Living in a semi truck to save money. Good idea?

[@MAW-g3r]

I'm loving your authentic content, you are speaking my language! 👍🥰

[@openroadamerica]

Lived in a truck for 3 years. Bought 2 condos, saved 30k in the bank.

[@dreamchaser5150]

I’m 35 single no kids with 15 years experience. Been living out the companies truck all 2024 and probably will until I get tired of it. I don’t need much so it might be a while lol. I don’t see a point renting if im only home 8 days a month. Bank account happy as ever.

[@HereIzMatty95]

@@dreamchaser5150 what company are you with, if you don’t mind me asking?

[@rfgexpress8830]

Same here

[@demondriver5151]

Dang… sorry to hear that fellas. You will regret it all one day I promise that

[@tell_em1522]

@@demondriver5151 Huh? Can you elaborate on that? Why would they regret it?

[@harryknutts8428]

I think it just kinda evens out unless you’re on the road eating ramen noodles or something the money you save living on the road you’re going to spend on the road unless you could sit in your truck for your whole 34 hour reset but most likely you’ll want to take an Uber somewhere and do something and spend money so that saving money thing I don’t think you really save any money thing I think it’s just kind of six at one or half a dozen of the other. It just is all about what you like. Over the road is nice though for them a while anyways, you get to see different things and stuff but as far as it being like a money grab, it’s not I just did a 34 hour reset on the road last week. I usually go home every week but I just felt like working so I stayed out on my 34 hour reset I spent $250. I took an Uber to a casino lost $200 went to a restaurant and came back. No, I didn’t have to do that but I didn’t want to sit in my truck all day and look out the window either

[@mcoutis]

Lived in the truck for 3 months and saved a ton of money. Tired of truck stops and went local, spending a ton on rent and hating every minute of city driving!! Going back to the life in a couple weeks. Key is to reset at planet fitness instead of truck stops

[@harryknutts8428]

@@mcoutis Yeah, OK tell your manager you’re going to drive 100 miles out of the way to do your dirty for a planet fitness. Can you talk like there’s planet fitness on every corner that you can fit a semi

[@allisonb9072]

Perfectly said, the negative people on social media saying negative crap about trucking are very misleading to others. I am a big fan of learning about the industry for yourself instead of just watching a bunch of videos and making a decision based on what somebody said, especially negative people. The trucking industry has been growing by 6% for years that is double the average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is an extremely necessary job and the life blood of the economy. People need to stop bungling making bad decisions because they don’t take the time to learn about things. There are great opportunities in the trucking industry. I will be getting my CDL this year and my ultimate goal of that is to become an owner operator. I have also done extensive research and spoken to many truck drivers over the years during my time as a retail manager. I have seen a lot of truck drivers in action in different scenarios. I have gained a lot of knowledge by learning about the industry and studying the job market. You can learn a lot about a company by just taking the time to thoroughly read a job description. Another great video thank you !!

[@HereIzMatty95]

I’m about to get into this new lifestyle, I’m 29, no kids, single, no major bills, this will be good for me, and I have seen a lot of negative with different companies and some good people that makes good content with different companies, so I am in a mix of which company I wanna get with.

[@abctrucker8601]

Check out Schneider National bulk. That was my starter company. I don’t work there anymore but it was a good choice for the learning aspect. Just make sure that when you go to CDL school that you learn on a manual transmission truck. You want to stand out from your peers and more & more new driver these days have a restriction on their CDL’s. Many of the Good jobs out there are with small outfits that run 10sp, 13, or 18sp.

[@lightwarrior270]

@@HereIzMatty95 1st thing I would do, is sign up to; “Driver Pluse” its an App. That gives an individual, access to a platform of multiple companies. Seeking drivers in the transportation industry. 2nd; depending on what area of the country you reside in, ask yourself; do I want to stay close or it doesn’t matter? 3rd; ask yourself what type /or driving lane you prefer; flatbed, dryvan, reefer, tanker, over size? (Automatic or manual) 4th; In the city/ state you currently live in, go to a major Truck stop, and should you see a company name on truck you’re interested in working for. Ask the driver what’s it’s like to work for company you see on their truck. Remember this is your life, and the more straightforward information, you receive before entering this lifestyle. Will determine your course of “survival”! This industry has a dark side, that destroys many people that enter unprepared, with unrealistic expectations! In my brief experience in this industry, I’ve found a majority of Truckers are good people! Yet; many don’t have a plan, a “roadmap”! Yet; irony we all use a GPS system to get us to and from our destinations! I ran across a lot of old-timers, and listened closely of advice they gave. I told them, my way in thanking them. I’d pass on what I’ve personally put into practice from their advice. To other truckers, who are just entering into the industry. I hope this gives you a clearer picture! Be safe out there….cause it’s “all about You” and you’re DECISIONS making! Protect your license at all cost!

[@HereIzMatty95]

@mikemeza1975 are they decent? Paid orientation, lodging?

[@mcoutis]

Honestly they all have pros and cons just choose one. It's pretty easy to hop to the next if you need to

[@HereIzMatty95]

@@mcoutis absolutely!

[@M.A.R.I.O.V.]

Planning on team driving with my mom and doing this this year! Looking forward to it!

[@learntolawn]

Its a great way! I had a friend that did this after we got out of the Army. He stayed in his truck over 10 years and invested the majority of his money. Hes now retired

[@mistergivens7217]

The money is there! Be willing to pay your dues, and Do your research on the companies. I run for one of the largest protein providers in the world. Turning six figures is easy to do driving for this company over the road. The Good Lord Blessed with this opportunity, and I’m now a year in! In two years I will build my house.

[@mr_fields203]

Here’s a realistic plan if you put your mind to it to buy a house. Run OTR, stay out and bank as much as you can. Hopefully you’re working at a company where you can transition, I’ll explain this later. Run OTR for two years, build your credit and save as much as you can. Now you should be able to qualify for a house because you’re showing stable income and decent credit. Now for the Transition. If your company has an opportunity to work a local job near the house you purchase, you can now transition into that and have seniority at the company. A small sacrifice for a long term goal.

[@craigalexander2632]

Agreed 💯💯 I’m in the process of doing this, except I’m transitioning from reefer to specialized hazmat to make the process faster. Get those endorsements and TWIC card!

[@seanburdelik5216]

Well it costs $15,000 a year in living costs related to apartments , car insurance etc. so if you living on the road in semi and eliminate all those other costs and bring that down to $3,000 a year with costs just related to cell phone bill , food n laundry costs which can be done cause I know a guy who lives on road and spends about $60 a week in on road costs using Walmart , Aldi's , Dollar trees for food at low prices , so you can save a extra $12,000 to $14,000 depending on your actual costs if you were renting a car and paying car insurance costs . Over a few short years that can be as much as $60,000 extra in savings by just eliminating rental costs etc.

[@blackvi2000]

You were one of the FIRST (if not, THE first) Trucking vloggers that i saw talk about this industry on KZbin... You are STILL keeping it thorough!! Good Stuff!!

[@DuvalCounty95]

I recently got into trucking and joined the FB group because of content like this. No cap.

[@jeffreyes1568]

The "buddies" i have #1 compliant is they're not making any money . Why? Because they have so much DEBT! Personally , I live in my truck. Prepare my own meals. Here's an example of how I save. Ill buy a 30$ Chuck roast. I can get 4 meals for the week out of that. Believe me, chuck roast makes great steaks. Now compare that to a 30 $ meal at a trashy iron skillet twice a day. 1 meal a day is all I need. I carry weights for my workout routine. Fishing rods Younger drivers , stay out of debt , stack your money and run the wheels off that truck. It will payoff in the long run.

[@dr.j.e.1331]

Facts 🎉 It's all about discipline💯

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

appreciate the comment❤️

[@dagboynumberone]

Yeah man did that in my younger years started running in oilfield well over 20 years and man I tell ya I didn't complain about being in man camp it allows me to save everything good video again

[@ps4gamesonly623]

Bro most people mad at trucking came in when the rates were sky high following the cov-19 situation, afterwards the market started to correct itself and those people didn’t do what’s in their best interest, they went and purchased trucks way over the normal price , went and purchased hellcats and so mo 💩, and now they mad ,,,,

[@acupofjoetrucker255]

You hit the nail on the head.

[@terrywoods4242]

Awesome plan

[@focuson7551]

So true man. I'm from Haiti. I've got to tell you,that's exactly what I'm planning to do,I'm young and no immediate responsibilities. I'm gonna literally live in the truck for 2 or 3 years.

[@marygoodin7616]

All the while, seeing the country and trying the food!

[@lookn4heal]

I live in my truck on the road and love my life. It’s so easy to save or spend as much as I want. No wife, no kids at home, but that’s why it’s possible for me.

[@glennrobinson6868]

I do it like drinking water no bunch of bills

[@terrywoods4242]

I would

[@TankJr369]

Learn money management while you out here!!!

[@lrrcp90]

100% isn't really possible but 80% is. Reason I say that is because there are cost involved. Cellphone is required now days for OTR. Food, drinks, showers ect will eat away at least 20% plus all work and no fun makes you burn out quickly. Military is the same way, more is provided but you still have cost like uniforms, extra gear for inspections ect. Biggest hurdle is the more you make the more you are likely to spend.

[@learntolawn]

Some companies load free up to 60 free showers up on your loves/pilot rewards

[@striveallah2544]

You 100% on point!Trucking is still winning for company drivers.Its now tuff getting with a good company.But if you going otr it’s easier to find ok companies.But you can always bounce back in trucking!Just got plan ahead,keep your head down tell you come up!The b.s they say bout trucking is 🧢!This has been a game changer for lot ppl!Im starting my channel back up this week.oh I’ve got to catch you in traffic at the sheets in Richmond!🫡

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

I fuel up at the 7 11 across the street actually

[@Donald-u9r]

I agree with your point. I'm almost fifty. What other profession can a person get into with 30 plus day train and in a year have 50k with good benefits. Make it make sense. That's like grabbing low hanging fruit and there is plenty of it available.

[@mcoutis]

50K 😂you must be thinking in pre-covid terms my friend because 50k is very low pay for a truck driver in 2025

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

@mcoutis the man said 50k within a year AFTER STARTING boss... plus benefits with minimal training/set up time. I think you missed his point.

[@king3d2]

Real talk!

[@ridingwithryan1507]

My brother. Why don’t you bring on some owner operators and have this same discussion. I think this video would be an absolute hit if you brought on a young owner operator or an older operator and maybe one in between. I’m more than willing to participate. I’m 1.6 years in I’m an owner op with my own authority. 2019 Freightliner based out of CA. I’m 28.

[@QFUNNYNEWS]

I live in California too.. Where can I get my DOT# and everything else..I want to start.

[@KazexHogosha]

10 yrs is insane.

[@terrywoods4242]

Amen

[@AncientEL07]

Doing anything positive to save money to think about your future of you're in that situation is never a bad idea, if I was good at shifting gears I would have done it without thinking

[@victorgarrido9481]

Yes brother you can save a lump sum of money...The mind is a weapon think with the mind...it's possible... It's a sacrifice...

[@LoyaltyChild777]

Great plan I rather live in a truck then be homeless hopping house to house with a low paying job.

[@AnomalyArcana]

Same here in school now and never gonna be homeless again. No kids or pets and everything i own is already in storage 😅

[@tonyred2613]

Me too 😂😂

[@josephcenatus6085]

Living in truck still homeless

[@wordlv]

I think any rational person would be able to figure out that there is opportunity and I pay no attention to the negative nancies

[@CordellWallers]

Inherited my grandmas paid off house but I’m still thinking about doing this

[@SMD-i3v]

Titays

[@terrywoods4242]

I'm looking 4 a team dtiver

[@Peaceandbless]

One thing about life its not fair , Nor is business.........😅😅😅😅

[@Hamlow2]

10 years in the truck will change the shit out of you 😂😂.

[@josephcenatus6085]

What's your mean

[@Cokenya_ll]

Maybe a year. Not 10 😊

[@terrywoods4242]

Please help me find someone to team drive with we can split down the middle 50/50

[@Shivermeboots]

Is team driving and individual the same pay ?

[@harryknutts8428]

I am a guy who’s regional that’s what I do now I go home every week. I started out doing over the road and I don’t think over the road is worth it. I think it’s a fast way to become overweight to get high blood pressure and high blood sugar mostly because there is very little in the way of healthy food and you won’t have as much time as you think to try to prepare your own stuff but when you go home every week, you’ll have a whole day at least at home. and you can make a weeks worth of food and bring it with you I’m saying this because that’s what I do every week now but this past week I did a 34 hour reset on the road kind of reminding me what over the road is like and since the food I brought from home ran out I really been eating a lot of bullshit mostly fast food or nothing at all. I did have a chance to go to a grocery store but there’s only so many things you can do on the road and the money Do you think you’re going to save you’re not going to say that you’re going to use it on the road. The only reason to live on the road, possibly is if you’re buying a truck or bought a truck maybe but if you’re a company guy and you’re always under the pressure of the next load assignment, there isn’t going to be time for much other than the job and like I said you’re going to be at the mercy of whatever they serve in the truckstop which is basically death

[@Vercetti-2]

That’s your opinion and you sound miserable asf. It’s all about your mindset and discipline so don’t come on here talking about it’s not worth because you lack discipline. You just not built for it.

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

appreciate the comment❤️

[@combatkool-aid9495]

Bottom line trucking consumes your entire life no matter how you cut it as long as we have inflation its not worth it to run the roads like i40 or donners pass. Better off working the truck dealerships part time if you want to keep that one foot in the door for the future for when you're ready to risk your life on a daily basis. Heck the rail yards are scrambling for labor so much they're willing training internally for locomotive engineers.

[@rfgexpress8830]

Thx again professor loved the vlog, keep them coming, ur so interesting and right!!!

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

Thanks for the feedback! Appreciate you watching! ❤️

[@NWNKNP]

You’re talking about misleading. How is it possible for a driver to save 100% of his earnings by living in a truck. Please explain.

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

with all due respect driver I addressed this in the video... so I refuse to go back and address it AGAIN in the comments.

[@genericytaccount93]

Saved 90k in less than 3 years. Home daily company driver

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

you have any vids on your channel about how you did it? or you just braggin driver??

[@genericytaccount93]

@TheHelpfulTrucker oh I see I'm bragging but you're heart reacting everyone else comment stating the same thing.

[@lightwarrior270]

Living in a truck 365 days for a decade to achieve a financial goal? A) something might be off with that goal. B) Your Mental stability “may” become unstable. C) Speaking to the old school truckers (60’s 70’s 80’s) the so-called good old days..they said, that was beginning of serial killers living in those cabs. D) Those that been incarcerated or introverts, or person with military structures. Possible could live in truck for multiple years! E) Yet; for the most part people, don’t do well living in an isolated situation like describe. Even if it’s for financial gain. In My opinion; 2yrs tops, with occasionally getting a hotel in between. Celebrate your milestone as you achieve or get close to your goal. Yet; everyone has to weigh the “cost” in staying in the truck. That’s my 1/2 cent input😱🤣🤣 Not everyone is built mentally for what it takes to commit to that particular goal.

[@dr.j.e.1331]

Real talk GOOD STUFF Real talk bro'

[@bobbyg1994]

You said as good as 70s and 80s? .44 per mile in the 80s as company owners grossing 200 k in 70s 1800 to 2200 lease in 90 s 3000 to 3500 settlements leasing from 2000s to 2018. You think that is possible now? Since the SAP clearinghouse in 2020 with coronacon rates and wages are half

[@Peaceandbless]

You made his point.Everybody is not in that same situation.. 44 cent a mile is a company driver at Swift 😂😂😂Some people have their own authority, with paid off trucks and low overhead doing just great... One thing about trucking is very Subjective... You take three trucks beside each other getting loaded all of them are in different situations...One guy has a $5000 a month lease truck,and lease on to company they taking all his money, the next guy lease on to company they taking a % his truck payment $1,000 a month. The next guy has his own Authority getting 2.30-2.60 a mile and truck paid or very low overhead......Who you think go complain the most out of there Situation

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

well said driver @peaceandbless

[@sssnipermonkey5566]

Shippers receivers brokers DOT Medical State Feds IRS carriers BANKS and scales are all after the driver. Trucking is dead.

[@TheHelpfulTrucker]

That's a pretty cynical perspective, but I get it.

[@mikemeza1975]

You will go nuts living in a truck. More so if you have any health problems.

[@josephcenatus6085]

True

[@dr.j.e.1331]

True for old heads... young ones have a better chance, if they are in good health

[@openroadamerica]

There is some truth in that. I recommend eating right and exercising as often as possible.

[@georgiiarakelov6560]

It might look as a good idea but to spend 10 years of your young, most productive years in a truck. NO THANK YOU!!!

[@Kenyanicole614]

10 yrs… you’ll be clinically insane🤣🤣 you’ll need to adjust back to society

[@outhustlewho]

Great video! Got to appreciate the truth and how well you presented your perspective! @outhustlewho