Trucking Is A Waste Of Life | OTR Trucking | Trucker Life

Welcome to The Living Freed Channel. In this video I talk about whether or not I think over the road truck driving is a waste of time and a waste of your life. If you like the content please like the video and subscribe to the channel for more in the future!
Follow Me On Instagram!!!
/ thelivingfreedchannel

[@coolbreeze2.0-mortemadfasc13]

I’m a lawyer, dude and this feels like a waste of life. Trust me, you’ll feel this way in any job.

[@truckingwithfauz7089]

hi...I thought being a lawyer is one of the best things ever

[@trainingforlife7420]

What case did handle ?

[@MiniMausTruckerKee]

So true…ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS GO A LONG WAY!

[@markmosley6177]

Not

[@shoneast6880]

Exactly. Everyone including myself in the past thinks there's some happy fairy tale job. Just make peace and be glad that you're working and don't take it for granted like I did. It's a blessing to work and make money

[@anon7596]

its all about individual situations. Trucking really aint for everyone. but for me? Best decision i've ever made. Never married, no kids, i'm an introvert and a gamer. I have a laptop and a ps4 in the truck. Whenever im stuck at a shipper for 4 hours I work on writing code, take spanish lessons, or just play games on the ps4. On my 34's I get rental cars, go to casinos, and just explore where I just happen to be. Being a nomad works well for me, and I always have money in my pocket. I'll never go back to a 9to 5 man.

[@oeshins]

sold

[@mathewsbusiness1263]

Is online multiplayer gaming possible in a truck with the new consoles like Series X or Ps5 ??

[@green107723]

@@mathewsbusiness1263yea it’s possible, just make sure you have like a hotspot or something to get you connected online

[@TBELMONT2766]

Sounds like what I'll be doing after Winter passes, I'll be going to Prime Inc driving school.

[@arinramer6078]

​@@TBELMONT2766I'm thinking of going to Wilson Logistics next year

[@jamesmcfayden9778]

I started out as a over the road driver. Did over the road for over 8 years gone for weeks and months at a time. I enjoyed it when I started trucking. After a while I met my fiance as a over the road driver she lived in Kansas and I lived in Massachusetts. After things got serious between us I bought my own truck got married to my fiance and we moved to myrtle Beach south Carolina together and we started a life together and I started doing regional work close to home and take weekends off. My point is being over the road can bring things to your life. If I was never over the road I would have never met my wife and changed my life for something better. However after a while I did get tired of being over the road. I like doing regional better because I'm home often and enjoy my life now and actually have a life outside the truck and the road.

[@1986Glory]

Wow good story bro

[@EllieTheTrucker]

This is what I am talking about ! Happy for you guys 👍🏼

[@bangieb9499]

Q

[@stefanalexandrumihai1584]

How much where you making per month regional?

[@jorgearielfunezpastran9051]

Same thing happen to me but i was a bus driver and met my wife after everything change for a better ....

[@EllieTheTrucker]

I am an OTR team driver. Driving 5 days a week and 2 days at home, when I am home I packed all lunch, dinner , fruits and snacks + 4 time laundry + cleaning so no time to rest or getting my nails done lol. Yes it’s difficult so we will do only 4 years. After 4 years, house will be paid off and have some cash +hopefully a rental property too. It’s very difficult for me as a women but I will and I can do it 🙏🏼 Cheers for all hard workers 💫

[@franciscoalmonte6953]

Hi, if you don’t mind me asking, what company are you doing team driving . I would like to do team too. 5 year of experience . Thank you.

[@EllieTheTrucker]

@@franciscoalmonte6953 I work for the FedEx contractor . We get $.95 per mile. We make $230k an year. I am not sure how long this transportation pays good but we try our best to save $$$. I think solo pays good too like $.80 per miles these days. I am a new driver ( I was a hairstylist before ) so I need my bf’s help so we need to do team drive. Team drive is very challenging bc you are not able to have quality sleeps. Feel like sleeping on a washing machine. Driving solo and have a wise woman so she doesn’t waste your money is also a winning game !!

[@franciscoalmonte6953]

@@EllieTheTrucker thanks 🙏🏼 I’m in the look for a good company to do team driving for at least 2 years.

[@EllieTheTrucker]

@@franciscoalmonte6953 You are welcome 🤗 you are a hard worker and you can do it 👍🏼

[@vica8756]

Ellie can I talk to you please

[@atruckerslife6054]

OTR is not for everyone. And I haven't been home in months but I don't really have a reason to be home. And 9 to 5 jobs just didn't cut it for me. I make more money in 1 to 2 days then I made in a week or even 2 weeks with my old jobs. I really love to drive and see the country. I also meet my lots of cool people and my girlfriend out on the road. I love otr I don't want to do anything else

[@dominickjustave3558]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@shirrellnorton6533]

I used to be OTR as well starting driving for Maverick. I loved being OTR mainly because I'm a loner. It was so peaceful but it's definitely not for everybody. Took a toll on my marriage being gone 2-3 weeks at a time so I gave it up now I'm with the Teamsters Local 519 Union and home everyday. I actually make more money now. If I was single though I definitely would've stayed OTR only job I ever actually enjoyed. Stay safe out there!

[@Simple_Worship_Guitar]

@@shirrellnorton6533 I’m with you. I’m home every day…and crave the road pretty much every day…But my wife hates me being gone at night and threatens divorce. It’s a struggle for sure.

[@racekrasser7869]

@@dominickjustave3558 What is that supposed to mean, exactly?

[@Grimdarkog]

howd you meet a gf on the road? How did that come about? Just curious when that would be possible with time and all that. pretty cool

[@swill1317]

DO NOT get into this career without some major longterm goal whether that's a house, financial freedom, investing, family, or something tangible that will make all the hardtimes worth it. I've been OTR comming up on 2 years and I've been back and forth on quitting. What keeps me going is my long term goals of paying off my debt and having more control over my time money and overall freedom. Great topic

[@noulafrantz8589]

My son going to turn 5 this year my long term goal is to sell product on amazon invented my product that way I can spend more time with my kids

[@godsangel67able]

Basically folks have to walk into it with a plan

[@wingbingbong1965]

no one should have to work so much that you require to sacrifice actually having a life.

[@Cece-cares]

Sitting on your butt not working being broke is a waste of life! I respect anyone that is working getting their bag, supporting their family n racing goals whether it’s as a cashier, soldier, warehouse worker trucker or entrepreneur.. great video !

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbelsito4231]

Amen! I don’t care if they’re shoveling horse crap.. it’s a job.

[@nickpickle3950]

Big fucking facts cc

[@yawaydatruth6595]

Lol I’ll be broke wen my peace an sanity then be living to paid off old greedy Uncle Sam bills

[@danieltaylor211]

Facts!

[@markmcallister7076]

Truth is it's pretty much "working" 24/7. B/c when your not home, but instead "living" in/at your work (truck)- and not being paid for more or less half the time- I completely agree that it is what you describe as a "waste of life."

[@AWesker99]

That's because you've been brainwashed and conditioned to accept a limited employee mindset. As if there is no other way to make money except by trading time in exchange.

[@franklinjohnson5706]

For the past 6 year's I've been otr yeah it sucks but my bills are getting paid got a new car my wife understands my line of work my kids are getting taken care of that all that matters in life not friends or concerts don't get me wrong I like going to concerts but bills and my home comes first

[@jaybrown2549]

There's plenty of local work paying more than OTR. Almost any LTL company is an example. Home everyday, hourly for the P&D drivers and usually mileage or paid by the run for the Linehaul drivers.

[@kennethobando5755]

Try to see about a regional position. Kinda between local and otr. Still make decent/good money.

[@cd4917]

Me 2 , I run out florida to Texas and back 3 days flat or less, 4 days off. So I only work 12 days a month, have money and time for my family.

[@gazaalley3862]

@@cd4917 sounds like an amazing run ! I live In Florida love the I 10 what company do you drive for if you don't mind me asking

[@brandonmichael6371]

Everyday you just so happen to wake up, and actually have breathing lungs, is a blessing of each amd every single day or minute or even every second... thank the good LORD man! Nothing in life is ever wasted, when you alive bro! Forreal! Believe that all day, everyday! Bro seriously! Much love tho fam! Be safe and hold it down man ! Take care! ! !

[@ddh199595]

Amen🙏🏾

[@azzemsam3328]

Gold words

[@josephl6727]

Yes, life is a gift. After almost dying yesterday, I'd rather be traveling right now than be behind the same walls every day. It all depends on the lifestyle you want. It's not for everyone.

[@rpmfreak9150]

I Love living in my families life, it's an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.

[@Cerdo_asqueroso]

Dude, you have a point, but let's face the harsh reality: other jobs don't pay as well as trucking. I'm an engineer, and I had to become a trucker, so that's enough to say as an example.

[@rattattat7848]

What? No way

[@time2chill121]

Well if you break it down by hours worked you make less than other jobs. I work 60-70 hours per week and make average of $900 per week. You do the math

[@Saimaaizarfa]

OTR is best if you drive 2 weeks in a month and other 2 weeks you stay at home completely (if you are owner operator and truck is paid off and you making 8,000 - 12000 a week) or do some other part time job for rest of the 2 weeks so you can spend time with family.

[@ghostbuilder3187]

Facts

[@Disgruntled-Trucker]

You still have insurance payments and other fees that come with the truck.

[@johnjacob688]

That's what my buddy does. He made his money while he was younger as an O/O and now takes every other two weeks off. Sometimes he takes an entire month off.

[@evanburnett2887]

That's what I do, I work 2 weeks otr then I'm home 2weeks. I also go city to city seeing family friends so most times it really doesn't seem like work. 1 week I may be in Dallas at a cowboys game the next week I'm visiting family in Denver and I go to a Nuggets game, leave Denver stop on Indy visit family go to Colts game leave Indy headed south to my Georgia home for 2/3weeks. Then load myself back west home to Phoenix. It's literally what u make off it...

[@Sol_Keez]

@@evanburnett2887 That's what I've been thinking O/O is a huge responsibility but if you're doing the right things to make the right kind of money you can afford to do what you do. Traveling making money and still having fun.

[@najeefilms]

Sounds like you were depressed long before the tucking bro, go home to your family bro. You have a new born

[@truckerran1974]

OTR is a waste of life if you have a wife and kids at home, but that's just my opinion

[@ktanner11]

I have a wife and 3 boys been otr for almost 8years now. Im home every weekend now but i want out. Im 30, missing my kids growing up. But what else am i going to do? We live in northern Michigan not many other decent paying jobs.

[@truckerran1974]

@@ktanner11 I'm in Holland michigan, 1 Option is you can get your own truck and dot numbers get you a customer and set your own schedule .

[@truckerran1974]

@@ktanner11 Hey what part of Michigan are you in their Is a company call Melkan express llc and they have a dedicated runs I use to run one from Holland to Kansas home ever other day gross 1500 a week take home 1200

[@ktanner11]

@@truckerran1974 i work for Tulgestka Transport, im in millersburg MI 45 min south of the bridge.

[@FFKDTP1]

It’s a waste of life period, but I’m glad the suckers who do it keep doing it. Better them than me.

[@rmontgomery8444]

Awesome points. Generational wealth. Worked same job for 22 years . 50 years old and starting CDL school this week. I have the drive to make money and I believe that this will take me to the next level. Nice video. Very informative and motivating for people with drive.

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

That’s awesome man good luck to you! Thanks for watching!

[@Gamble_On]

No money in trucking bro....best you will do would be 75,000 - 80,000 and that's after you get your stripes ( 3 plus years experience ). Its possible to get to 100k working for a private carrier, but still that's no money.

[@jabnorcal]

@@Gamble_On Lol ok buddy.

[@piptheprofit1004]

@@Gamble_On what do you do? And if 80k is not money, wtf is it?

[@Keeper69s]

@@Gamble_On if you're 3 years in and making under 90k a year, you're doing it wrong.

[@gregoriojuarez1579]

This is something my brother who did OTR told me. He regretted doing OTR, he missed his kids growing up, he missed family events and his wife grew apart. He regrets being away for a few extra hundred dollars a week. He doesn't know his kids, and is divorced. He advised me not to do it and do a local driving job. I stayed local, I make over 1k a week and come to my wife every night. OTR might be good money but time with family is priceless. You can comment what you want, it won't change my opinion.

[@aj427Ez]

I’m OTR right now and my son tells me all the time how much he misses me. I just started back driving in October of last year, I’m on indeed looking for local jobs right now just so I can be with my son more.

[@bjmorris7414]

Im thinking of going into business for myself $800 a wk is cool (as a subcontractor) but 1k sounds alot better..got any tips for a guy looking to branch out on his own

[@richardsavoie1073]

I feel the same as your brother. This happened to many of us

[@jaf1995ful]

Bj Morris Look up these guys. If you’re looking for how to properly set yourself up as an owner operator, then you need to listen to this podcast m.kzbin.info

[@SC68170]

Hey man whatever is good and works for u. No hate here. We're all sacrificing something

[@patrickvanmeter2922]

I watched the world go by through a windshield for over 35 years. The driving part was always fun. The rest of it is a pain in the ass.

[@sarastewart3470]

Heck yes, this is what makes OTR worth it. Having a plan, investing and biding time to see your life BLOOM into something you wouldnt have thought possible. Live like no one else to live like no one else

[@jaykite3977]

I go to baseball, hockey and football games while on the road grab a uber or walk if youre close enough and plan the trip you can make good money while still doing things. Why sit in a truck stop alone in Atlanta when you can catch a Braves games or see the Falcons

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

Very true

[@frankfriel1511]

This is one reason I want to become an OTR driver. I want to see this great country and all it has to offer.

[@mindlessamusement7095]

Thats easier said then done...especially when your a company driver and there on you about getting back on the road and/or making that pick up/delivery.....I have worked for 2 companies running otr.....that wanted you running the second your break was over.......and I got one day off for every 2 weeks on the road......its an good career but sometimes it fuckin sucks

[@frankfriel1511]

@@mindlessamusement7095 I found a position that has you out 3 weeks and home 7 days, with 2 days of travel. Looks like I'll be doing pretty well. Thanks.

[@OurBros]

3 years on the road 4 weeks on 4 days off. It's easy to get burned out. I went from making 20k to 90k/yr in that short time, and it served its purpose for me. I'm going to learn how to do something else, but keep my CDL as a back up

[@hurt1704]

What else are you going to learn to do? I read your comment and want to do exactly the same. Keep cdl hp, but do something different

[@Simple_Worship_Guitar]

Anybody else go through the trucking cycle over and over…Get on the road and start missing home, so you take a regular job, or a home every day job…Then you start missing the road, and get back on the road….and over and over??? Or just me. Lol.

[@michaelchristopher1989]

I've been trapped in this cycle for too long now.

[@rlsjunior797]

You could do LTL and get both

[@thepackyouknow]

Otr is best as a single person with high financial goals or who plans to own trucking equipment. It also good for saving money in general. And let's be honest the job that you will have at home now a days will have you working 5-6 days a week with 50+hours anyway... so what are you really holding on 2? ( the weekend) --- (also otr you can do a 34 in dam near any city if you pick the right company which is basically the equivalent to a weekend) also if you make it through 2 yrs otr your set for life going home and going local.

[@MrPjcrews]

Six months in, most lol companies pay well and they will pick this young strapper up.

[@ExpeditingAmerica]

that's why I like OTR in a sprinter van. I don't have to stay at truck stops and rest stops. I can pretty much park anywhere. I have to drive more than a trucker but I still pull in 2500 a week after gas.

[@dashelite7071]

Nice

[@UtubemeNohomo]

Do you work for a company? If so which one? Does it have competitors?

[@geneparmesan7699]

Subtract the rest and quit lying to people. Tell them how many hours, miles, ect. Sick of you bullcrap expediters charging low prices then lying about how much you make.

[@ExpeditingAmerica]

@@geneparmesan7699 I have to drive 80 hrs a week to make that. I am a driver so that is all I subtract. All I said was I enjoy not having to live at rest stops and truck stops. Lol get mad much? I actually explain exactly how hard I work how many hrs etc on my channel. But okay mr. Judge of others. Sheesh lol

[@ExpeditingAmerica]

@@UtubemeNohomo I drive for a owner of a van. He just bought his second and it’s my 7th month doing it. Lots of competition and it’s a game of averages. I run 3-5k miles a week to make that money but the money is there and the lifestyle to me is a lot easier (less restrictions, headaches, etc) than a truck driver

[@highrollerdero]

I’m doing OTR to get experience. Walmart and frito lay pays truck drivers good once they have years of experience. too me driving is awesome I get fresh air and I’ve been in trucking all my life since my father was a trucker I don’t get bored at all with trucking.

[@jrockaz548]

Walmart is hard to get on. I used to do contract work for them making good money then they gave it all to swift 🤣

[@rs72098]

@@jrockaz548 That won't last long. OTR companies are killing the truckdriving brand for new drivers. Many new drivers quit because of the low pay and the way they're treated, never returning to the industry. It will continue to get worse. Generation Y is smaller than the millennials population-wise and they detest the industry. The industry unfortunately is getting a very bad rap because living wages aren't being paid from the beginning. It's a very profitable job long-term, but most drivers discouraged by low pay don't stick around that long.

[@scottmoran1443]

I’m in trucking school right now and you’re a breath of fresh air to listen to after all the negative Nacys out there making trucking videos. Thanks

[@dwnwrdishvnwrd]

You've got the right mindset for sure. I'm obviously not privy to your background but from the way that you talk about the poverty mindset tells me that you've had some struggle in your life that was out of your hands. You have the right attitude for sure. My dad worked 16 hour days, seven days a week, for three months at a time. Ninety mile commute one way to the nuclear plant that he worked at. It brought him from extreme poverty as a child and teen to being independently wealthy. He weathered two divorces, four kids, and untold hours of shaking his head and wondering what the hell he was doing. He pushed forward and that mindset stuck with me. The way that you're thinking of being OTR is that it's a paid internship into the shipping industry and that's a damn stellar thing to do. Ten years from now you're going to enjoy the fruits of everything that you're doing today.

[@slick-vc4mx]

Try local. I run local for a produce wholesaler bring home about 75k my first year. Get to see my wife and kids every night. And I make good money

[@grumpy4577]

I've made an extremely good living as an otr driver. But, I'm an owner operator too. I've been in this industry over 30 year's. I usually work a month, then take a month off. Go on a lot of vacations. Ride motorcycles a lot. I have a retirement plan that I pay into every year, thankfully I don't need it yet. But, if you can see the big picture, and where you want to go with your life, this isn't that bad.

[@MiniMausTruckerKee]

What your describing is the same as regional dedicated trucking. Your on 5 days off for two or 6 days off for one. Unfortunately, no amount of money is worth sacrificing family time or your life. Most drivers aren’t paid enough money to be miserable, lonely or sacrifice their efforts. You can’t put a price tag on your happiness. Getting paid low wages in your first year, it’s hard to build wealth, but easy to build debt. I appreciate your video and your perspective. Congratulations on becoming a dad, good luck to you!

[@christianbetancourt4648]

True.

[@jeffrey3498]

It's a wasted life if you live through the ego and believe your life is outside of you instead of inside of you.

[@jeffreyspencer4842]

Hello Jeffrey I'm Jeffrey

[@transylvania2259]

Thats right. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, within

[@chrisbelsito4231]

Well said

[@adamhearts9195]

ayoo facts

[@erikcable1755]

Be single, own nothing, eat cheap, bank the bucks...no alimony no losing the house to the ex wife, no child support...go otr

[@kushcdlinstructor4776]

OTR is great if you need healing and getting to know yourself.Two years OTR is perfect ,after go local or regional.Doing it 6 months a year OTR and 6 months off is another way of doing it.

[@XXDreadXX]

In trucking you have to balance work/life. You can't let companies dictate your life. Otherwise they'll run you into a mental disorder. You have to just take the time off. Don't worry what they think. They're about greed. You gotta be about you. 1 day for every week out is not enough

[@scottdeano3141]

OTR. Truck driving is sweat shop on wheels..😳😳

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

Basically.

[@chelseatara6626]

I’ve been stripping for 23 years. I started driving OTR last year. I fuckin love it. The years on the road dancing taught me how to thrive. Obviously wknds mean nothing to me plus I’m untraditional with respects to holidays. This life suits me so well. It really depends on your lifestyle. I practice polyamory as well so being away doesn’t prevent me from experiencing romantic relationships. I’ve mastered sleeping with silicone ear plugs a black out eye mask n binaural beats. Great video for people considering trucking👏

[@geddon436]

How do you stay awake driving down long stretches of road?

[@joeblackistone1126]

I started driving truck 1990. We always called o t r driving as paying your dues. Getting that diverse driving situation experience. Then you are more qualified for the good local jobs. My recommendation son is for you run your ass off but star looking for a good local job now. There are a lot available now. You need to be home for your wife when your child is born.she won’t ask you but she needs you to. I wasn’t there for my kids softball games etc and I can never get that time back. But I have had a dozen jobs since then. Maybe a regional job that gives you 1 or2 overnights a week and home a couple times during the week and weekends. The good jobs are out there don’t settle for the garbage jobs just because. They will hire you today. Those same companies will also fire you

[@rvalyfe7780]

I just started and I'm ready to get out of it already lol this is good for single people. If you try to juggle a family with this it ain't gonna work.

[@freebirdallen]

I'm single, no children, & no desire to get married or have children and I still say it's a waste of life! You only get so many good years to be around the people you WANT TO BE AROUND but instead you are living in a box, eating undesirable food, & dealing with people you would never associate with if you could get avoid them. Hygiene, bathrooms, healthy living, spending time with those you care about, etc... goes out the window. You wake up one day & all you have done is get money. If you can accept that go ahead & drive.

[@georgeduncan9352]

After 36 years of living behind the wheel I feel the same way. Friends and family are at home for Christmas, Thanks Giving, birthdays, anniversary's, weddings. I missed so much of my daughters growing up for the simple fact I was trucking. While you are packing up your truck and heading out on a 3500 mile rounder. The sacrifices you make to be a driver are not worth the return.

[@percyastronautstatus.8780]

I don't do 3500 Miles a week anymore ....

[@richardsavoie1073]

Agreed. If u have a family and want to go big rigging u just may pay dearly. I found out don't do it

[@grumpy4577]

Everyone has a different situation. I became an owner operator so I could be home more. I leased on to a tanker company hauling gas. Home on weekends and every night. Made a good living. Then the kids grew up, wife and I decided to divorce, so I went otr. Still see my kids, and grandbabies now. Sometimes it's about quality time, not quantity time.

[@idontknowwhattoputhere.3572]

@@grumpy4577 why did you guys divorce?

[@NeverStopTRK]

Hello, I feel what you are saying. I drove OTR for around 10 years and after I got children I started to think about ways to stay at home with them. I knew trucking so I started my own company and now I have had my own trucks for almost 8 years. Good look to you.

[@jonobel498]

REGIONAL AND OTR IS A SINGLE MAN/WOMEN LIFESTYLE !!!… PEOPLE PLEASE STOP THINKING THIS IS A JOB. IT’S A LIFESTYLE.

[@bumpyjohnson635]

Absolutely true

[@thefirstkingridge]

Good paying jobs feel like a waste of life because there's so many of them that require so much time out of you. Missing important events and milestones, especially with your kids, absolutely sucks. You can't ever get that back. But at the same time, if you wanna live comfortably the USA, and you want your family living comfortably, you gotta have a decent income.

[@mjfreespirit]

It's completely subjective. OTR Trucking is a lifestyle for sure, and is not for everyone. I personally enjoy being in places I'd never choose to be. Spent a 34 hour reset in Tulsa, OK once and had such an amazing time. It's what you make it. If you spend most of your time longing to be home, turn in your OTR job for a local or regional one.

[@johnperhach2534]

Exactly!! Trucking is more than just over the road.

[@kaliduncanel3356]

I agree. I was just watching the Boston Celtics play The Nuggets today on my 34. I had to shell out some paper for a rental car and the tickets. My other option sit in sleeper berth. I have no kids. No girl. I'll stack my paper and decide if I want to do regional or a whole other career that may also be a waste of time down the road. Meanwhile I feel I'm getting an invaluable experience.

[@patlevv7382]

SUB. jek tyv. ... Tho

[@patlevv7382]

@@kaliduncanel3356* SHARP

[@chrisbelsito4231]

I’ve got a love/hate relationship with trucking.. but we get to see places, sunsets, sunrises,etc that the average person do not have the privilege to see.. Full moons over the mountains in no man’s land upstate NY, PA so forth and so on.. It’s an experience for sure both good and bad… It’s a life style for sure.. It can be a waste of life if you don’t enjoy most of it.. back in the day. I’d get layed over and usually find a bar.(asking on CB where a good bar is for the weekend) meet few drivers and BS like we’ve known each other for years. Those days are long gone now… This business used to be a lot more fun before elogs,tracking, etc. Cops were nicer too.. We used to look out for each other. Anyway, safe travels to y’all

[@benyosep5640]

It's amazing how many family photos you are not in because your on the road.

[@MrPjcrews]

It's a Lifestyle and isn't for everyone. I was in your shoes 25 years ago. I asked that question. I got off the road because I wanted more. I went local and even Line haul where I got off every weekend. I would make it home every other days as well. It still wasn't enough so I went into Law Enforcement. Yes, I am home daily but the amount of time is still like when I was trucking. Back when I did OTR, we didn't have FaceTime. We had phone cards and pay phones and it cost a lot of money to make that 10 minute phone call too. Now days, yeah, it might be easier on that note but you are still gone and TV, Internet, yeah, we didn't have that either. Good Luck and get home to see your wife & kids as often as possible. What is your short & long plan ?

[@andrewmorales8985]

Very well said my brother...I drive OTR and I love it and enjoy it . I'm single and my Son and Daughter are grown and doing very for themselves so me being gone 2-3 weeks at a time isn't too hard on us not seeing each other everyday. OTR isn't something you want to do if you don't have a man or woman at home that's willing to only see you 2-4 days a month.

[@nickntab09]

I'm otr but 70 hrs a week for $700 a week that's 10 an hr...... maybe 15 including taxes and crap... not worth giving up your life. I need to find a better paying job

[@seanburdelik5216]

Any Mid-level income blue collar job gets overtime for their time spent working over 40hrs. If you compare any blue collar trade job carpenter , plumber , painter , iron worker , police officer and have them work 70 hrs a week , that would be 30hrs multiplied by average $40 hr overtime , all of those jobs would be $1200 in overtime alone plus the $1000 for their 1st 40 hours . The average company driver is earning $1200 for 70 hrs of work in week , some more some less trucking is a very underpaid industry

[@mr.nuticus7821]

Not really I make percentage so I make 25 percent gross been doing it for 2 years and making 2500 to 3000 a week it would take double the time for another trade to make that money

[@seanburdelik5216]

@@mr.nuticus7821 save your bullshit , I've been driving trucks for 14 years , if your getting 25 % of gross earnings you are getting not even close to $2500 a week as a company driver , as a company driver At 25 % of gross you'd be topping off at $1500 to $1600 25% is a low percentage guy , your a bullshitter

[@seanburdelik5216]

@@mr.nuticus7821 you might make $2500 or $3000 for 2 weeks.

[@mr.nuticus7821]

@@seanburdelik5216 nope every week a truck gross is 13 to 15k a week trucking is profitable when you get a percentage before fuel

[@seanburdelik5216]

@@mr.nuticus7821 there is no way one driver is making 13to 15k a week to a truck impossible , if your doing drop n hooks your company is only getting $2.50 a mile haul preloaded freight , and if your doing live load unload there is not enough hours is the day to gross that much to a truck with one driver in it , I know companies who let their drivers drive illegally and their only grossing $8000 to $9000 your a bullshitter I know the trucking game inside and out , you can't even gross that money with paper logs , stop bullshittin there's no need to try to impress people on KZbin it takes drivers 4 and 5 hrs to get loaded or unloaded youzzzz a bullshitter

[@ScumbagTiki]

Subscribed. Great talking points brother 🤘🏼

[@OGElites]

facts! I got off that road first chance I got. Sucks to drive otr man

[@myckee]

I think OTR is for the single person, perhaps just starting out with no family trying to get experience. But there are plenty of married folks out there that have made it work, and have done very well for themselves.

[@drewji]

Thanks for sharing your story. What would be the best way to get started you think? I have looked into going to trucking school before but things can get expensive quick. I think I would be fine doing this life for several reasons.

[@jonathanstriedinger9685]

All the things you've been saying I feel the same way ,keep trucking 💛

[@JuanTorres-yi1hr]

It's all in people's mind; meaning, it's mind over matter, if u don't mind, it doesn't matter!!!.

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

I agree

[@JNSmith-mz8om]

Hey good morning brother. I just wanted to say thank you for the motivation. Awesome video good luck to you. GOD bless you and your family and much love!

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

Thanks man!

[@hustonswanson4106]

I turned 25 last week. Been driving for 2.5 years. Just bought a truck. It can be done. Now I make the decisions.

[@mikecostigan9913]

Good man! I hope you stay safe and that your dream is realized. Good luck Brother!

[@jaredsmith4750]

Please Don’t go OTR. Hazmat Tanker. Trust me it’s worth it. Home daily if I want to go home, and off every weekend. Work 4 days a week sometimes 5 if I want to make more $. $2000-$2500 a week (before taxes) as a company driver. Great benefits, vacation, PTO, 401K w/ match… etc. get your 2 years experience and then go hazmat tanker.

[@joejinjal3476]

Im a new OTR trucker, I do not plan on doing this forever. My plan is to do 1-3 years for the experience then go local with the endorsements so I can be home and also make 50k-80k a year. Im 21 so this gives me time to figure out what I want to do, save up some decent money, and travel the country and essentially see where I might want to move to and live in my own home. Im constantly looking at local jobs in different states/cities, looking at state taxes and housing costs and average income compared to what a particular trucking company would potentially pay me if I moved there and worked for them. OTR is not permanent for me its just a bridge to get to where I want to be.

[@ShitBagSPC]

That’s exactly what im thinking as well after i get out of the army. Im only 23 but im not too worried about being away from home all the time since that’s basically part of military life. Plus lack of sleep and operating on fumes is something im already used to after 2 years of service. Just want to find a new gig and leave my parents house to live on my own now 😂

[@joejinjal3476]

@@ShitBagSPC been a fuel hauler since October, making 80K a year 10 hour shifts easy ass job, it was worth it. Home everyday, never done more than 50 hours in a week, highest NET weekly check Ive seen was 1400$ lowest was 900$ cause I took 3 days off. Its almost just a normal ass job, but I make enough to actually fucking survive comfortably

[@LayItDownTarot]

​@@joejinjal3476How long is the training for fuel tanker? Is it a huge company or smaller outfit?

[@godsangel67able]

@@joejinjal3476you work in tanker? I’m starting trucking, and definitely walking with a plan

[@charleshanna2089]

OTR truck driving is a huge rip off I discourage anyone from considering it Go to a trade school and learn a job that at least qualifies for time and a half pay after 40 hours

[@MrRipcord01]

@@lonewolftrucker3955 That's because you are clueless!!! Laughable.

[@MrRipcord01]

@@lonewolftrucker3955 I'm a joker but unlike you not a moron!! I've made over $100,000.00 every year for the past 10 years as a company driver. See ya.

[@penntuckeybackwoods8201]

@@lonewolftrucker3955 I made 10800 last year all my meals are paid I stay in holiday inns 4 nights a week and I'm off weekend's u just hafta find the wright job their out their

[@ronaldgalimore1013]

Hanging out with friends at a bar is not important.

[@michaelcyr3300]

Thats the new generation B.S. you can make a great living in trucking ! Definitely not OTR but you can do great things being local home everyday

[@vltrucking2757]

Love your channel, keep up the awesome content 😎.

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

Thank you!

[@jasthepilotfk8538]

I couldn’t agree more with you, I’m on the same boat, working really hard now so I can make an impact on my family’s life, already making the dream happen of becoming owner op, already got the truck, waiting 2 months to have my 2 years CDL so I can get a decent insurance, I’ll work even harder in my truck so I can keep going to the next level, best of luck to you brother, that’s the right mindset !!

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

That’s awesome man! Thanks for watching!

[@justterrell956]

Honestly it can suck or it can be great. I drive early and finish working(unless I’m at a delivery) by noon. I’ve got to see some really cool places, and do some cool things in those places. However now I am a regional driver, I had to move for it, but I can be home every other day and still get to see some great stuff.

[@uservemewell]

Compared to a normal 9 to 5 job, OTR trucking is slavery.

[@sokodad]

I’m an OTR driver and most days are good and uneventful. Certain weather conditions can be challenging and stressful like winter weather and wind. Roads can be a nail biter sometimes. The time away from family can be depressing and really affect your attitude. Eating on the road is hard to maintain healthy diet. It’s a pain dragging your stuff to and from truck stop showers, Doing laundry, etc. Yeah it has its challenges but I’m always working and making a decent living.

[@skinnykhris]

💯💯💯 get in and get out, that’s how I see trucking. Have a plan, before you get in. Invest that money that you make, instead of believing that trucking is the only route. Good video homie

[@mikewagner388]

Good way of putting things out there bro.

[@Yondaily]

Be honest if it's a waste of you life you should just quit and do something else to gain life experiences

[@jimmyp5487]

Glad I found the channel 👍 good content. Subbed brotha and good luck and be safe 🤘🤘🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

Thank you 🙏!!!

[@lynn_guini]

I dont have a family, but I have parents I care about. Everything you mentioned and everything I've heard from other OTR folks is why I wanna do regional.

[@nathaneberle5526]

I agree with you 💯 I’ve been driving for 20 years and all of it OTR and I fight with it all the time because I feel like I’ve given my life to this job

[@TheTinminator]

I feel the same and I’m not a trucker. Every job/work will have their up and down. There were a study that like 80% of people don’t like their job but work beciase they need to pay the bills

[@AdamGbl95]

Trucking is definitely a waste of life. Anxiety and stress catches up with you. The risk and level of stress absolutely not worth the pay. Not to mention all the other inhumane aspects. Yeah, call me lazy or call me a complainer, but in trucking, beng a workaholic and over doing it causes accidents, death, and losing your mind. We weren't made to be driving every day all day and messing up our sleep schedule. It's supposed to be driver focused but it's most definitely company and customer focused.

[@nickwiththemoney9141]

they really need to change the hos rules. that goin to bed at different times is really bad for fatigue. i would suggest something like you can drive from 6am to 9pm. then trucks have to shutdown at 10pm to 6am for example. or better yet how about trucks can travel from 10pm to 6am then avoid traffic. point is you need a regulated sleep schedule ie same time everyday. to reduce fatigue

[@mattsmith2739]

Thanks for the heartfelt chat

[@time2chill121]

Totally agree with you. I miss interacting with people at work and having time to hang out with friends. I also miss having a chance to date. Pretty hard to date not knowing when you'll be home.

[@codycorg4656]

This was very inspiring! I only do local loads now but have been contemplating going OTR. What sort of pay do you get working for a company?

[@ed1297]

I work for a small company that pays 50% of the gross. We split fuel and insurance and we take out 12%. I take home from 14k-17k a month. Plus if I wanna take a week, 2 weeks, a month off they are super cool with it. Plus no forced dispatch I actually get to pick a lotta my loads. No complaints on OTR here put it's a path to get what I want and then move on.

[@von_rva9907]

@@ed1297 sheesh . What company might this be ?

[@jasonduke3608]

Sir a a fellow truck driver, everything you said is on point!! Very well said too. You want to know what a dead end job is? Retail. Specifically working at home depot. Did that for 13 years, left there no savings. Got into trucking I'm not mega bucks but I can afford things that I couldn't before. Inherited a home with a $30k mortgage, paid it off in 18 months. That was not easy, many 4000+ miles per week. I been OTR the majority of my career, right now been doing local for almost 2 years....it sucks. Not a lot of money in it for me. My company just offered me a otr lane, Michigan to texas $ 2k per week plus a brand new truck. I have to try this. Never made that much in a week. Just not too excited about going back out. What you said about losing contact with friends is true. I have 1 very good friend I hardly see her now due to our lifestyles, just afraid of losing her totally. Were just friends but she is important to me. I'm also worried about diet. I gained a ton of weight otr. Man is it hard to lose. Getting a fridge and microwave before I go out. To the newbies just a few suggestions: do not buy a truck at least for a couple of years. Get to know your profession try to learn as much as you can. Stay away from leases that is a dead end. Try to pay off as much debit as you can and if you did try to live simple build your savings. Thanks again sir for posting this, very good info for people wondering what trucking is like. ( I love it)

[@michaelbruce6190]

I am also a OTR driver and I live in Grand Rapids and I do the Michigan to Texas route about 5 times a month. It’s a very easy route in both directions and you should absolutely give it a shot, that is some good weekly pay and you won’t see that doing regional. Do your meal prep at home before you hit the road, your truck will have a fridge and buy a small 700W microwave, and stay away from the truckstop food and fast food. I take my crockpot and hot plate with me everywhere and cook in the truck, especially on my resets…that makes a huge difference on keeping the weight down and the bank account up. I hope you give it another shot, good luck 👍🏻

[@frankfriel1511]

Congrats on the little one bro! Hope you can get some extra home time in the coming days.

[@TheLivingFreedChannel]

Thanks!

[@brianburlingame3684]

Very good presentation of something that is needed and can provide income for later security. In my opinion, what was well stated by this man is sacrifice now,make the best of it now for a more secure future. So true to life for most people, Really was impressed with the honesty of OTR. Well said and thanks for the insight!

[@rogersawyer9265]

That's why it called driving your life away.i did 20 years otr and 15 years local.pretty much.

[@garrettrickard]

Thanks for sharing in a level headed explanation of your OTR experience and I can validate what you have shared as I work regional where I am out 2 weeks and home for 3 days. You do loose some sense of connection with family and friends. I am doing this to make money and don't think I could do this if I had a younger family. My wife and I have been married over 40 years, our kids are adults, and we owned our business together and finally sold it and now I have the freedom to drive without all the daily hassles while making good money. Keep on trucking and share your OTR journey. God bless.

[@user-dj6ul1ox7b]

I agree 100%. What has become normal is very sad. Now trucking has its challenges but if you can find a way to make it work for you, you are golden.

[@ri067953]

I think what you're describing goes for any career. You have to sacrifice some of your "personal" life to work towards the larger goal. You cannot party every weekend, eat out all the time and not be on a budget if you want to achieve your financial goals. At the end of the day it's all about balance

[@jumapili100]

Im a regional truck driver, I do 2 days home 2 day away. Saturday and Sunday always home. Leave Sunday evening and come back home tuesday morning, then I head out again on Thursday morning and come back home Friday night. so basically i always start my week on Thursday (Thursday & Friday on the road) (Saturday &Sunday home) (Monday on the road & return home Tuesday morning) (Tuesday & Wednesday home) get to learn my schedule & be home ever 2 days but you have to be an owner op. by doing this I'm still able to average 8k a week.

[@dennisexpose-deltaoverthet794]

Completely depends on how you approach trucking if you're under a company they control when you go and where you go. If you're independent it's a completely different lifestyle. I never saw trucking as a career to retire from. Have to go in with a exit plan. But anything worth having will always come with a sacrifice.

[@orthodoxphronesis]

There’s Orthodox Church’s through the nation. Would I be able to stop at services on Sundays for 3-4 hours?

[@RedNineTeen]

Get over it dude! I’m 27 with 2 boys and a wife back home and yeah I miss them but boy if this trucking ain’t good money.

[@ZebraCore....]

My guy i know this is an opd video but ive been on the fence abiut trucking and ima be real you 100% got me with "changing my financial situation for my family" i feel so fucking stuck with everything but mainly finances ima get to looking into getting my cdl and sacrifice a few years to have a better decade or 3 😁

[@sgtfish9646]

I'm a gynecologist and I feel like I am wasting my life

[@Disgruntled-Trucker]

Just seen the title and it is a waist. Been doing this for 5 yrs and waisted time. My relationship with people has been stained. The money is no different but I was able to save because I live in truck. This job is for someone who has a short goal to make money and get out and do something else

[@jamesnevitt3400]

@@imnotasimp7440 Yelp and nope it doesn't work like that the little money you made on the road will be spent on bills and housing etc.

[@konscioustrucka6449]

Im on the same vibe. Good vid!

[@brianwalker1933]

My advice to single men, stay single. Why sacrifice your life just to make a better life for others, that you aren’t going to see very often. Doesn’t make any sense to me.

[@antonjames4867]

This new breed of drivers are whiners and crybabies whaah i can't get home to my momma whaaah my gps can't get ad signal I'm lost

[@Decarlo_P]

😂😂

[@clonefunk]

amazing video.....thank you

[@milo8425]

You can get a Ph.D. worth of audiobooks in each year man. You can pinch pennies, invest in land, save up for your own truck, do online school just for fun and personal growth. It's a waste if you waste it.

[@MountainManFred]

Good stuff! I heard somebody say one time.. "My end product, is my kid's raw material". Keep going. PS..the volume is a little tough to hear.. Again, good stuff!