Navigating a career shift during the pandemic, Andrew Golding opens up about his unexpected journey from social worker to hazmat truck driver. When COVID forced his medical transport business to close, he turned to trucking school, earning his CDL and diving headfirst into the challenges of hauling hazardous materials across America. In this candid conversation, Andrew shares the highs and lows of his early days on the road, the strategies that helped him gain an edge, and the lessons every new driver should know before stepping into the industry.
Key Takeaways
✅ Pandemic Pivot – Andrew’s medical transport business shut down during COVID, leading him to pursue trucking as a new career.
✅ Reality Check – “You are not going to make a lot of money in your first year,” he cautions, cutting through the glossy promises of some CDL schools.
✅ Hazmat Advantage – Getting hazmat endorsements and a TWIC card early opened doors to higher-paying, specialized freight opportunities.
✅ Trial by Ice – His first drive on an icy Colorado mountain pass showed the dangers and unpredictability new drivers face.
✅ Life on the Road – Weeks of solo assignments taught him resilience, mental toughness, and how trucking forces you to learn about yourself.
✅ Inside Hazmat – Practical insights into hauling hazardous materials, from proper load securing to emergency safety protocols.
✅ Human Reminder – His closing message to four-wheelers: “Truck drivers are people too.”
✅ Follow His Journey – Connect with Andrew on TikTok and Facebook @Drew.the.trucker for honest stories from life on the road.
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