Problem solved, go be a truck driver.

 

LOL or GREYHOUND!

 

Please read the comments on the article. Hahaha, it looks like APC shenanigans in the comment section

 

Whatever happened to the provision in NAFTA that allowed Canadian and Mexican truck drivers to drive in the US? Was that implemented? If not, I fear the "shortage" of American drivers will give rise to a call for allowing imported truck drivers.

 

The only things unions do anymore is make more money for non-union employees, judging by the low wages in the regionals they haven't done much have they?

 

Thought I'd chime in on this as I actually am a long haul truck driver.

I flew a lot in high school and after entering college and discovering the facts on the actual state of the industry, I chose a different path.

I don't encourage or discourage people to fly anymore. It's a total commitment to the dream and the chances of it paying off change depending on who you're talking to.

I still fly on occasion and really enjoy it. I started long haul truck driving the beginning of 2013 and after a year of solid experience and a safe record I changed companies and am slated to gross just under 70k this year.

I'm not saying this to gloat or anything it's just a choice I made. The difference I believe in flying and trucking compensation-wise is that 70 is probably the most I'll ever make. I think you can do much better in the long run with flying if you keep your nose clean, even though the immediate pay is so terrible.

I'm in my early twenties and single and have invested in an acreage and will be building a home soon. I had to choose to either chase the dream or start investing in my future a little differently.

Like I said, I neither encourage nor discourage others to do the same but I would be happy to answer questions about the industry. YMMV

-M

Also just for fun I thought I'd mention I worked with a guy at my last company who was the CP on the 73 for CO for awhile I believe. Great dude. He retired from CO and decided he wanted to try long haul trucking. An interesting transition in your mid 60's that's for sure.

 

I drove a truck once. It is horrible. Probably the worst job out there.
You can get to a drop off point on a Friday after noon. .. Shop closes before you can unload... Guess what? You sit there all weekend just to unload on Monday FOR FREE!. You only get paid when you roll. I didn't make crap for money because they want to keep the lifers happier and give you the shorter haul loads that don't pay as much. Doesn't surprise me they can't find people. I was 2 weeks on then 3 days off. Sucked balls.

 

Sounds familiar but there's definitely better gigs than that. It's just that you have to get through the crappy time as a new guy. I had to switch jobs to get away from that type of environment but I'm paid by the hour now and a lot of smaller reputable companies are going to that system. Keeps guys happy and making money the whole time.

That's definitely a valid gripe and working for any of the BIG companies, that's what you'll see. This job can either be absolutely awful or pretty darn cool. Not a lot of in between, at least in my experience.

 

Big difference regarding the article is the trucking industry realizes they have to raise wages. I have not heard of any regionals raising wages to combat hiring shortages. And a sign-on bonus is not a pay raise.

 

CommutAir raised their pay earlier this year, as well as throwing in some paid hotels for commuters.

At Horizon, premium pay has gone from 150% to 200%, and stayed there.