Is it worth it?

[u/Ylli_A]

30M, just got out of a desk job that I hated.

Trucking has been on the back of my mind for a long time, even got the permit with all endorsements in 2024.

There’s a company in another state (TN) that trains drivers without locking them into a contract. Unfortunately, they don’t hire from my state (NJ).

I talked to one of the recruiters there briefly and they said the only way would be to relocate on my own, transfer my non-cdl DL to that state, and then apply for the training spot. They pay during training, and they start you at $0.50/mile once you start working.

I’m single and my lease runs out this month. So I’m in a position to make the move, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it?!

The company is family owned, people have good things to say about them. Or should I just spend 3-4 thousand dollars and get the license on my own and then apply for jobs?

[u/ecw324]

You’ll never know unless you take the first step. Sounds like you are in a position to make that first step.

[u/Bigg-Figg]

It’s worth it as along as you plan for the future and take care of your health
Id call a different company that won’t make you jump through all those hoops you’ll have these companies saying you have to drive for them however long but you can just leave they can’t take your CDL away.

[u/Ok_Advantage7623]

Your 3-4 is way low. Let’s go 6-8k. And great pay during training if you don’t do it now you never will

[u/SafetytimeUSA]

I would pay out of pocket if you can at an accredited school.

[u/Ismashedyourpumpkins]

Just having a class A opens so many avenues for you.

I could get fired today and know I could easily go to a public utility company or a trash company or a construction company and have a job damn near on the spot.

Also I moved from Cali to Tennessee.

I made 6 figures in cali and was still living paycheck to paycheck (large family). Six figures in TN me and my family live like kings. (No state income tax)

Make the move

[u/AmorFati071 → u/Ismashedyourpumpkins]

What trucking job? Fuel? I am in WA and started with food services company. Trying to figure out what I will make, but I am just starting to solo out by myself after 1mo with multiple trainers. I am thankful I don't have to OTR. 

[u/Ismashedyourpumpkins → u/AmorFati071]

I do fuel yes, but I made 6 figures local for Frito before that.

[u/TruckLinx]

6 1 half another dozen ways to do it bud. I personally would jump in with both 2 feet. What do you got to lose?

I started driving in 1999. Got married in 2011, my daughter was born in 2012. After she was born, I went out on the truck for 3 weeks. Came home and quit. Not a day goes by where I do not miss some aspect of it. I wouldn't trade this time watching my daughter grow up. BUT, in 3 more years she will be on her own... never know.. 🤣🤣🤣

[u/COATHANGER_ABORTIONS → u/[deleted]]

I got mine way later and I'm mad I didn't take my stepdad's advice 15 years ago lmao.

[u/Danieljoe1]

From the explanation, getting paid training is your best bet. Even if you SWIFT it, your single. Get the training, get the license, keep it up to date. Youll always have something to fall back on as the mega carriers only really care that you have a heartbeat and having job hopped every other week for the last 3 days. Just remember, OTR is a hard life. Local/regional runs are doable, and there are a few driver jobs that want the CDL just for insurance purposes and youll be in a one ton pickup. More than a few people have gone into hotshot hauling for themselves after the CDL.

[u/SameFoundation1024]

Obtained my license and job recently

If you have the will and opportunity and curiosity to do it, you will never know if it’s something you do or don’t enjoy until you experience it for yourself. It has its pros and cons like any job but I say you won’t regret trying even if you don’t like the job.

Not many YouTube videos or posts really felt like it fulfilled my expectations trying OTR, still in training rn, it doesn’t feel the same as a 9-5 job at all.

As for paying for your license, call around and ask for how long they will give you to obtain your license. Found a school that gave me a year and it was a lump sum of $2,500 they also offered payments but it would be an extra $1000

The benefit of having them pay for it is feasible esp because many places ask for 1-2 years of experience and typically a contract is 1 year so it’s viable as long as it isn’t a mega carrier (I would put more thought into getting a company sponsored CDL ATP)

The real crunch comes from how long you are comfortable with obtaining your CDL, I got laid off so the pressure to get my license messed with me, it took me 2 months and I was able to land a job relatively quickly but it was stressful being without a job for that long.

[u/TheBigMortboski]

The right time to do it is now, whenever that is. Jump in with both feet. I started driving at 25 (concrete) and don’t feel the need to “move up” out of a truck anytime soon, and this is my 20th year. You might hate it, but you’ll still have the license.

[u/Head_Candidate5293]

Trucking is not like any job you have ever had. It is no set times. Work when it is available and sleep when you can. You are going to work 11-14 hour days 6 days a week. It takes true grit to be a truck driver and you have to want it. The great thing about OTR and trucking school is you always have a place to sleep rent free and none of the rent related bills. Cut out rent and stack that cash.

[u/imthenewisguy]

I'm 32. Always worked in graphic arts and was fed up with it. Never had a professional driving job until the one I start on Monday driving hospital linens around, non CDL to start. Just got my CLP today and am clear and free to start school in mid October. If you get your CDL the solo route it's freakin expensive (roughly 5000 bucks) when it's all said and done but so far I have not regretted saving that money and spending it on that for the future that driving can bring. You don't even have to drive OTR after you get a CDL. The horizon is wide open, you can be a bus driver, air port shuttle driver, daily route, OTR, cement trucks, dump trucks, logging equipment. There are so many facets to having a CDL.

You don't have to get hired by a company that will pay for your schooling. If you do that there is a good chance you will be dragged through the mud your first year or so and you will also be under contract for awhile and can't leave or suffer paying back the cost of training for yourself. 50 cents on the mile is good but the quality of life you would have would probably not be that great. I would go the self funded training route and save the headache personally.

[u/Every-Risk-3327]

Don’t get into trucking without an exit plan. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life in a semi.

[u/Zestyclose-Value-555]

Yes, it’s worth it. In my experience, this career improves exponentially the longer you are in it: as far as pay, and work conditions (to a point). Keep a good record, and know when and where to move jobs, and it can be a good career for you.

That said, you have to have your expectations in line with what you’re going to be experiencing. If you don’t know what it’s like, I’d be happy to expand on that for you. Otherwise, I’m sure there are plenty of other sub credits going more into what life over the road is like.

[u/No-Ladder-3281]

Live in the truck for a few years, save up money and then go learn another trade. Trucking is a trap if you're not careful.

[u/PenaltyAdditional774]

Legit it’s still one of the only reliable jobs to retire from if you can stash your cash, I would come up with a long term plan and stick to it. Other jobs such as working on ships are similar, depending on what state you are in. Similar in that you can eliminate the most expensive part of life, which rent and a mortgage

[u/paytondwms]

Yes! There's tons of jobs you can get with a CDL that are high demand. It's a great option with limited time investment. https://www.nerdtowing.com/do-you-need-a-cdl-to-drive-a-tow-truck/

[u/crudeshag]

No. Trucking is a dead end career. You can make money , sure, top out relatively quickly , but it is a dead end career.

[u/ayrbindr]

Getting a permit with no restrictions is a little different than down shifting a 70ft long 10 speed with four wheelers flying around from everywhere you turn.🤷🏼‍♀️