Been reading this board for a while and still not exactly sure how milage is paid.

Say you just dropped off a load in St. Louis, but the next pickup is in Kansas City, going to Little Rock. Do you get paid from St. Louis to Kansas City to Little Rock, or just the last leg? Would this vary from company to company, or is there an industry standard?

Suppose you are on home time and have your truck with you, with the first pickup back being 150 miles away. Paid for that 150 miles?

Also, I read a post on here somewhere that stated a driver will average around 500 more miles per week by working for a company that pays practical miles as opposed to the zip code miles. That's almost a house payment each month. Does that 500 mile estimate seem accurate?

I appreciate you guys for all the info passed along on this site. It has helped many newbies make better decisions. Thanks.....

it depends on companys

i work for private company, i get paid all miles, some companies dont...

some wont pay deadhead miles, which can be crap if you got to go 300 miles to pick up a load

For drivers being paid percentage they are not paid for empty miles.

The best pay option is being paid "hub miles" which is paid for every mile you drive. This is extremely rare though. (BEST)

The next option is called PC Miler "Practical Miles" which is a program that measures distances from postal zone to postal zone using truck approved routes and utilizing bypasses around major cities. (Better)

Pc Miler also has another program called "shortest 53'" which will utilize more direct routes provided they are approved for 53' trailers. (good)

The next program used is "Rand McNally" or household movers guide miles which is measured from city limit to city limit using the most direct route possible. Normally you will drive 5 to 10% more miles than you are paid for if the company uses a Rand McNally mileage program. (average)

Remember as a company driver you should be paid for the routes you are told to take. Be sure you keep good notes and compare that info when you receive your pay sheets. If there is a discrepancy be sure to contact your dispatcher and or payroll department asap.

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