Can’t stand refer anymore. Can I quit? Is it worth it? Am I being a punk?
Posted by SchityCityGangBang@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 110 comments
I’m still pretty fresh ig. Had my cdl about four years. I did a little semi full time local job for a year. This last year I’ve spent OTR running refer and the twisted sleep schedules got me all messed up. I feel like I’m gonna end up in a wreak.
Beyond that I’m just really tired of saying goodbye to my wife n dogs every couple weeks. I feel like with the last two gigs including this one being over a year I should be ok on a job application but I’m uncertain.
It’s not all the runs but this company constantly has me doing these little in between loads where my schedule is upside down or there’s like 2 picks and 4 drops with little compensation. $100 for a layover. $20 per extra drop. Idk if I sound privileged or something but just doesn’t seem worth it to be away from home and family for what amounts to like $150 a day anymore. I’m lonely and I miss my home and my home misses me. Just doesn’t seem worth it.
This run in particular I’m sitting on right now the tl;dr is I’ve been up for 26 hours and I’m tired and I’m just about to quit. But I don’t want to put myself and my family in a stupid spot quitting when I don’t have something more tolerable lined up.
My wife has a good job and I know so many of these posts are always talking about top pay but for me if I can clear $800 a week and have good health benefits and see my family on the daily I’d be a happy camper.
This is more of a journal entry than a reddit post but I figured I’d throw it on the internet anyway and see how bad I get flamed for it. If you’re a driver and bothered to read this thanks ig. And if you have some advice I’d be happy to take it.
ImissURmomma@reddit
Are you wrong for expecting proper compensation for all the time you’re spinning out here in the stress and headaches that come with trucking? Absolutely not! I can’t speak completely to your situation but it sounds like you are getting an unfair deal as is most OTR jobs. You didn’t mention where you are from?
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
I “live” in Fresno CA.
IKnowItCanSeeMe@reddit
Try to avoid unfi or super value, my goodness, I could have started an entire new life before I even got called to a dock.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
I was at UNFI when I made the post. Drove overnight for 300 miles on a short run and they told me I had to come back in 5 days to deliver 😂
IKnowItCanSeeMe@reddit
Mine picked up in California, ran it to Pennsylvania. They're all slow. I think the fastest I got out was 5 hours.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
It’s just all that type of stuff on the daily. I’m over it entirely. Those 3 hours here, 2 hour there. They all add up to months I could be hanging with my doggies, tending to my garden, working on myself. Feels like jail at this point tbh. Not for me anymore.
IKnowItCanSeeMe@reddit
Yeah, I'd definitely try to find something local. See if there are any positions within the city you live in, like for the city itself. That's what my brother did and he was home daily, at a normal hour, holidays off, decent pay, and it opened some doors for him as well. He's now the overseer of a historical park in the area, but it all started with the city.
Whitehoneybun666@reddit
Get a job hauling fruits and veggies the season should be starting soon them jobs are easy to get and your in a good area
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
I think that’s the plan actually. Gonna go run ag for the season. Finish up all my endorsements. Apply for other jobs that can start after season end.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
That’s how I got into the industry.
captain__jr@reddit
I also live in Fresno and tried OTR with Knight. I was with them for 3 weeks and quit because it’s not worth being away from home for what they pay. I did the math and it’s less than minimum wage plus having to spend on food and other expenses. I’m currently waiting for my background check to clear with Amazon and I should be hired. It’s local trucking and they pay by the hour. You can try applying there.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Yeah my buddy worked there until he hit a yard dog. I worry about all the ai camera monitoring and micromanagement. But I mean if the pay matches the bs….
captain__jr@reddit
Did they fire him for that?
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Absolutely.
captain__jr@reddit
Most trucks have cameras on them and it’s only gonna get worst. They just hired me and I’m now waiting for them to tell me what day I’m gonna start. Hopefully it’s a chill place to work and I can tolerate it. Either way I need to stay there at least a few months to get experience.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Pay needs to match that’s all.
ToyotaYaristotle@reddit
Have you applied to Central Transport? They have a terminal in Fresno. They have bad rep but I actually really like working there. If you do linehaul you’ll have to drive nights but you do get home every day, and the salary isn’t bad at all (varies by area but I gross 2200/week usually).
ResponsibilityTop732@reddit
Have you considered flatbed work? Its a little more labor intensive than refer but you get a consistent schedule and most outfits have better home time with some running regional and home weekly. Although they only get you home for a 34 then gone again. OTR flatbed is more flexible depending on the outfit. I'd go to a smaller mom and pop. Better treatment and more flexible especially on home time. I choose to work for 5 or 6 weeks but I take a week or 10 days at home usually. My boss is pretty good. Treated well and they are family oriented.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
I was literally about to take an offer with one that would have me home weekly but at this point I’ve come to the conclusion that I just don’t want to be gone anymore. Maybe in the future otr will be calling my name again. It definitely has its good and bad days.
ResponsibilityTop732@reddit
Yeah, thats why I stay out. I get more time home and I can do what I need to do and get a break
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Yeah and don’t get me wrong it’s not all bad. I know I’ve sounded pretty negative in this post but I genuinely enjoy running coast to coast and everything that comes with it. It’s just I feel like I’m missing allot too. I should also add that I’m not in my 20s. I value my time with my family allot so that factors in. If I was in my 20s it could be a great gig I just weigh things a bit differently at my age.
IKnowItCanSeeMe@reddit
Try something else. I run refer, but two stops would be extremely rare for me, it's a good mix of drop and hook and dock bumping, but I completely understand. I did the same for Walmart, and it sucked, pay was shit (I was with Schneider, on a Walmart contract), and no matter how much I asked for a day shift, I was completely ignored.
See if there's a Ryder in your area, some of them are all day cabs, and the pay isn't bad at all. If not, just go around where you live and just scope out places with day cabs, usually a pretty good sign that you'll be home every night.
To answer the rest. I also quit. I'm back a decade later, and I really wish I would have stuck with it. It does suck sometimes, but the work itself really isn't too difficult, especially for what it pays. I don't know where you're from, but I know in my small town, the only way I could come even close to what I'm making now is doing 12 hour shifts at a factory, on my feet all day long, and even then I'm only getting about 70% of what I'm making now.
ArndomUs3r@reddit
Bro $150 a day? You could make that at walmart for real lol
Lightyear18@reddit
Definitely not worth it if you’re making 150 an hour.
If you’re working 10-11 hours a day. That’s around 13 dollars an hour. You might as well be home. Get a local job that pays 15 an hour. Be home with your family.
No one faults you. That pay is definitely not worth it. The company is underpaying you and many drivers. I would quit that job as well.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
In my head the fear is I won’t find anything and / or will just end up bouncing around more. I do have my tanker endorsement and applied for my TWIC card so I’m waiting on that. But no actual tanker or port xp. Just refer and a little bit of double.
Ill-Year-3141@reddit
The company I work for is hiring tankers, food grade, easy easy work hauling eggs. Only downside is it's almost all along I 80, we run Iowa, new york/jersey and all the states inbetween. All no touch, lot of drop and hook. I'm out 3 weeks, home 6 days, it's not terrible.. 65cpm. My pay is anywhere from 1200 on really bad weeks yo 2400 on great weeks, gross. Pm me if you're interested
oneshadeoff@reddit
Do you have hazmat? Clean record? You should be a shoe in for local fuel delivery with 4 years experience. No hazmat, any sort of local delivery would fit your situation fine. If you're in any sort of decent shape find a good service gig you'd be bringing home twice as much with excellent benefits and home daily. Just whatever you do make sure you have something lined up before you twist off, last time I was looking for work I couldn't find anything decent for 3 months
Slyfer29@reddit
Very rare for fuel hauling companies to call back without prior fuel hauling experience. A number of them say no experience required but they just be collecting applications.
Curious_Ad7023@reddit
It’s not rare at all….
Slyfer29@reddit
I remember reading a whole Forum somewhere, I think truckers report about this back when I was trying to get into tanker. Most of them don't call back people who just got their Hazmat tanker endorsements. What I've seen is you have to go through some starter companies first but they all pay so bad you might as well continue to do dry van or refer unless you want to take a pay cut for a year. The good paying companies even though they claim they will train you, won't call you back or very rarely will call you back. But they'll still advertise all over the place wasting your time.
Curious_Ad7023@reddit
It’s area dependent. My brother got a fuel haul job quick with no issues and had more than one company to choose from
anxious_polarbear@reddit
This. Get your hazmat. Look into local fuel delivery if it interests you. Get paid by the hour and take care of the missus every night.
Perfect_Brilliant_48@reddit
FedEx ground contractors pay a pretty good amount. Only downside is that most of them don’t offer any benefits.
Thebumonurcouch@reddit
As the others have said, go get your hazmat. It’s worth having and will open many doors for you, alongside what you already have. Give fuel a go. Especially if you’re near a Sheetz. They pay really well.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Currently working on it. Had to do background for TWIC so once that clears I’ll have the other stuff in order to go test.
Lightyear18@reddit
On your off time, look at those other jobs. See if areas near your home are hiring. So you know what it’s like before making a decision.
If you don’t want to drive and are healthy. Maybe look into being a highway patrol. Be one of those guys that are at scales. My friend is quitting trucking because they pay better. Shit schedule but pay is better. He’s currently studying for an exam.
aczoz@reddit
$150 an hour sounds pretty good to me.
Lightyear18@reddit
Lmaoo. Damn I messed up there
matt_hexx@reddit
If you have over a year of experience in the past 3 years you should be able to land any dry van gig with UPS or Fedex doing drop and hook. I'd stay away from FedEx due to no benefits. It's consistent work and home daily. I have had my CDL for 10 years and can't land a driving job local due to not being in a truck and trailer in the past 3 years due to insurance requirements(even with years of trucking on my resume). Low key unless you are making $2k a week trucking isn't worth it imo due to how long you are out. I've had jobs working from home since COVID that paid damn near what I was bringing home as a dedicated teams driver. TL;DR: there are other ways to make decent money and be home more and if you do decide to get out of trucking for a while make sure you drive a truck again within 3 years else you have to go back OTR.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Yeah I used to work in IT actually. Got into trucking because I like driving.
matt_hexx@reddit
Are you with the same company you started with?
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
No not at all. I’ve worked for a few at this point. The last two were over a year including my current. I bounced around a bit more in the beginning.
matt_hexx@reddit
I love driving too and have still been driving as a local FedEx delivery driver making $200 a day but recently quit because it was beating my body up and just constantly being disrespected by customers. You aren't alone in wanting more home time and I'm sure you can find SOMETHING local that pays more and has better home time
GuyattheEnd@reddit
Quit , I pulled a reefer for three years and I will never do it again that was 18 years ago .
ApprehensiveBuy7953@reddit
Have something lined up before you quit. It's possible to find local jobs with good work/life balance. Im currently home every night and my shifts are 8 hours. With the option to work extra if you want. Some weeks I crank 12 hour days some I just do my 8 and go home.
You should definitely be making more money than that though. Depending on your area. I make 30 an hour but in a major city.
Evil_Space_Penguins@reddit
Come over to food-grade tanker. Its a lot better.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Let’s do it where do I apply?
Evil_Space_Penguins@reddit
Oakley, Indian River Transport, Foodliner... there are a few others.
Its good miles, hauls are longer. Loading time is usually like 3 hours early mornings mostly.
Juice out of FL and CA, milk and cream at dairy farms, cooking oil, syrup, etc.
Tanks are a little shorter so you dont have to swing quite as wide. But food-grade tanks are smooth bore, so you have to deal with surging and sloshing. I got used to it pretty quick. But sometimes it can wack you pretty good if you dont respect it.
EnolaNek@reddit
Friend, I may not know much, but I know that as a brand new paper CDL holder running OTR reefer for swift, I’m making ~$250 a day. Unless you mirked someone or something, I genuinely don’t know how they could expect to retain you as an employee.
Curious_Ad7023@reddit
Find a local home daily grocery job that does strictly palletized drops with an epj. Don’t do Sysco or us foods
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Sounds great but not sure how to google that tbh.
Curious_Ad7023@reddit
What state are you located ?
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Fresno CA
Curious_Ad7023@reddit
Search for UNFI, Safeway, KEHE, Costco
Chaddie_D@reddit
Ever consider construction? I do significantly better than 150 a day in the Laborers union, heavy highway division. I drive a triaxle. I'm home every day at about 4:00. I get called off when it rains, rarely work weekends, and I could collect unemployment from mid December until April when I'm laid off if I didn't have a winter job that I really enjoy. I have fantastic Healthcare and a decent pension. The job im working now, I put on about 75 miles a day. I'm currently playing on reddit on a job site, they're digging into me with a small excavator, doing intricate work. Been at it for about an hour and a half now and my truck is about 1/3 full. When it is, I'll be going about 15 miles to dump, then ill go to the asphalt plant and nap for about 2 hours before the foreman calls and says hes ready, at which point ill get about 10 tons of asphalt and take it 5 miles back to the job site then go back to the yard.
Not all days are like this, but enough of them are that I couldn't imagine dealing with all that bullshit for half of my pay.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Sign me up please
Chaddie_D@reddit
Call the hall. www.liuna.org
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
I always hear about people trying to get on union and they just end up on standby for years because seniority is the only thing that matters. Just what I’ve heard. From people in and out. Not sure how that applies to yours or all of them? Not even sure how that works tbh.
mikeamendola2236@reddit
What this guy said but join the IUOE operators union. I believe Fresno is local 3. Anything south of that is local 12. Im in the local 12 making 39.71$ as an apprentice operator. I was a truck driver for 4 years before I switched. Took me about two years to get in and I don’t have any relatives in it.
All you have to do is take a test, and having a class A gives you 10 points extra credit on the test. The IUOE in California is one of the highest paid unions with some of the best benefits.
Chaddie_D@reddit
It does help to get hired on directly by a company, and depends a lot on your skill set. A CDL, however, is a pretty desirable skill. Show up on time, all the time, pass your drug tests, don't act like you know everything but learn as much as you can going in and you'll be fine. I definitely recommend taking some classes in milling and paving and how to work a dump truck at YouTube University. It's not all this easy. You'll be under the mill and backed into a paver for sure. Come out of that paver or dump into it too fast and you'll put 2 tons of asphalt on the ground before you can correct it. Dump on the wrong angle and you might tip the truck.
Honestly, though, if you can bang a dock with a trailer, you can hit a paver, and it's not all that hard to back in and out of tight spaces.
Another thought, stop at your local asphalt plant. There's been a phone number on the ticket printer box at every scale I've ever gotten asphalt at with a note that says "come drive for us" and a whole lot of drivers in the parking lot. I planned on leaving a company while back after I got my first years experience and joked with my wife that I was gonna go to the plant with a cardboard sign looking for work, but I got 3 offers in a day when I put the word out i was looking. I bet if you had a sign that says "Have CDL and clean MVR, tired of driving OTR" you'd have a job in under an hour.
What area do you live in?
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Fresno CA / Central Valley
I actually had that thought one time. Putting a magnet on the back of my truck. But I’m always halfway across the country. Cold calling can work though for sure just who to call. And the bigger guys always go with the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” kinda attitude.
I got my license driving overloaded doubles on narrow dirt roads hauling tomatoes. I’d like to think I’m not afraid to push outside my comfort zone. Definitely not too good to learn nor do I think I’m on any sort of the same level as drivers that have decades out here.
Chaddie_D@reddit
I cant help you find a job from the other side of the country but it sure sounds like you have the temperament for it.
Life is good doing construction.
Impressive_Roof6011@reddit
soft hands
mikeamendola2236@reddit
Unless you’re running flatbed tossing straps or chains then your hands are just as soft.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
And I want to keep em that way. No paycheck is worth having a literal heart attack, stroke, or fatal collision over.
Bigbadsmurf@reddit
Reefer is for the major suckers.
You are being abused.
Start with switching to dry van asap
MacandMandy69@reddit
If you’re not happy, leave. But don’t procrastinate. The sooner the better. Good Luck👍🏻
Fun_Huckleberry_8290@reddit
Just wanted to tell you that it is awesome that you wanted to spare your wife your emotional frustration. Kudos to you. As for the loads, you may want to suggest to them that those types of loads make you "sleep fatigued" which is a safety issue, and inquire if there's another resolution to your issue. Don't know whether your company is safety conscious but most carriers worry about their DOT rating for insurance purposes.
RipIt1021@reddit
I did reefer for 3 years.... ditched it for open deck 9 months ago and am much happier for it, and I make better money. That's especially so when I get an oversize load.
I won't lie though, everything... and I mean EVERYTHING hurt when I first started here. Now that I'm used to it, I still hurt, but not nearly as much.
Ok-Bar5260@reddit
I run for a regional OTR, home every weekend. It’s hectic. Previous company, I was out 8 months at a time (of my own volition) and forced to come home for at least a week by my account manager.
If the money ain’t worth the time, take a temporary job elsewhere while being home more and making more. McDonald’s is paying more than whoever you’re working for
polarjunkie@reddit
Call your company and tell them you need to be making $1,500 a week minimum and you're quitting if you're not. If they want you to do all of these runs of these little things they need to be paying you at least $300 a day to do them
Ok_Bug_6470@reddit
Better stay close to the wife bro, hard to maintain over the long term
SkintagK@reddit
I've never heard of "refer", what do you haul primarily?
navlgazer9@reddit
Cargo that has to be Refrigerated
Frozen food Or normal food that has to be kept cool .
All the food that you keep in your refrigerator at home
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Or liquids and other products that can’t be allowed to freeze during cold months like soda etc. Even many dry goods. We call it refrigeration but sometimes it’s more of a giant heater which I found interesting to learn.
SkintagK@reddit
Gotcha....Reefer
mc98tw@reddit
Depending on where you live in the country, you can find local jobs. If you live near a big city, you should consider regional jobs. Sometimes you're only gone for five days, and then you're offered a two-day. Make sure the job posting specifically says you're off for two days. Also, sometimes the mega carriers aren't that bad if you're local.
Castingnowforever@reddit
My first job was refer from Denver to Salt Lake City twice a week. I was averaging $1,400 to $1,600 a week with a major carrier. I hate the sleep schedule at 26 years old and I really hated that I had no workout routine to speak of. I was then moved to a local route with the same company which I thought I'd love until it was 14 hour days getting back to the yard with a minute left to spare everyday and still being in an 18 speed manual Peterbilt sleeper trying to do King Sooper runs here in Denver. That made me quit. Now all these years and jobs later I'm running for an Amazon Freight Partner at $26 an hour and enjoying life. 3 day weeks, 14 hour days, noon to 2am. Most of the time though I'm requesting 4 to 5 day weeks for the overtime so I can finish building my set for my new show. Everything is what you make it with this job, but you are definitely not wrong for hating refer. Go find something local. You'll be happier.
Lopsided-Bath-8404@reddit
How much experience do you have ?
Reasonable_Willow_35@reddit
You are underpaid my friend , where are you located . We’re hiring from Omaha . If you’re near Omaha or Midwest I can help with home time plus you will definitely make more
Oversdub@reddit
Fo work for a food delivery company locallybif you can, i junped ship on multiple companies my first year, i dont like being abused. Im 25hrs no sleep is crazy
TruckinTuba@reddit
I'd look else where, there are tons of jobs out there. I know people who are home every day and make $40/hr
East_Indication_7816@reddit
I take home $1000 a week with less than 6 months experience and I’m local home daily no touch dry van . How on earth you allow yourself to be abused like this ? Have some self worth buddy . You treated your time like garbage
Able-Pie-803@reddit
Don’t love your job, job your love
AndromedanPrince@reddit
😂😂😂 classic
WubbaWubbaBoingBoing@reddit
welcome to trucking. its a lifestyle and not for the meek or married unless your wife is a driver. now for a commercial...... friends.... are you tired of long shower waits and not being able to park on the fuel island??? well todays special is we have Butt Be Gone wipes.... in 14 colors and scents....
Seriously, find a local job. or find a different profession. kids and wives tend to not understand why we do what we do out here over the road. maybe a fed ex, ups or even find a warehouse and run a yard dog all day for CDL work. just dont abandon a load out there. also never tell a company you are quitting until AFTER you have cleaned your truck out, you may find yourself stranded somewhere you won't like or be able to get home easy. just my coffee cups worth.
deezkeys098@reddit
Depends man. If you’re still in your first year this behavior is typical of a mega. If you have 1 year experience try getting on with Crete they pay better and have mostly drop and hook loads
Mayo_Bandit85@reddit
Go local or regional, dude. I spent 12 years on the road driving a 53 foot box trl. Had no life at all. I then went regional for 5 years driving a tanker doing food grade loads and was home at least once or twice a week. 2 years ago I whisked over to doing hazmat tank loads and I make more money then I did OTR and now I’m home every day.
LivingOffNostaglia@reddit
Go local?
Mstrchf117@reddit
Personally id make sure I have something else lined up before quitting. However if you and your wife can go at least 6 months without your income, then go ahead and get out. It really sounds like you need something local or dedicated, the inconsistency of OTR is killer. I run reefer too. Been doing it about 10yrs now. Some of it you may just need to be more firm on rejecting loads
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Yeah the next one like this for sure ima tell them it’s a negative from me.
Romeo_horse_cock@reddit
Idk I've liked reefer with my current company, it's a private fleet. When I was OTR I came each week, put down good miles, usually made a bottom of 1200 to 1300 weekly and had very solid equipment. They also give a lot of shits about legality so if you say you're too tired to sleep, then they'll figure something out.
SinServant@reddit
local grocery store or beverage
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Been considering Sysco. I’m not opposed to some physical my body could use it. But I’m not in my 20s anymore either.
SinServant@reddit
Well that's probably one of the hardest of the food/beverage jobs but also one of the more well paying I suppose. But if your goal is only 800 a week take home I'd look into something easier like 7-Up or a local beer distributor, or see if any of the sodas do drop only loads.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
I put in applications last week at some of the well known LTL carriers just to see if I can get a call. Also California freight who runs dairy but illegal overloaded stuff sounds rough too. Only call backs I’ve gotten are the carriers that are like: you EARN one day home for every week out. As if that isn’t the wildest thing a driver could hear from a prospective employer. You’ll “earn” a day home like you’re their slave.
A_Shipwreck_Train@reddit
I did ready mix for a while and do propane tank delivery now. Class B. Both will have you home every night and at least here you’ll definitely clear $800/week. Propane is pretty physical, but if I can do it I’m sure you can.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
Honestly with the mountains outside of Fresno this would be a dream gig. I’m working on my hazmat while I’m waiting for my clearance anyway on my TWIC. But it’s still hard to get calls on these types of jobs if you don’t know someone I feel like.
Romeo_horse_cock@reddit
Just try bread delivery. They drive a little box trucks and seem pretty happy. Nice and light work, early in and out I think.
FLATL1N3@reddit
Idk where you're located but if you can get your haz and tanker endorsement. Most places will hire anyone to do class b oil or propane delivery. Its really seasonal but depending where you live you can make good money. Up in the Northeast where I am those guys are making ~30/hr and yea you might only get 40hrs in the summer but you'll work you ass off in the winter and be close to 70-80hrs but if you can get by on under 1000/week its not bad and you get to enjoy your summer and be home every day.
Plus you already have 4 years class A experience so you could use that to pivot to fuel hauling down the road. But the hours are a lot different
Lpgasman1@reddit
Get into dry bulk or tanker.
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
I applied it’s hard to get an interview or even a call. And dairy tanker in my area is rough and they run illegal from what I hear.
zack3121233@reddit
Dairy is not the path for you if you’re worried about the amount of sleep you’re getting with reefer…I’m a milk hauler and I’m there’s been a few occasions where I’m running 48 hours straight. Only time you get to sleep in this field is the 2-3 hours you’re getting unloaded/loaded or if the plants got full silos and gotta make room before they can get you in
forkystabbyveggie@reddit
Michigan will give you a better lifestyle if you're gonna be a trucker
TruckerBiscuit@reddit
Running reefer you end up adopting a soldier's attitude toward sleep, which is to say you get it when you can. You eventually learn how to put yourself to sleep almost immediately in almost any situation. 3h here being unloaded 1h there because you're ahead of schedule and can afford it.
All modalities have challenges and the fucked up schedule is it for reefer runners.
No shame in jumping ship if it's too much but consider ways to mitigate the ill effects before you do.
Rare_Needleworker204@reddit
A local Coop maybe? I currently work for one been at about 6 years now. Home every night. Long hours but I still get to go home to my kids and wife everyday
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
As long as those hours are paying and you get some time off regularly.
pinquist1229@reddit
Tanker is a good gig what iam doing now I do food grade depending where your at you could be home daily
SchityCityGangBang@reddit (OP)
That’s what I’ve had my eyes on this last year doing OTR but not sure how to get an interview without knowing someone. I don’t mind long hours if I get two days off a week otherwise. Before I was a driver I worked 16-18hr days 7days a week running my own business. Just trying to find some balance yk.
Snappypants9@reddit
It sounds like a good time to make a change - that said I always let things sit for a few days to I make the decision based on good thinking rather that just an emotion. That way I know for sure it’s the right decision - the problem is that sometime you might need the strong emotion to make the decision - without this fear can prevent us from taking the needed steps. Either way do what you gotta do 👌