I want to be a trucker.

Hi there, Im 26 years old, and I really consider being a trucker the career move I should make. I already travel alot in my van (and live in it). So essientally aside from my van, I dont have any property, Im not married, I dont want kids, I do good driving long distances without a problem. Being on the road just driving is "fun" to me (some people think I am sick, I can drive over 14 hours stoping just for gas without a hitch). I only have one misdemenor, no major criminal record, and a fairly decent driving record. I have some debt, but nothing major (a CC or two). Ive tried so many differnt careers, and I just end up quiting and going for the road driving around the south-west aimlessly, stoping in cities for a few months just to earn gas/food money taking odd jobs.

When I mentioned to my friends I wanted to be a truck driver, they all looked at me with that look of "we were waiting for you to come to that conclusion".

So here I am, a total newb to this thing. Im positive I could handle the lifestyle. I spend alot of time alone so that doesnt bother me. driving doesnt bother me... and getting paid to drive certianly doesnt bother me!

So where do I start? What should I expect? anything I mention that will hold me back? (I cant think that my one misdemenor would hold me back, it was pretty minor).

Whats the best school? Whats the best trucking companies? Is it possible to get on "long haul" job right-away? Id rather do long-haul all year-long type stuff rather than being limited, since I dont have a house anyways. Im fine living in a vehical.

Are there any trucking companies that hire you and train you with no experience? Or should I just fork up the cash myself and goto trucking school then look for a job?

Thanks, and sorry for all the questions, but Im very serious about this, and need some real advice from real truckers.

--Jenn

hi,the one thing you do have in your favor is no family...this job really sucks when you have family at home that you cant be with.as far as the misdemeanor i dont think it will hurt as long as it didnt involve drugs or dui..dont be fooled this job is harder than it looks you have rules and regs...dispatch on your butt d.o.t on your butt and shippers and receivers pissed off just because you are breathing air that they may need someday..be UPFRONT about your misdemeanor because if they find it later,and they probably will,that could be worse...if you think you will stay for at least a year then i would contact somebody like schnieder,england or swift and they will teach u to drive and if you stay a year they want charge you.as for longhaul you will start longhaul with just about any company then after you get experience you can apply for regional or local positions....you might try going to truckstops and talking to some of the drivers around and get there outlook on things and you can also get free mags with trucking companies and what they offer....good luck..

Hey The Easiest Thing 2 Get Into Is Cargo Vans And It Sounds Like You Already Got That Covered You Don't Have 2 Have A Special License And They're Routinely Less Strict Then Driving A Semi R Staight Truck I Have A Friend Who Owns A Couple Thet're Leased 2 Panther 2 If You Want His Name And Number R Any Info Just Call Me I'm Not Scared My Names Rebecca 330-352-4292 Oh One More Thing About Cargo Vans No Log Books R Scales

[bilmorgbc]

My advice is not use a school at all.Go to a company that offers the school in exchange for a year of working for them.There are several.Swift,J.B.Hunt,U.S.Express and others.I think you get better training if the trainer knows your going to be driving for his company.

[hotshotdriver]

Hey,Everyone has posted really good feedback and its best to start off with a dry van like heartsdesire mentioned. Also a good place to find Trucking Jobs and Available Loads is this website Truck Loads For Owner Operators
There are many online load boards but this sites gives you backhauls loads which really helps!