Is truck driving an awful job or a good one?  What's your opinion?  How can you be a good truck driver?  What shouldn't you do?  

What shouldn't you do?  

Frolic and detour.

This site claims the freight rate index for june 2012 is 2.48/mile.  They base it on:

"The US Freight Rate Index:
 
The US Freight Rate Index is a comprehensive Cost Per Mile (CPM) indicator that is based on fact. Comprised of 8 main and 65 total cost and cost influencing components, it considers completely, every cost related to freight transport by land. Each component is from the factual source and apportioned per mile, or is a calculated derivative of the actual cost.
The Freight Rate Index or “Cost Per Mile” (CPM) indicator standard equipment model configuration is a full loaded 48 foot trailer with a standard long-haul semi-tractor power unit. This general configuration complies with the laws of, and is usable in, any jurisdiction, and therefore is an average which closely represents the cost of most equipment configurations.
The US Freight Rate Index information presented herein, represents the cost and potential profit for the standard equipment model configuration to travel 1 mile, and is reflected in USD$, or portion thereof."

http://www.freightrateindex.com/index_files/page0014.htm

Does this sound accurate?  Do owner operators usually get paid this much?  

Long haul driving is awful for the family life.

One of my sons did it for awhile before settling down and getting married.  He could never have done it with a family.

This is Sigismund.  I once again forgot to click that little non anonymous box.

Quote from: Guest

Is truck driving an awful job or a good one?  What's your opinion?  How can you be a good truck driver?  What shouldn't you do?  

I have a CDL, so I've driven a truck, but I've never had a truck driving job.

Driving a long distance every day in a vehicle that vibrates a lot, that requires much more attention while driving than a car.

It's not easy.  That's for sure.

Do you own your own truck?

Is truck driving an awful job or a good one?  What's your opinion?  How can you be a good truck driver?  What shouldn't you do?  

Either you will love it or hate it. Its not one of those jobs for anyone not interested in it.

I drove for three years in my mid 20's.  I loved it for 2 years and 9 months and then hated it for the last three months.

I had a brother in law killed while asleep while his partner was driving.   So it isnt the safest job either.

What happens if you have to deliver a cargo of contraceptives or dirty books?

I ask because someone on here the other day was advised not to be a bank teller?

Bank tellering is participating in usury, right?