Help a trucker wannabe out!

**rich_t** · 06.02.2010

Originally Posted by OpenRoadGuy

Bottom line, I realize that when I'm in training the pay will be horrible. However, when I'm beyond that, I would not settle for .25 cpm. I really would need on the higher end of the pay grade to be able to sustain my lifestyle for my family, and even then I'd likely be out on the road more by *choice* because I'll need to bring home enough money for my family. I'm prepared to need to spend more time on the road initially, but I don't plan on getting screwed either. I'd really be looking for that high end of .35 cpm. I hope that after say 3 months, that would be a realistic expectation?

.35 cpm after training?

Only if you get very very lucky based on the published driver pay on company web sites. But even assuming you get that lucky, based on your current income requirements, how many miles a week will get you to the income you require/expect?

Freight is pretty slow out there these days and depending on what type of load you are hauling you might be lucky to get 1500-2000 miles per week. So even at .35 cpm that only grosses you at $525-700 per week.

Now... Deduct taxes, med insurance, meals, showers, laundry and a sundry list of other small expenses and what do you think you are going to net per week?

Compare that to what you net now.

**OpenRoadGuy** · 06.02.2010

$525 to $700 per week with only 1,500 to 2,000 miles aint gonna cut it, not even close. I need to be making like 45K to 50k mininum per year (not factoring in 1 month of training and 2 to 3 months of additional training). After that, I really need to be getting as many miles as possible with little downtime. I'll need to really haul for a few months. I'd be very concerned if my issue was that I was getting such poor miles. I'd rather have too much work, and be pushing it out on the road but bring home more money.

**rich_t** · 06.02.2010

Originally Posted by OpenRoadGuy

$525 to $700 per week with only 1,500 to 2,000 miles aint gonna cut it, not even close. I need to be making like 45K to 50k mininum per year (not factoring in 1 month of training and 2 to 3 months of additional training). After that, I really need to be getting as many miles as possible with little downtime. I'll need to really haul for a few months. I'd be very concerned if my issue was that I was getting such poor miles. I'd rather have too much work, and be pushing it out on the road but bring home more money.

$45-50k as a green driver right out of training?

Good luck. I'm not saying it can't happen, I'm just saying it isn't all that likely.

**sammycat** · 06.02.2010

public forum so don't want to say but it's not Swift (none you have mentioned either) as you said earlier who knows who lurks here and I am sure company types do lurk here......
He started 1st week Feb went solo mid March so has only been on his own <3 months. Huge learning curve but he LUCKED out had a GREAT trainer- really can make or break you -guy had been driving like 35yrs and they still stay in touch 1-2x week. And really no big complaints except adjusting to the lifestyle. Tired is biggest complaint I would say.

**OpenRoadGuy** · 06.02.2010

Originally Posted by rich_t

$45-50k as a green driver right out of training?

Good luck. I'm not saying it can't happen, I'm just saying it isn't all that likely.

Based on what I've read, $50k aint gonna happen, I agree with you. But for the love of god, $40k plus seems reasonable to me if I get enough freight to ship. I hope *that* is not an unrealistic expectation as well.

**sammycat** · 06.02.2010

Gotta agree w/Rich t- and pay REALLY all depends week to week to week on so many things. You could make 40k who knows? It's a tough estimate to give- only been doing this a short time so no idea where the year will go for us and how much hubby will make for the year. What he makes now and what he is making in October may be day and night.
Gotta go talk w/ya tomorrow Openroadguy is you are still here!
Good questions and good Luck!

**rich_t** · 06.02.2010

Originally Posted by OpenRoadGuy

Based on what I've read, $50k aint gonna happen, I agree with you. But for the love of god, $40k plus seems reasonable to me if I get enough freight to ship. I hope *that* is not an unrealistic expectation as well.

$40K gross? It's possible, but forget that if you want to only be out for 2 weeks at a time then home for 2 days or more.

That would require 2198 miles per week at .35 cpm. Now that doesn't sound all that high right? After all that is a mere 314 miles a day if you are running 7 days a week 52 weeks a year.

But......

Don't forget that you will have delays waiting on loads, being loaded and unloaded, fuel stops, bathroom stops. Traffic delays due to construction and accidents. Weather delays (don't drive 65 mph in a snow storm) All of which count against your HOS (Hours of Service) allowed.

Yard/shop delays if you need your truck serviced.

The list goes on......

**OpenRoadGuy** · 06.02.2010

Let me ask you this, Rich. For a trucker that has enough work, and works an average of 6 days a week, what would be the high norm for the amount of miles they would drive?

**jtrnr1951** · 06.02.2010

You will NOT make the money you need, just starting out.

Plus in about 5-6 months, freight is gonna slow down again. Till late spring !!!!

**rich_t** · 06.02.2010

Originally Posted by OpenRoadGuy

Let me ask you this, Rich. For a trucker that has enough work, and works an average of 6 days a week, what would be the high norm for the amount of miles they would drive?

That really depends on a lot of variables.

Type of freight.

Are they running national or regional.

Are they doing multi-stop or single stop loads/unloads.

Are they driving drop and hook?

There are too many variables to honestly answer such a question based on my own knowledge.

But the good news is, that the day is winding down and a lot of regulars here may be ending their driving day soon and may be in a better position to answer your question based on their own knowledge and experience.