Hi Gang,
I have been researching driving as a possible career change. When I was a kid, I really wanted to be a truck driver. As I grew older, I ended up doing 17 years as a cop.

I left law enforcement and entered private sector corporate security, but I just want to make as much money as I can now at 39 years old.

The two companies I am currently looking at are Schneider and JB Hunt. I really have no ties and would have no problems being on the road for 2 weeks or so each run.

What do you guys think and is it inconceivable to push the $100K mark per year?

I think you've been reading company advertisements too much. When you find the company where you can NET $100,000 a year, would you please share? The rest of us would love to know!

Bonnie

If he is an owner opp he may make 100k + but that is before expences.

Also I have been told never go to jb hunt.

Schneider promises mid to high 30's the first year.
I love reading the advertisments. They promise the world! LOL

You put three wrong statements together, JB, 100k & 2 weeks out, they don't mix. Trucking isn't a "get rich quick" deal, you have to do your time and learn the ropes, it takes awhile. Hubby is learning everyday, been driving 4 years. This site is really opening our eyes, so take the time to read and read and read and, well you get the picture. Good Luck with any decision you make!

Truck drivers are some of the most individualistic, hard-headed, honery people around. I know because I was one, and I used to fit that description to a tee. Now that I'm out, I know there is a better way to be.

What I'm getting at is how you should go about researching the industry. Pretend you're on a wildlife safari to Africa and you're sneaking around watching wild animals in their natural habitat. After a little while, you will begin to see how animals act and then make predictions based on that information. When you then see a herd of Impala take off out of a place for some unknown reason, you'll know that reason is GOOD, whatever it is.

Same for the individualistic, hard-headed, honery truck driver. When those guys move in herds, you'd better perk up and pay attention. There are many companies out there that don't advertise. This is because they don't have to advertise. No drivers quit 'em, so there are never any openings to be had. The crappy outfits are the ones that advertise, and they have plenty of openings for you. Unfortunately, these companies are good at treating you bad, so those openings are only temporary. These outfits advertise because they MUST advertise, as their drivers are moving in herds away from them. If you see drivers moving away from a company (usually the company will have over 100% turnover), you know to stay away from them as well.

Truck drivers never act like herd animals unless they're feeling pain. In other words, when they are moving en-masse, they're moving away from something for #### good reasons, just like the Impala do. Believe it or not, many will walk against the herd and into the lion's jaws, which is something even a small-brained Impala wouldn't do.

Good luck and research the industry before doing anything else. This site is a good place to start it all.

__________________
--Paved Dudley--

Yeah I drive a Swift truck
And that means one thing
It means she's slow
It's a typical company truck
It's just all show and no go

I'm gettin' passed by Yella
And even Overnite
I'm gettin' passed by ever' body in sight
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight

No, my hometown's nowhere in sight
And if you think I'm pissed off
You're right
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight


Love pissing off those trucking company insiders.

Mike, I to am retired law enforcement. I have been driving for almost 4 years and still ilke it. As you have seen your wage expection is a little high. 30's to start high 40's to low 50's after a couple years IF you get with the right company. Like law enforcment, rookies must pay their dues before they geat a good beat on days. Since you probably don't have a CDL-A yet you hae to go to basic school. I recommend a community college or at least a private school that does not recruit for 3 or 4 company's exclusively. These companies usually offer free or reduced tuition. Thye catch is you sign a one year agreement to drive for that company. If you leave early they can "fix it" so you don't drive for anyone else. Pay is very low also as you are actually paying for your training that was supposed to be free. Avoid companies that offer "paperless logs" as th amount of miles that you can run are limited moreso that others. According to these blogs, Roehl looks like a great place to start. Good luck.

The $100K was a question more than an expectation. This was what I was told by a company recruiter. I would be happy with 40-50 range.

Thanks everyone for your input here. I just started the prelim stuff for schooling at PIA so maybe I'll make it on the road by October. We shall see.

It's just like someone here said earlier in this thread.....If you really COULD make that kind of money, there would be no driver seats open. That's because others would be doing those jobs, including the recruiters who are flapping their jowels about those supposed high-paying jobs. You wouldn't be allowed even close to those jobs. You definitely wouldn't see any advertisements for them.

__________________
--Paved Dudley--

Yeah I drive a Swift truck
And that means one thing
It means she's slow
It's a typical company truck
It's just all show and no go

I'm gettin' passed by Yella
And even Overnite
I'm gettin' passed by ever' body in sight
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight

No, my hometown's nowhere in sight
And if you think I'm pissed off
You're right
46 days on the road
And I'm not gettin' home tonight


Love pissing off those trucking company insiders.

Irishmike202

You will make only anout 30-35k per year being a company driver.

This job is not and will not ever be a get rich quick thing.

You are wanting too much money for being a newbiee if you want that kind of money then get into another field of work that requires a college degree.