Truck Driving Career
A true truck driver is a unique individual, one who deserves our respect and admiration. Becoming a good driver takes both skill and patience, and not everyone is cut out for this job. If you are considering becoming a professional driver, there are several questions you should ask yourself.
Is your bull s* detector set to high? When deciding which company you will be working for, you will deal with a recruiter. A recruiter is a hybrid between a lawyer and a used car salesman, so approach anything he says with extreme caution. Remember, he is just reading from a script and probably has no clue how much you will actually be making. The only number he cares about is how many recruits he gets, and he’ll say anything to snare you.
Are you good at math? The above mentioned recruiter will quote you a dollar figure that you will be earning. Take this number and divide it by three. That will be what you are actually making before expenses. Now take this number and double it. This is the amount you will be required to pay for fuel.
Are you concerned about the welfare of the big trucking companies? If so, you’re in luck. You can purchase your own truck through their convenient lease-to-own program. This program will allow you to make the truck payments, pay for all maintenance and upkeep, pay for repairs, pay for licensing, and do the actual driving. In exchange, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that in a year, if you can’t make a go of it, the company won’t lose a thing and will have your truck for the next driver to lease.
How are your reflexes? Are you ready for “four-wheelers” who pull out in front of you and then slam on their brakes. They will tell you that they have the right of way and it’s a “matter of principal.” Yes, you will squash them like a bug if you run them over but at least they have the moral victory.
Are you up to date on quantum physics and worm hole travel? Many companies practice what is referred to as “on time delivery.” This means they don’t order their supplies until the last minute so as not to have excess inventory on hand. They will expect you to travel from New York to Seattle in one day, no matter what the weather. Also, you will have to accomplish this following all DOT rules and regulations, whether these rules have any bearing on reality or not.
Do you enjoy a thorough cavity search? Your truck will be subjected to inspections by DOT officers who have never driven a truck in their life. In spite of this fact, you will encounter a few officers who know everything there is to know about anything. Don’t argue with them, you can’t win.
How strong is your stomach? You will be subject to a limited variety of truck stop cuisine and will be amazed that so many restaurants can produce food with the same cardboard consistency. Not only will you have to digest this fare, but you will have to do so while listening to a super-trucker loudly telling the entire restaurant about his latest exploits.
Do you remember what your family looks like? You may be out for several weeks at a time and will only be able to communicate with your loved ones by phone. Then again, depending on your spouse, this may be a good thing.
In spite of these facts, there are actually truck drivers who make a good living and do so in a safe, professional manner. Who knows, you just might have the sense of responsibility, skill, and humor it takes to be a great driver.
