My husband is thinking about becoming a truck driver...?
Asked by Mike and Gina
He has had a couple of offers for regional. The company that he is leaning towards has 5 days out and 2 days hometime? I was wondering since if since that it is a regional route, would there be any problems in the future with the company actually sticking to that schedule? (I have heard that companies will tell you anything to hire you and then you aren't home for a long time) I was asking because any more than 5 days at a time would be really hard for me to deal with. Also what other types of hometime schedules are typical for a regional route? He already has his CDL and has about 6 months of experience.

Best Answer:
Yes you do have a worry there about hometime. As you said they will say anything to get you in the door and then things change. Other types of hometime for regional work are one or two nights per week plus most of the weekend. Your husband would be well advised to go to a union company such as UPS, Roadway, Yellow, USF, or one of them. They have their drawbacks to but the money is there. And at a union company he can built senority and move into a local job. The main drawback with union companies are that they run day and night, 6 or 7 days a week. But again the money is there. And he might get stuck on a forklift from time to time and their docks are not heated or air conditioned. Been there and done that. Good Luck

Is he already a trucker? If not, beware of those companies who say they'll train you. You end up signing your life away for 3 years at least. Schedules are whatever they say, and if you leave before the contract is up, you owe them the cost of the training. A friend of mine did this and ended up having to repay the company $3000. He said the schedule was a killer which is why he quit.
Answered by chefgrille

i would suggest taking the job and boosting his experience. If the company does not follow through (and he has it expressly stated in his contract) He has the option of taking them to the Labor board; quitting with just cause; or applying elsewhere. the more experience...the better opening in places like tour busses which also pay well. Best of luck!
Answered by shak2043