Rounding Up My First Year Solo

I've been solo for about 15 months now, but this is my first calendar year ending at the end of this month. I wanted to post this because after reading so many negative things about rookies in trucking their first year to show someone, maybe just one person that this isn't always the case. You can make good money, and be treated well as a ROOKIE.

I had a few worries when I left my good paying federal job to drive over the road. Being 24 years old at the time I knew this decision could alter my life and the things that happened in the years to come.

My main things were to continue to be able to put $400 weekly into retirement, LEARN and live a healthy lifestyle on the road, and finally see AMERICA the country I spent multiple tours over three years , in two countries defending.

I spent months researching the topic as I planned to give up my job in Immigration and move onto something I had a passion for. I prepared financially for the downtime to come between my school and my first pay check (5 weeks) and most of all worried about whether this lifestyle was for me.

For the new guys wondering " What kind of money can be made my first year? Bring Home."

Over the course of 15 months i've been out here so far I average $770-1018 bring home every week with exception of weeks I go home. I claim 0-0 on my taxes and I chose per-diem through my company. I am on track to turn a little over 143,000 miles this year paid. My company has a mileage bonus and i've averaged .40 cent a mile through the course of the year meaning at years end I will gross near $57,000 as a ROOKIE. Plus my safety bonuses.

Don't let these guys come on here and tell you that you will not make any money as a rookie, and your life is going to be miserable. This is all dependent on the company, and your dispatcher of course. Here's what I focused on.

Run hard! but manage your hours, I have only taken 3-4 34 hour restarts out on the road. Managing your clock is your livelihood especially if your on E-logs like me. Keep your drivers door closed.

ASK questions! Get out and look! Safety is first! Regardless of what you make think, the drivers that have been out here for 10-30+ years ARE willing to help you, but the majority are not going to offer any information or help unless you ask. So ASK, theirs nothing to be embarrassed about. I have helped an owner operator with a long nose Pete and over 25+ years under his belt in tight situations as well. Just slow down, get out and look and ASK!

Do a proper pre trip and post trip every day. Don't be the guy dropping unsafe of jacked up equipment for the next driver!

Don't be afraid to run nights, if the load requires for you to run nights to get it there ON TIME then do it. Delivering late loads is a way to get on your company's bad side and their going to hassle you. Even before my truck got turned up to 66 from 62mph I have never been late on a load that was my fault. Obviously if they give you a load to pick up at 1500 and it's 1500 now, and your 100 miles away just inform them that you'll get there as soon as possible. Always keep your company informed!

Get a power inverter if your allowed by your company and don't give your money to the truck stops, stop at Wal-marts and other grocery chains and eat out of your truck.

You do not need a $500 CB!

Trip plan before you go to bed at night, and review it when you wake up in the morning, GPS is a tool, not a definite I'm going to take you there machine so know your route in your head and study your atlas. Google maps works wonders out here, you can follow your route in your head the night before and in the morning you will think you've already been where your at!

Backing gets easier! Take your time and don't hit anything. Who cares if you hold anyone up, They can get out and help you or be quiet.

Have fun out here it's a great life, were all away from our families and if you find time to talk to someone do it! You never know what's going on in someones life at the time of your conversation inspiring words go a long way!

So yes their is money to be made out here, you can be treated with respect from your company and dispatcher, but most of it it on YOU!

Michael

 

I'm at Millis Transfer out of Black River Falls, WI. Thanks.