Truck driving across USA

[LosPukeParticipant 514]

Guys,

I’ve been really lucky lately in that I’ve taken retirement early in life. I thought I could retire early with my savings to coast until my pension starts paying me. It looks like I might have to return to the workforce to bridge a possible gap between my savings running out and when I start drawing from my pension. Perhaps, I might consider working a bit past the date I start collecting my retirement. This is simply to build up some savings to supplement my retirement once I quit working permanently.

At 47, I’ve become very much a shut-in introvert that not only avoids women, but people altogether. I don’t remember getting a “F~~~ Me Over!” tattooed on my forehead anytime during my life. It seems that not only women, but co-workers, family and friends have been willing to take advantage of anything I had to offer. I have nothing left to give.

The thought of returning to the workforce has me thinking of jobs that I can work in solitude. The idea of truck driving appeals to me somewhat. I always thought it to be beneath my intellect and physical prowess. However, I can’t help but think that there are countless men driving these big rigs across the country in the middle of the night on mostly empty interstate highways.

They don’t have harpy bitches screaming demands at them all day. I can’t see any office politics/sexual harassment bulls~~~ effecting their lives.

With today’s technology, you can listen to podcasts, audiobooks, as well as jam to whatever playlist you put together with your smartphone while driving. All of this happens in a climate-controlled environment with zero personal female contact.

I’m not talking about doing this for more than 5 years tops. I realize that those harpy bitches will be on the road in their minivans and it will be a challenge to not have an accident when they are in my proximity. I prefer to dodge their vehicles on the highways than actually face them in person and hear their f~~~ing voices. But I also would rather keep my exposure to manginas and white knights in the same realm.

Does anyone have any experience in truck driving? What parts of the job suck? Any recommendations on routes, companies, or life hacks (such as internet connection, showers, healthy food instead of truck stop grub)? As I’ve mentioned, this is not a long term plan, 5 years at most. My endgame is that I just want to put $50,000-200,000 in the bank to supplement my pension. Thanks for your input.

[TattooDaveParticipant 6952]

I was reading your post and I thought why wouldn’t you want to consider scaling back your lifestyle. Have you ever considered driving RVs for delivery the pay is good the hours flexible. Driving on the road professionally involves log books satellite tracking pretty much every movement you are making is tracked plus there are going to be numerous truckstop Horrors which will be rather enticing at times. Myself I’m considering opening a small shop for welding and metal fabrication. Think of things you can do by yourself with no help that doesn’t involve a lot of interaction. Believe me I used to be an extrovert

I can see their heads have been twisted and fed with worthless foam from the mouth. Bob d

[AutoliteParticipant]

LosPuke wrote:

Does anyone have any experience in truck driving? What parts of the job suck? Any recommendations on routes, companies, or life hacks (such as internet connection, showers, healthy food instead of truck stop grub)?

I can’t give you any direct experience advice. My father and brother both drove but I was interested in other things.

Maybe you should just go get a commercial licence anyway. It’s good to have it if you should ever need it. Then perhaps go on a few long haul ‘ride-a-longs’ to see if you’d like that sort of life.

The impression that I get is that those who love it really love it and those who hate it really hate it. It seems that your individual attitude and personality has a lot to do with it…

[Jan SobieskiParticipant 28791]

There are local drivers that are home more often.

Or delivery trucks.

Love is just alimony waiting to happen. Visit mgtow.com.

[AutoliteParticipant]

In the mean-time, check out this old flick. It stars Dennis Weaver and a ’56 Peterbilt “Needlenose” 281… 😀

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peterbilt_281

[RusskyParticipant 13503]

You can only make good money if you own your equipment. Otherwise you’ll be disappointed with your pay. Verizon is pretty much the only option for the internet. Forget about eating healthy – the only other choice besides fast food and truck stop restaurants (which are fine by the way, but aren’t cheap) – is whatever you can stick in a 12V fridge (not a lot). The only reliable place to restock it once a week or so will be some Walmart.
If you really want to do it – I’d suggest doing research how to operate as independent owner operator, sell your house – buy a solid mildly-used rig (with a trailer), live on the road and hotels for some 5 years, then sell the rig and buy a house again. That way you can make some serious coin. Leasing or being an employee will bring you not more than 25% of money you’d make being an owner-operator.

proud carrier of the 'why?' chromosome

[LosPukeParticipant 514]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will do the research on the suggestions.

[Anonymous 43]

I have extensive experience with truck stops. ahem, having lived in several for almost a year. don’t ask.

There is healthy food there. Fresh fruit and veggies. prices are higher, of course.

Internet is available everywhere.

I think the hard part of that job is knowing the condition of the truck and trailer, the position of the thing on the road, and the paperwork. The worst part is dealing with other people on the road. Having a dash cam and a firearm would be a good idea.

[Blood AxeParticipant 1179]

There are many farmers who look for help during harvest season. If your in the mid-west, driving grain truck beat truck, tractor and plow. It’s an option if long hauls aren’t your thing.

Back off Barbie!

[Hombre LibreParticipant 261]

Check out this website. It is about living in the Chevy express Van and only costing about $20 a day:

vanabode.com

H L

[Anonymous 43]

been there, done that

[RusskyParticipant 13503]

you can make 7k / week working hard owner operator minus insurance.
you don’t have to sell the house – I’d rent it out. That is if you have enough cash to buy a truck and a trailer (I think it’s about 80k)

proud carrier of the 'why?' chromosome

[PuniShredderParticipant 2268]

Jan Sobieski wrote:

There are local drivers that are home more often.

Or delivery trucks.

No one will hire you for local jobs unless you have 1 to 2 years over the road experience. It’s known in the industry.

Be professional be polite but always have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

[PuniShredderParticipant 2268]

Russky wrote:

You can only make good money if you own your equipment. Otherwise you’ll be disappointed with your pay. Verizon is pretty much the only option for the internet. Forget about eating healthy – the only other choice besides fast food and truck stop restaurants (which are fine by the way, but aren’t cheap) – is whatever you can stick in a 12V fridge (not a lot). The only reliable place to restock it once a week or so will be some Walmart.
If you really want to do it – I’d suggest doing research how to operate as independent owner operator, sell your house – buy a solid mildly-used rig (with a trailer), live on the road and hotels for some 5 years, then sell the rig and buy a house again. That way you can make some serious coin. Leasing or being an employee will bring you not more than 25% of money you’d make being an owner-operator.

And yet many I know have sold their own rigs and signed on as a company driver as the price of freight is hideously low.

You can live cheap out of your truck have your training PAID and make 50K the first year out. More after that. It’s not an hourly job so don’t look at it like that. I did extensive research as I almost took a job I was offered recently. One of my oldest friends is also OTR and has been giving me the real deal as it stands right now.

Hit YouTube. There’s a plethora of recent industry information to help you decide. Also, some good forums. I like
https://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/

It’s a good deal if you wanna save some $$ up for a year or 2 or just run 6 months and travel for 6 on that cash…

Be professional be polite but always have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

[Anonymous 1]

It is fun.

I was hired locally right out of school. Long hours 9-10. 12 during busy season, decent weekly take home pay (lowest 550. typically 700. Highest just over a grand) The first year is kinda nerve wracking, just trying not to hit anything. Luckily, people tend to respect the big rigs more-so than in your daily driver. (I crushed a bitch in reverse that snuck up directly behind me, and spat her into a ditch before I even knew what that little bump was that I felt.)

Once you gain confidence and a year of experience, its all second nature. It is perfect for an introvert. Pandora, Tom Leykis, and talk radio on the regular. Google maps works great for directions.

I have found clarity just being able to think about stuff all day.

I cannot speak for over the road guys. Myself, I will not move product myself. I would not want to have to hand-cart packages around and beat my body up. So, 100% “drop and hook” is what to would look for.

You can see for miles up in a tractor, and overtop of traffic which is invaluable.

The worst part for me is the weather. Wind is especially scary over 50mph, and unpredictable. Snow is not as bad, you just go slow as you need to.

I remember thinking, and still do, what is more manly than driving a big rig?
(aside from chopping wood anyways)

[Author]

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