know I need to go to school, but which one? Humber is too expensive.
If you decide you want to do this, the very first thing you do is go online and apply for a F.A.S.T card. Its a piece of ID issued by the USA Homeland security. It takes some time to get from start to finish since a detailed background check is done by both canada and usa and you have to go to fort erie or windsor for an interview.
Once you do the above you need to go out and get yourself a book from mto on air brakes and tractor trailers. Pics are below.
After you know both in and out you go and do the written portion of the test at a drive test facility, then you find a school. Unfortunately schools are run by the same crooks who operate a lot of these companies. Finding one can be tricky, they are in business to make money and not teach you how to drive. Stay away from humber, and Metro. At the same time find an air brake course which is usually a weekend class. Cost is about 300 and once you do the course you wont have to do the air brake portion on your road test. After that do your driving, pass the road test and you got yourself a license.
Finally, I turned 30. Is it too late to learn a new career?
Its never too late, this doesnt take years to do. You can be done in 2 months if you really want to do it.
I know it seems like a lot to do, but it really isnt once you get to it. Also i wrote out the steps quickly, if you need more details or have any questions PM me. Listening to what others have gone through and learning from their mistakes can make your life so much easier...