I want to be a truck driver - A career change needed.

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not a truck driver my self but my best friend did almost the same thing u did. he went from one career to truck driving around the age of 30, (a few years before).

Its a lot of jerking around in the beginning. Companies know that first time truckers want experience so they can get better jobs so they milk you like no tommorow. He started with 2 man team long haul to cali/vancouver and back for a bit....found that unless they were smudging the logbooks they werent making any money. And thats the problem, to make money you have to cheat, and if you get caught its your *** on the line. He then switched to local long haul (NY, PA, QC) and did that for a while, thought that he could make better money by buying his own truck and went and got a good deal on a tractor and trailer. Money in vs money invested in the rig was the same, he was hardly making any good money, enough to pay the bills. Now 3 years jerknig around he found a decednt job. local LTL. He works long hours (12 hrs a day/ 6 days a week) but he makes good money. Problem is, hes never home so he cant appreciate the coin hes making. He was telling me how a month ago they went from an old rear projection 50" TV to a new 60" LED 3D top of the line TV and hes actually sat down and watched it twice! lol. His Harley barely got ridden and his wife monopolizes his free time cuz "thast the only time i get to see him"

see where i'm going with this?
 
Autoshift! Sounds like a treat. I always wondered how well they would work with 63500kg weight.

Hey does Hyndman sell Pete parts to the public? I have hood latch issues on my 387. I think they have a few 387's and maybe they have had same problem and know the fix.

Gummiente said:
I'm on reset til tomorrow, but I'll keep an eye out for you in the future. I'm in #1815, I'll wave to you with my right hand 'cause it's an Autoshift. :D
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And to the original poster.

With your mechanical skills, you could do well as an owner operator down the road. The only real way to get ahead is to keep your variable costs as low as possible. Fuel, maintainence, and such.

I would also suggest to take every course offered. I paid over $7000 in training and courses. As a brand new owner operator my insurance is quite a bit less than guys that have been driving most of their life.

It is possible to do at 30. I'm 30 now.
I scraped every bit of money together I could at 28 and decided to buy a truck.
I took driving school, had a job lined up prior,bought the best truck I could afford, and went to work as an owner operator right out of the gate. I am home every night and usually do not work weekends.

If you ever want to go for a spin shoot me a line. I leave and return to Brampton daily. I usually only go as far as Wingham.
 
casacrow said:
And to the original poster.

With your mechanical skills, you could do well as an owner operator down the road. The only real way to get ahead is to keep your variable costs as low as possible. Fuel, maintainence, and such.

I would also suggest to take every course offered. I paid over $7000 in training and courses. As a brand new owner operator my insurance is quite a bit less than guys that have been driving most of their life.

It is possible to do at 30. I'm 30 now.
I scraped every bit of money together I could at 28 and decided to buy a truck.
I took driving school, had a job lined up prior,bought the best truck I could afford, and went to work as an owner operator right out of the gate. I am home every night and usually do not work weekends.

If you ever want to go for a spin shoot me a line. I leave and return to Brampton daily. I usually only go as far as Wingham.
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Bought a truck right at the start eh...you crazy lol
Not the best idea imo but seems like you made it.

what engine/transmission/rear end ratio/ tire combo u got on there and what year is your truck if u dont mind me asking
 
Ya buying a truck right away was risky business. I didn't even have enough money left over to fuel it until the first cheque came in. Every single person experienced on the trucking industry said not to do it. They also said not to start on trains, but I was stubborn and had to learn fast.

My truck is a 387.
ISX 475HP with 1650lbs/ft at 12000RPM. I was told this wasthe minimum I would need for the weight I would be hooking to.
40000 rears, can't remember the front.
3.70 ratio, I wish it was a little lower.
EF 18spd
22.5" wheels, wish they were 24.5"

Dohhh said:
Bought a truck right at the start eh...you crazy lol
Not the best idea imo but seems like you made it.

what engine/transmission/rear end ratio/ tire combo u got on there and what year is your truck if u dont mind me asking
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I used to work in collections for the bank and appearently you really only make good money if you own your own truck.

I'm surprised that an auto tech doesnt make more money. Maybe you should apply and different dealerships.
 
casacrow said:
Ya buying a truck right away was risky business. I didn't even have enough money left over to fuel it until the first cheque came in. Every single person experienced on the trucking industry said not to do it. They also said not to start on trains, but I was stubborn and had to learn fast.

My truck is a 387.
ISX 475HP with 1650lbs/ft at 12000RPM. I was told this wasthe minimum I would need for the weight I would be hooking to.
40000 rears, can't remember the front.
3.70 ratio, I wish it was a little lower.
EF 18spd
22.5" wheels, wish they were 24.5"
Click to expand...

You did pretty good spec wise only bit of a hiccup is the 3.7...3.55 probably would have been perfect for cruising at 100km/h but hey i worked for a guy who had 3.90 and his truck was doing long haul with a wide open truck to 130km/h and he couldnt figure out why i was getting under 5mpg lol
You also dodged a bullet with the 03, 04 + pre egr are a nightmare...07+ scr no one can even figure out anymore.

I understand you haul heavy but whats your mpg with that setup? And whats your operation like? pay etc...if you dont wanna share i understand but im looking around at different options and planning to grab my own truck by the end of the year. So far im leaning towards a dedicated run down south but if i can stay in the area for decent money i woulnt mind that as well..
 
strictlye said:
I used to work in collections for the bank and appearently you really only make good money if you own your own truck.

I'm surprised that an auto tech doesnt make more money. Maybe you should apply and different dealerships.
Click to expand...

you could do alright as a company driver, 60k and no headache of your own truck.
buy the wrong truck and you'll make less as an owner operator
 
My best friends fiance is a long distance truck driver- and owner. Being an owner he has said the money was by far better then when working strictly for others....however with that said a lot of downfalls seem to have come with the job, like others stated at times he has been on the road up to 7 weeks at a time before getting home. Many of the companies have really #$#$# him around for loads, promised he is heading home etc.....

As well he says by the time he pays out his maintenance, fuel costs etc...its not as good as it seems, Im certain hes over 6 figures at the moment minus costs.....but still the time away etc is killing him....

He is currently trying a new business venture, think he just put a down on another truck and is going to be trying a different type of hauling.

Jenn
 
Gummiente said:
I'm on reset til tomorrow, but I'll keep an eye out for you in the future. I'm in #1815, I'll wave to you with my right hand 'cause it's an Autoshift. :iconbiggrin:
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Were you in Concord today around 11am?.. I thought i saw #1815 but i could been mistaken.

casacrow said:
Autoshift! Sounds like a treat. I always wondered how well they would work with 63500kg weight.

Hey does Hyndman sell Pete parts to the public? I have hood latch issues on my 387. I think they have a few 387's and maybe they have had same problem and know the fix.
Click to expand...

A 387 with hood latch issues? say it ain't so. What's it doing? banging over bumps or wont release?

OP - You should be able to make a decent living as a dealership auto tech, its the flat rate that can bite you in the arse. You should try wrenching on trucks. Generally better pay, hourly and I find it a lot more challenging. You more then likely have a lot of money tied up in tools, money that you will never get much of a return on if you try to sell them. Might as well put them to use. Since you already have your 310S, after you've put in some hours you can challenge the exam and write your 310T. It would also be a good way to get into the trucking industry and see if it's for you. It's an industry that you have to love to really stick with it.

Personally, I think it would be easier to support your parents in their golden years both financially and with time at home working in a shop. But if you have a desire to truck, then go for it. What were you making hourly as a auto tech? PM if you like. I'll let you know what the 310T guys are making..
 
One side of the hood pops open if the truck has any lean at all. Sometimes it locks down again on it's own. Sometimes I have to push it down. And it rattles over bumps.


Also he can choose to be a mechanic, or owning a truck will make ya one in a hurry when you see shop rates. ! I do all the greasing and oil changes myself. Last weekend I changed shoes and drums on the steers. Also recently replaced 12' of exhaust. As long as it's not engine related, it can be easy stuff to figure out. The tools get pricy though.


Torren said:
Were you in Concord today around 11am?.. I thought i saw #1815 but i could been mistaken.



A 387 with hood latch issues? say it ain't so. What's it doing? banging over bumps or wont release?

OP - You should be able to make a decent living as a dealership auto tech, its the flat rate that can bite you in the arse. You should try wrenching on trucks. Generally better pay, hourly and I find it a lot more challenging. You more then likely have a lot of money tied up in tools, money that you will never get much of a return on if you try to sell them. Might as well put them to use. Since you already have your 310S, after you've put in some hours you can challenge the exam and write your 310T. It would also be a good way to get into the trucking industry and see if it's for you. It's an industry that you have to love to really stick with it.

Personally, I think it would be easier to support your parents in their golden years both financially and with time at home working in a shop. But if you have a desire to truck, then go for it. What were you making hourly as a auto tech? PM if you like. I'll let you know what the 310T guys are making..
Click to expand...
 
My fuel consumption was just over 60L/100km when I first started. Now that I know how to use the engine a little better it is closer to 52L/100km.

When I started over a year ago, fuel was only $0.95. Now it's over $1.20 and they lad I drive for will not pay a fuel surcharge or bump our rates. Coin was decent last year, but this year I will not make much more than a company driver. I'll be losing $20g+ this year on fuel. Hopefully they will change things. They are a new company and hopefully they do not need to lose drivers to learn how to do things right. That just sounded like a rant. Lol.
Dohhh said:
You did pretty good spec wise only bit of a hiccup is the 3.7...3.55 probably would have been perfect for cruising at 100km/h but hey i worked for a guy who had 3.90 and his truck was doing long haul with a wide open truck to 130km/h and he couldnt figure out why i was getting under 5mpg lol
You also dodged a bullet with the 03, 04 + pre egr are a nightmare...07+ scr no one can even figure out anymore.

I understand you haul heavy but whats your mpg with that setup? And whats your operation like? pay etc...if you dont wanna share i understand but im looking around at different options and planning to grab my own truck by the end of the year. So far im leaning towards a dedicated run down south but if i can stay in the area for decent money i woulnt mind that as well..
Click to expand...
 
casacrow said:
One side of the hood pops open if the truck has any lean at all. Sometimes it locks down again on it's own. Sometimes I have to push it down. And it rattles over bumps.
Click to expand...

Those latches were always a source of irritations. We used to shim the spring on the latch pin with fender washers to give them more tension. The problem was if you shimmed them enough to take away the rattle it made the hood hard to latch, but it would stay there and not rattle.

I'm sure you already know, but a good quality tire gauge and regular use will help with fuel economy. 100-105psi seems to be the sweet spot for most customers.
 
Working as a tech in a dealership has it's ups and downs. Right now, it's the downs that I'm in. If I get the work, it would be decent money. But pulling in 5 hours, when you were there for 9 isn't exciting at all.

Thanks for all the options and advice everyone. Will be scooting around to get the training soon, will keep you all
updated. Cheers!!
 
My daughter's boyfriend was in the same position, working for a dealership and not making the money he should have been. He joined the Armed Forces a couple of years ago and loves it. Works regular hours as a mechanic, is training to be an instructor. He got a nice signing bonus when he joined because he already had a licensed trade.
It's not for everyone and his experience in the Armed Forces may not be yours, but it might be worth looking into. Also, they may be willing to train you for your AZ.
 
casacrow said:
Autoshift! Sounds like a treat. I always wondered how well they would work with 63500kg weight.

Hey does Hyndman sell Pete parts to the public? I have hood latch issues on my 387. I think they have a few 387's and maybe they have had same problem and know the fix.
Click to expand...

Mine is the 13-sp setup, it's pulled a few 44,000lb load quite well through the mountains of PA, VA and TN. It has CAT power, though, so I don't win very many stoplight drag races with it. I'm not too keen on the clutch, either, as it's more of an on/off switch than a clutch.

Hyndman Equipment does sell parts to the public and as the Hyndman Transport fleet is mostly Pete 386 and 387, they have a good stock of the most common stuff.
 
Torren said:
Were you in Concord today around 11am?.. I thought i saw #1815 but i could been mistaken.
Click to expand...

Nope, I was on reset til yesterday morning. Now down in Breezewood PA on my way to Herndon VA for a delivery later this afternoon.
 
In 10 hrs, a driver might be lucky enough to cover 500 miles.
That would be almost 100% straight highway with zero traffic and no piss breaks etc.
500 miles (800km) x .38 cents/ mile = $190.

That would be a day's work? Definitely not worth the hassle. You could make better money in some factory where your licence is never at risk. I had no idea that driving truck paid so little.
 
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