Originally Posted by cplmac2

Figured I would ask some of our experienced TMC drivers for their take on the percentage pay plan. What is a realistic percentage to expect (the window is .23-.32),

I generally get enough points for 28% to 29%. I believe that Terry Lamar was consistently higher than that.

how much dead heading do you do,

That depends on the area. Out west your deadhead (bounce) could be 200 miles between loads. In the midwest you can sometimes reload in the same city.

does the percentage plan maintain it's advantage on the long haul routes

For some long haul loads the mileage pay did work out better, but for me I almost always ended up the same or better on percentage, since I would get short loads working my way up the northeast to get home.

do you use percentage or cpm and why?

I am currently on a mileage based pay plan for the dedicated account I am assigned to. I think I would still choose percentage if I went back longhaul.

Basically I'd like a rundown of what our experienced TMC drivers think about the percentage plan, what their experience has been with it or the cpm plan and what they would recommend to a new driver coming in for long haul. Thanks in advance!

Basically it depends on what area you are in and what kind of freight you haul which is better for you. I kept track most every week and compared both pay options. Most of the time percentage earned me more, but if mileage did better one week it was not by much.

You will keep track during your training period and will get to choose after your 5 weeks with a trainer. Pick whichever you are comfortable with.