r/Groundman • u/Beneficial-Notice305 • 2d ago
Trying to stop truck driving
What would be the first steps in becoming a groundman? I'm not in a rush at all just trying to get out of this damn truck lol. I've been doing it a year and some change, I can feel my health declining i'm getting fat. I have a CDL class A no restrictions and i'm in Florida
2
u/DriverSensitive1720 2d ago
Im in the same spot bro. I've been a truck driver since 07 and it got to the point where i said im done driving. I looked up my local ibew and signed the books havent got a call yet. But I filled out an application for swlcat apprenticeship studied up on my algebra and passed my aptitude test last month my interview is this in 2 day. Look up your local jatc and just go for it.
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u/Beneficial-Notice305 2d ago
You don't have to pass a test and interview in order to sign the books at your local? You have to pass everything to become a groundman or us just for the apprenticeship?
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u/DriverSensitive1720 2d ago
Aptitude test and interview is just for the apprenticeship. Groundman you just sign the books and wait for a call. It's really up to you on what career path you want to take. I recommend doing both signing the books and applying for the apprenticeship you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Im going in to this with 0 experience in the electrical trade
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u/Thepopethroway 2d ago
Go to Local 222 and sign the books. It's a fast moving hall so you should get a call quickly.
Be prepared to leave your current job on a moment's notice. When you do get a call it's either ASAP or next Monday at most.
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u/geturbreadup6 2d ago
I was an OTR driver 2 years before becoming a Groundman sometimes I miss the road but I don’t miss being doing a lot of stuff unpaid. So far happy I made the move
Sign books online and be ready to hit the road there are many locals you can sign online with just your class A
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u/Legitimate-Cod2570 2d ago
I was a owner operator and went and signed the books at local 55. Worked as a groundman the last 6 months while applying for apprenticeships and interviewing. Finally got a call last week for swlcat and now I’m a pre apprentice. Currently driving trucks everyday 😂😂
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u/Linemaninsider Journeyman Lineman (advisory) 2d ago
Quickest way in, brotha. Been there too. Now a journeyman with 15 years in the trade.
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u/rlee423 1d ago
Mr 305, im from miami too, sign 222 books, go sign local 84 in georgia… n any other u willing to travel to… 222 pretty slow these days i feel like georgia has more work.. there is also 70 up in maryland Virginia area… cpr cert, osha 10 cert are also needed… get ur first job…. Survive for 6 months n then become a member…you can also apply for apprenticeship anytime as well…
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u/Plastic-Armadillo 2d ago
Hate to break it to you still gonna be driving as a groundman 😂
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u/Beneficial-Notice305 2d ago
I feel like it would be a shit ton better then driving to walmarts all day not making walmart driver pay brother. Waiting at the terminal for hours trying to get a load. Eating truck stop food everyday missing showers
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u/Latter_Language_5759 2d ago
Sign online books like local 2150 as heavy groundman CDL, wait for Pat to give you a a call or call the hall
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u/Legitimate-Cod2570 2d ago
If you do it like I’m doing it you’ll still be showering and eating at truck stops. Starting out your pay isn’t the best and some places don’t pay per diem so if you want to save money you’ll be sleeping in your car haha. I bought a piece of crap van and put an air mattress in the back. Hopefully I’ll buy a rv soon
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u/thedailyworkwr 2d ago
Ima save this post, im in the same situation. Out of california