What to believe? miles / first year earning

As you'll find that I and others have said on this forum, you can make money in trucking. There is plenty of freight, you just have to be willing to work for it, and work hard.

Working Smart, working hard and controlling your personal costs while on the road is the only way to make money.

The company I work for has an average of 3300-3500 mpw for most drivers, the ones that run and work for it. The only ones that complain about low miles are the ones that don't put in the effort.

All the companies you listed were on my original short list except for NDL, Crete was my original first choice before I decided to go Raider.

One thing to remember, as a student you'll have to go out with a trainer for anywhere from one month to three months before your cut loose, so your pay is going to suck for that time. But during that time you'll see how your company actually runs, if your trainer/mentor is worth his salt.

 

I'll skip over most of your post. And go straight to the heart.

2500 miles should be easy with any reputable company.

However, you'll need to review your start pay closely. Just to be sure you get enough to cover what you need.

2500 miles at .28 a mile = $700 a week before expences and taxes.

2500 miles at .34 a mile =$850 a week before expences and taxes.

Average "minimum" cost per week on the road. About $200 if you do not have a fridge and microwave.

Even though you will have a job as a company driver. You MUST act as if you are running your own business, and need to cut cost immediately.

You'll have more money, and far fewer headaches. It's real easy to get sidetracked while you are on the road, and overspend.

 

What to believe?, miles/1st yr earnings?

Consistency, consistency, consistency! Consistency is the name of the game. It's something i've had problems with myself. Forget about speed. (although speed is good and i will discuss that later). Consistency is the most important ingredient in trucking. Be like Cal Ripken.

Are you willing to stay out or do you need to go home all the time? This will affect your earnings.

Tip #2:
Cheerfully accept any load they give you, no matter how "crappy." Trust me, this will pay off. Do not fear NYC, it's actually a blast. (except Hunts point--will discuss later) Do not "B" about any loads or complain.

Now about the companies:
i have never heard of the first one, but Watkins-shepard, crete and roehl are all winners. i, personally, would probably be looking at Watkins and crete first over roehl, but they are all good choices.

When i dispatched, we had a 21 year old kid on his way to making 52K his first year. So while the choice of company may make a difference, ultimately it is you, the driver, that decides how much you'll make.

 

im still in cdl school so i don't know jack about making money as a driver yet but how does one make decent money and be able to spend time with family i guess in trucking you really can't have both ?

 

It will depend on what you consider good money. And how much time you want at home.

I make roughly the same either way I go. Hometime or no hometime.

The work is differant though, I run regional. I get home often. I bust my butt everyday I'm out, multiple stops.

Occasionally, I run OTR. I run miles, with only 1 stop. Same money as regional. Just an easier week on my back.

Regional = 1500-2300 miles a week with 15-30 stops. 2-3 days at home. $800-$1300 a week.

OTR = 3000-4000 miles a week with 2 or 3 stops to unload/load ZERO days at home that week, and most likely the next week. $1050-$1400 a week.

It's a mixed bag. I've averaged about $1200 a week..that's an average BEFORE taxes. But, I've mixed my runs too. I've pulled 3 trips this year that have kept me away from home for more than 12 days.

Also, keep in mind when I say "average". There IS a week or more BELOW average too.

You also want to factor in your rate of pay. As a new hire, you will be making less. It WILL take you time to learn the ropes/tricks/routes/customers. That part is not taught in driving school.

I've always been of the opinion, that a NEW driver has to work 20-30% harder than an experienced driver, to make the same money. Simply because he lacks the experience and skills to make this job productive.

While school can teach you to drive the truck in a controlled/supervised environment, and keep a log book. Reality is a bird of a completely differant color.

How hard are you willing to work? 3-400 miles a day? You're not going to get many long and hot loads. Dispatch can't depend on you to make it. You will get long and SLOW loads though.

In todays environment. You MUST use every avaliable hour you have, legally of course. You can't goof off in the least. There will be time for that after the load is done.

 

im almost done with my school i have learned so much and there is so so much more to learn i thank thats good money but if i could do that id be happy its a real sacrafice though i work at a dealer ship but i want to get out of it so bad.if i could just make 700.00-900.00 and see my daughter grow i would be content (i think) thank you for your reply be safe.........

 

Great post ....Good Info..

Love this Forum...

Thanks..

 

The average driver with less than 1yr will not make 40 - 50k his 1st year. Those who do are an exception rather than the rule.

 

Look for local jobs throughout Va My sisters father in law lives in Va and said the cant find enough drivers in norfolk,va. Best of luck. You'll find it dont stop looking & calling.