Trucking Lifestyle

OTR trucking is more than just a job change: It's a lifestyle change.
What exactly does that mean? Let's dive into the discussion and start learning what it means when you hear people describe the career change from a normal 9-to-5 job to an OTR career.

[@garryg1955]

In all seriousness, if you ever get sick of trucking, a radio or T.V. talk show would be your calling. You have the voice & delivery.

[@MarkStaite]

Thank you. Been there, done that.

[@jack_daddy_mack]

It's true, good speaking voice.

[@leebmc91]

haha I was just about to make the same comment.

[@JoshTube]

Yes. I have done radio and thought the same thing!

[@zapatazapatosideexdddde5401]

H holograma o

[@19ScottMcRae85]

Don't forget in trucking your going to be dealing with law enforcement and DOT personnel on a daily basis either directly or indirectly. Not so much on a 9-5 job.

[@rogersideas772]

You have a great radio voice.

[@lydiaanderson1747]

Hello, I hope everything is going on well with you

[@TheDelman34]

Always enjoy videos Mark, very informative, educational and not filled with bs. Glad to hear your wife medical condition was not serious. If all goes well a week from today, I will have my CDL and join the ranks of the 18 wheel nomads. Hopefully our paths will cross at some point as the company I hope to sign on with does 90% of their loads from Canada into the U.S.

[@meents69]

thanks for the information I am heading to Swift for driving school right now. Start class tomorrow. Thank you again

[@RTLorenti]

Hey Mark glad to hear your wife is ok. Great videos man keep posting them!

[@tasteyfisher9273]

Ive been really looking into regional and local driving. I appreciate your videos they are very informative. Thank you!

[@rolloutloaded9881]

Brother Trucker glad your wife is good to go. Talking about eating on the road. Truck stops leave a lot of us drivers broke. My handle is Barbeque. And besides my lil grill, I have GOT to have my crock pot. Bungy chorded nice and snug. a bag of beans and a ham hock, water, salt & pepper, plus 6 hours down the road? Supper cooked with 2 days of leftovers. I like to use my lil sandwich make to make cornbread too. I also love to drop a big roast in there. With sea salt, garlic and onions. adding zero liquids of any kind. Eating like a high roller for less than $50 a week.

[@iamthechad3021]

Hey Mark I am gearing up to be a trucker, starting training soon. Just wanted to say I appreciate your vids, very informative.

[@ColeRuddick]

Excellent video, Mark. Been watching from home & on the road for a while and enjoy all of your work. Thanks for sharing your talent & experiences!

[@lydiaanderson1747]

Hello, I hope everything is going on well with you

[@creekwoodjoe1607]

Great speaker, great presenter. Need your own cable or radio show. Lane Williams you're great!

[@roadreapervideos7001]

Mark you hit the nail on the head. When I was local for a couple years I could not get off the otr sleep schedule. Now that I'm back otr I feel more at home lol. And I agree with how hard it is being away and have a loved one go in the hospital. It's rough. Keep up the great videos

[@loganwatkins97]

Great video. made me cry at the end. so glad your wife is ok. all the best to u both

[@Demonoid1990]

I've just recently started watching several of your videos, as I have some down time with my trainers truck in the shop.. stuck in a hotel with nothing better to do. I'm surprised your videos don't have more views, you've covered a lot of great information be it general tips, or things like the fuel surcharge. I just finished up CDL schooling through Celadon and am currently in my OTR training phase. I've been trying to do as much research as possible when I can, there is certainly a lot to learn in trucking. Lifestyle, DOT/FMCSA regulations, company policies, financial management.. there's a lot to learn in a short time. I'm just glad I live in an era where information is easily accessible, it certainly lightens the burden of learning these things all first hand. Thanks for sharing all this useful knowledge.

[@MarkStaite]

+Erik Ray ... Thank you for the kind words Erik ... Feel free to share links on your social media pages :-)

[@bbbykelly]

Great video, Mark. I'm happy to hear that your wife is okay. A similar issue with a loved one is what took the wind out of my sail with KLLM. Take care, let's try and cross paths someday, fellow Floridian!

[@traceyvillani758]

Hey Mark if you ever buy more trucks I'll be first in line, your character is clear, concise, pleasant, and best buddy material. I'm 49 yrs old been driving since 1994. Big rigs have always been a magnet to me don't know why, which IMHO, any person who wants to drive should have the same. You have to love "looking at the world through a windshield", like the old song says.

[@user-cd6wv6bc7q]

Love your voice, great speaker, very informative, thanks for sharing!

[@orves6024rack]

wow a lot to process you are spot on about family being able too cope while your not there thanks mark for sharing great videos.

[@PaleriderTV]

Laundry. Getting the time and a truck stop that had washing machines is always a chore. Hopefully there isn't a long wait to use them.

[@paidtourist1554]

Great vid. A lot of sacrifices, but there are rewards as well.

[@lewishaworth8228]

Hey Mark, Loved your trucking lifestyle video. Really tells it like it is.

[@MarkStaite]

Thanks for watching Lewis. Greatly appreciated.

[@truckdashcam7484]

I'm very lucky to work locally and be home every weekend. I get home around 2:00a.m. Saturday and don't leave again until 11:00a.m. Monday. The otr lifestyle fascinates me and I really hope to be able to do it once my son is out of school.

[@MykSr]

Thanks for another thoughtful and informative video! (:

[@frankdoss7710]

Great video. Very informative.

[@KevinBarakauskas]

Excellent Video Mark

[@adamrust434]

A trucking career has always intrigued me. Don't know how I feel about OTR though. Always a lot of helpful information in your videos to take into consideration.

[@lydiaanderson1747]

Hello, I hope everything is going on well with you

[@gregburgess6884]

thanks for the reminder mark..,.

[@2fast65]

great video I agree with everything you said I drove otr for 5 years in the mid 90's and was in California when my mom called and told me she found out she had cancer I told her I would get home soon and then my dad's health turned worse so I know work for a county highway dept in Mn I miss the road a lot but I have to take of my parents you never know what is around the next corner have a good day be safe.

[@dieseldown]

Love the video, Just good information not bashing rookies and a company.

[@brandonstephens9474]

Very helpful videos

[@ivanrodriguez3352]

you should be a Radio host.

[@MarkStaite]

+Ivan Rodriguez ...Been there, done that. Pay sucks.

[@Jaylee926]

I’m learning school bus but my goal is to do this but where I’m training to get the training free I have to climb the ladder and start small then go big so I’m taking notes now so I’m ready later thanks for posting this stuff 😊

[@billjaquith5251]

Well said Mark. So many people and driving schools try and sugar coat things these days.

[@commonsense5188]

Lol what are the odds. I stumbled upon your channel a few minutes ago as I'm once again considering taking the leap and getting into trucking, and i see this video and you happen to be at the exact distribution center I used to work at, at that exact time. Strange. Love the videos Mark.

[@MarkStaite]

+David Lovett ... Thanks David. If you have any questions about Prime Inc... Just hit me up on Facebook in the "Mark Staite Trucking" room.

[@stojer0210]

Thank you for the video. I'm set to leave out for Springfield with my workboots on the 21st. Your videos helped me to understand and know that trucking is what I'm looking for.

[@MarkStaite]

+Josh Byrley No problem. Glad the info helped. Who did you put down as a referral? If you left that line blank, you can call your recruiter and have a name added before you show up for orientation. :-)

[@stojer0210]

I had to call the recruiter today and add your name. I applied for the job then started researching more on companies, and options.

[@soju337]

Temple, TX!! I am located about 3 miles from there. Getting ready to go to CDL school in Waco. Prime may be they way to go for me.

[@albertmartin6298]

well look how prayers have happened to come in different ways I'm glad your family is doing well

[@zheuseldracula007]

I’m originally from Brasil and Been OTR expeditor straight trucker almost 6 years, 5 years with Fedex Custom Critical,7 Months with Landstar and now I just start 6 weeks ago on the Big Rig pulling a Reefer so I get that One year experience with Tractor & Trailer in order to go back with Landstar...And everything you’ve said it’s exactly what I tell friends and family on my live Facebook videos broadcast in Brasil...I can’t stress enough what is like be over the road 24/7 and walk 100 yards or more on a -20 degrees with freezing water up to your knees sometimes,exaggerating a little bit,yeah just to take a dump,and I tell them what I feel when I here someone saying they need to go to the bathroom which is 1 or 2 meters way from them and they are lazy about it...I have a 11 year old daughter in Brasil,it’s hard for Truckers whom lives in US in case something happens and you need to rush home,thank god you work and live in the same country as your family do...God bless you all, I’ll be posting some videos on KZbin as well so family and friends see ,BRAUSA....Be safe people...

[@truckerrochelle-rachelrola8703]

Thank you dear.

[@douglasnewman2127]

GREAT video!! Thank you, please keep producing! You have an awesome talent in speaking. You rarely have 'ums' and 'ahs'. I use to be in Toastmasters (public speaking) and can honestly say you are one of the better public speakers I have listened to. So again thank you.

[@leepialong]

Because he spent so much time making child porn.

[@henrysauer9663]

Trucking becomes your life. Your time for hobbies regardless what they are goes out the window unless you take time out to do it . 18 hours between work shifts is gone now 10 hours off or even 8 . But it's a great career! And a lot of fun

[@MrMeatman1962]

love your video's

[@julewestcott6715]

I am so indecisive of who to start in the trucking field. I hear bad and good of swift, prime, CRST, and werner.

[@DyinG_BreeD_MediA]

Great video.

[@galo15551]

this is so real, stay strong comrade, workers deserve it better but ur doing great

[@leepialong]

Comrade? Were you helping him make child porn?

[@shawnmcdonald9352]

Thanks Mark.

[@genarohernandez3205]

! I think i can handle it Thanks for the video!

[@HappyCabbie]

I know where Temple is, it is near Waco. You are currently about 2-3 hours away from the area where I spent my teen years.

[@georgewhiplemyerjr.9165]

Can you do a video on Fitness and what is good to bring with you so you can cook on the truck.(besides microwave's). Thanks. And be safe.

[@saanchips3965]

great video

[@Anthony_T.]

I'm planning on getting my cdl within the next few months after getting home front situated and seeing if im going the wia/financial aid route or going through company sponsored training. My cousin is a tanker driver so im learning a bit from him whenever i can, but, he did tell me which might also be helpful to new drivers is to have baby wipes with you. I know it sounds funny but he stated like Mark stated is that showers can be full and you don't have time to wait so you use scented baby wipes to wipe yourself down which is a temp fix until you are able to get to a shower and there are "baths in a bottle" that nurses use in nursing homes or hospitals for those who cant get to the shower. Just thought to throw that in

[@dieseldown]

Good luck man, Hope you do well.

[@stevefasick7824]

There is app on your cell phone you can get for Walmart's stores. It's called Walmart locations

[@joeziahbabb]

Thank you for the video Mark. I'm actually sitting in my room at the Campus Inn right now. Wish you were an instructor as I'm not looking forward to the dice roll of getting a great instructor! If you know a good one drop my name by him! (going flatbed) Only thing that concerns me with lifestyle change is going from a 40 hour work week to 70, I hope it doesn't wear people down quickly.

[@joeziahbabb]

Flatbed did suck, though Prime is a great company. To make any money you can't really log your strapin/tarpin as on duty and you will end up driving 60-65 hours a week + using off duty to work. SUCKED. Went reefer.

[@EStTramp]

good advice

[@lowkey6679]

Keep the videos coming, good stuff. O and i take apack mre with me lol.

[@robertdowner4057]

I am looking into becoming a trucker. I want to thank you for all of the valuable information you are providing. I just want you to know you are appreciated!

[@MrFish691]

Robert Downer hey I was just curious if you did follow through and how did it turn out for you

[@robertdowner4057]

I did not. Having a family at home and being away that long would have been rough....

[@blueaura2191]

You can almost get a set schedule if your fleet manager will work with you, although Murphy's law is definitely in this profession. Yes the bathroom was the hardest to deal with, and is hard to find around a lot of people.

[@jibb1451]

I'm a web developer. . . why am I here? That being said, or rather, asked: nice video. I have a newfound respect for truckers.

[@arnereira5967]

Good video

[@aquarius9491]

I drive a UPS package car, not a big rig & have a rural route with the entire Desert as your bathroom it has wild jack rabbits & tumbleweed to keep you occupied while relieving yourself, Oh & rattlesnakes just to keep you overly paranoid when lowering your rear end down lol.

[@bernb3538]

Thanks for your video. I wish I would have seen it before this week. I would have prepare myself better mentally for my first otr tour. I had 1 shower in 4 days and a severe lack of sleep. My mentor told me to drink less water so we could run more miles and be ahead of time. I was burnt after my 6 days trip. Thanks for telling the truth to the rookies.

[@MarkStaite]

IMO... Showers occur on a team truck at least every other day at the worst. Daily is preferred but not realistic. By day #3 ... It's shower time for everyone in the truck! Hell or high water, that truck should be stopping for an hour so showers can be had!

[@bernb3538]

That is very good to know!

[@drewtube7456]

come check out my KZbin channel for an almost daily synopsis of life on the road. check out DREW TUBE.

[@drewtube7456]

George Granberg ???

[@davidtorneden3028]

Hey Mark been watching a couple of your videos thinking about going to prime how was your DOT physical because I’m a short stocky guy with no neck and I know they miss your neck or do they over there for your DOT physical let me know thank you

[@fontesrevenge1983]

a little too no social life in trucking. compared to being home.

[@dieseldown]

Unless your social life means hanging out in truck stops!

[@SC68170]

Trucker EDGE NC I'd rather talk to myself

[@lydiaanderson1747]

Hello, I hope everything is going on well with you

[@andychlumecky8035]

am i too old to become a trucker. I'm turning 60 in jan 2022. i'm in good health. what do u think. need to get my cdl-a

[@ChuckWagon15]

Great video again thanks Mark. I'm so sick of my 30 years of my 9 to 5 life which has become so damn boring. And in one month my "Home life" is going to consist of me sitting alone a single Dad at home in a one bedroom apartment after my boring ass 9 to sometimes 9 or 10 insanely stressful day. Everything you mentioned about trucking is Everything I'm looking forward to with my new life..lol And yes in about a month when I'm ready Prime will be my choice.

[@johnleyva4571]

you still going to prime. I leave Monday

[@johnleyva4571]

you still going to prime. I leave Monday

[@ChuckWagon15]

Planning on it but it looks like it will be another month or so

[@lydiaanderson1747]

Hello, I hope everything is going on well with you

[@shakerz46]

im gonna join prime in jan go to there schooling thanks mark your awesome

[@figueroatrucking6678]

Hi Mark, can you please tell me the requirements to drive for PRIME? age requirements, education requirements, medical requirements, etc...

[@Iwanncamp]

Time at home revolves around that truck. You can't park the truck and just forget about it

[@ernandessouza6463]

Hi Mark, everthing you saying is true! But you have to make a choice, life is not ease! First what is your company do it for the drivers "Prime is not for every one"

[@ipman3564]

The OTR trucking business actually changes your ENTIRE LIFE! Thanks for the that info....Dayum.....you can't purchase and buy FOOD and cook?

[@lilwezzyt]

That's all true Mark

[@marthemonster3761]

Do you get paid if your just sitting there?

[@HyperActive7]

It's the same for railroading except you can't leave the locomotive to do your business unless the bathroom is so crappy.. You have no choice. I think the whole thing with family emergencies really tests someone who is away a lot of the time. In the military.. You can't just break off because your family has a crises or if you travel internationally.. You're going have to allow at least a day or more to get back to your loved ones.

[@johnanthony3191]

whole lotta work, little bit of money ! Love it tho !

[@VOOODOOO37]

Good video, in all seriousness, I never had to wait for a shower lol.

[@Frederick890]

Okay!!!!! Me either

[@Drakeman2003]

Mark, using your jake brake in the snow. what's your thoughts on that?

[@MarkStaite]

No. Big no.

[@dieseltech1981]

Hi mark are all prime trucks slow as hell

[@easthirdcartel]

Lifestyle similar to the ppl working in the oilfield on land, offshore, & overseas

[@turkkan2416]

It is hard!

[@anthonydrummond9770]

I totally agree with this video. But in all essence your mind has to made up about trucking. This is why the trucking industry has a major shortage of decent drivers across the country. But overall, life is an adventure so go out there an live it. Don’t look back over your life regretting something that you felt compassionate about but never accomplished the goal. Keep the rubber to road drivers. Salute

[@bigrigbanter-atruckingpodc705]

We'd love for you to listen to Big Rig Banter- our podcast for truckers just like you!

[@s.patricklewis1189]

Mark are you a trainer? I'm applying to Prime.

[@jack_daddy_mack]

I hear running solo OTR can be extremely lonely. Is that true and how do handle it?

[@MarkStaite]

+Jack Westmoreland ... Only true for the insecure. Lonely is a state of mind. In short: It's all in your head. Only you can fix that.

[@johnathandeleon3541]

very good video ...I just subscribed to you

[@fijianprincess2222]

Glad your wife is better.

[@55fiddy5]

If you have a lot of close family, don't drive truck. If you don't have those "tie-downs", plan well, be well, have a blast.

[@billywayne6104]

No work will ever take precedence over my family. If that call comes, I'm stopping at the nearest place to park the truck, calling a cab to take me to the nearest airport. I'll shoot a message to dispatch and take care of everything else after

[@christopherrocknroll9035]

This guy makes me think of Stacy Keach

[@jeff7764]

Christopher RocknRoll yes! yes! yes! I thought the same thing and I love that show.

[@Bunnyrabbitzoeychickennugget]

hey mark i would like to know does prime do hair folical test on the drug test or do they just do the blood test my son wants to know

[@MarkStaite]

As far as I know... It's just a wizz-quiz

[@Flipping_Assets]

I hate that about the work hours. That would happen to me all the time where I'd loose hours each day.

[@lowkey6679]

Are you still with prime?

[@TheLittleGuyTrucker]

Tell em mark

[@lolstatus3062]

TheLittleGuyShow the real true story rookie and job hopper

[@JohnSmith-pt5sg]

I liked OTR, hated the constant day to night swapping. Team might be better, one guy take day, one night.

[@trucker2b]

lol lot lizards after work.. don't get that with a 9-5

[@campervanelvisitoofonyou8720]

@Moritz Schmidt Sure, why not.

[@kellypenrod2979]

If you are wanting to get into trucking and you are married @ have kid's, a you WILL. miss birthdays, holidays , ballgames, dance recitals, anniversaries, B, you MUST have a tight budget, ( trucking pay can sometimes be unpredictable ) AND, most important, a damn good woman at home.

[@Skullitor]

Mark, Why no more videos?

[@MarkStaite]

Busted laptop that has the power to edit + Not as much time any more as an O/O. Maybe more in the future. Thanks for the interest tho! I do post more frequently over on Facebook. www.therookieroom.com

[@RayRayCrazy]

What if you take prescription sleep medication would that make you getting sleep worse since you have to sleep at irregular hours?

[@MarkStaite]

+THeAppleFanKiD1912 ... You would need to ask your prospective company's safety department about that.

[@bostarbird5282]

as a lease driver does prime or success leasing offer a health insurance plan to a lease driver?

[@MarkStaite]

They do, but you're paying full price for it. Remember... As an L/O or O/O you are NOT an employee of the company. You are a 1099 contractor. You are your own boss, responsible for your own health/medical insurance.

[@lolstatus3062]

Listen here Corporal

[@movingframes8632]

Raymond Burr - Perry Mason - Mart State