Starting out driving
Posted by diesel6991@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hello,
Looking at a career change, currently a diesel tech for the last 7 years and getting burnt out, I have my Class A since I do a lot of road tests. But haven’t been driving trailers obviously. Any recommendations to look at? Prefer a home daily job (obviously that’s asking alot for a new driver but that’s what I want). Also willing to get any endorsements (tanker, hazmat, doubles). I’ve been looking at fuel hauling.
threeglude@reddit
Why not apply for a management role? You have enough experience. Trust me, this isn't worth it, especially if you want home daily. But if you insist, I highly encourage you to look into car hauling. Since you're used to busting your tail, you'd find car hauling pretty easy. Most these wheel holders couldn't handle car hauling.
You won't be able to get into fuel hauling right away tho, that's for sure. If you did manage it, you'd end up at a shitty carrier, paying you pennies. You could however, get into car hauling right away, and your auto/tractor experience would come in handy from time to time, especially if you got into hauling auction, wrecked (have to be loaded by forklift, others you have to jump start), and or, storm damaged cars. There's a fuck ton of money to be made hauling cars, especially when you cross into auction/wrecked cars side of it. Starting pay won't always be that great, but once you have at least 1-1.5 years experience, the doors really open up. If interested, reply city/state and I'll make a few recommendations.
diesel6991@reddit (OP)
Middle Tennessee area. I was just looking at a Carvana job posting, funny you mentioned car hauling.
threeglude@reddit
Near or within reasonable distance of Nashville?
diesel6991@reddit (OP)
30mins south but with traffic like an hour and a half south lol
threeglude@reddit
I've got a few different ideas for you, but won't be able to write it all up till this evening when I'm parked for the night.
threeglude@reddit
Haha, nice. Both Carvana and carmax wouldn't have the best starting pay, I believe it's 60 cents/mi plus stop pay, but it'll get your foot in the door, plus with used you usually don't worry about existing damages as much, unless it's a pretty big scratch, dent, loose part, or something broken, like a side mirror. Hauling OEMS (new) is for the birds, have to mark down even the slightest damage to CYA.
FYI, I'm a few years in now and landed my near forever job, home weekly if I want, can take 10 weeks off if I want and still pull 130+/yr
diesel6991@reddit (OP)
Damn! Glad you found what you love!
Recent-Aide165@reddit
Fuel hauling's actually a solid move with your diesel background - shops love drivers who can spot mechanical issues before they become roadside nightmares 💀 Just be ready for the hazmat hoops and early morning starts 😂