Trucking: Getting Into The Trucking Industry, truck driving school, trucking job

Question
Hi Bob,

I notice that you have some University studies under your belt.  As a result, you might be able to answer my question.  I am just about to finish a University program myself, and, afterwards, as crazy as it might sound, I want to get into long haul truck driving.

My question is this: Will trucking companies be reluctant to hire someone like me, with University education, on the basis of being "overqualified"?  If so, what can I do (and what did you do) to convince them otherwise?  Does it help if I sign a contract to promise to not quit for at least, say, one or two years?

If you have any other comments, suggestions or words of warning for someone in my position, feel free to make them.

Thank You Very Much!

-Marc


Answer
Hi Marc.

I went from college into truck driving school.  I loved it.  The open road was calling. My family thought I was crazy, too.  Everyone told me not to do it, but I'm glad I did!

You shouldn't have any trouble finding a trucking job, as long as you go to a good truck driving school, don't get any tickets and don't fail a drug test.  You'll be a highly sought after commodity, so be picky.

When you start to decide which company to drive for, make a list of pros and cons of each one.  Take everything that people tell you with a grain of salt!  Trucking schools want you to drive for certain, big carriers (who help support them).  There are a ton of carriers out their, so search the internet and find a company that YOU like, not that someone else likes.  It may not be the company with the newest trucks or highest pay, but the one with the terminal near you.  It all depends.  

Good luck in trucking and I know you'll love it!

Bob Stephens