Originally Posted by bobobrazil

If you drive a flatbed, maybe you will be paid a small amount to tarp your load but nothing for securing the load.

Originally Posted by bobobrazil

Hate to be the bearer of bad news to all of you newby wantabe truckers, but if you are going to drive a truck today be prepared to do a lot of things for free. For the most part the only thing you will be paid for are the miles you drive. If you are a reefer driver you probably won't be paid for the time it takes you to wait at the truck wash and have your trailer washed out. If you drive a flatbed, maybe you will be paid a small amount to tarp your load but nothing for securing the load. If you drive a dry van you may get something for waiting at a dock but usually you have to give a couple of hours before it starts. Each company is different in what they will pay as far as layover pay goes...that is the time you sit waiting for a load, and sometimes it can be days, thats right you may sit for days and wait and maybe your company will throw you as little as $25. for a 24 hr period. In a nutshell, the American Trucker has allowed these companies to steal his time. There is no other industry that asks you to work and not be paid for your time. Why do you think these companies have to have recruiters? You will be frustrated on a daily basis. You will quit your job every day...in your mind that is, and eventually you will try for greener pastures at another company that promises you them. But, your frustrations will start again as soon as they start asking you to give your time for nothing. Believe me, the American trucking companies love this mileage only pay. Wake up drivers, we have become the new American Slave.

Originally Posted by Harley

Im a wannabe as you can see and your post has not changed my mind one way or the other. I have had several jobs where I did extra work and didnt feel like I was compensated for it but I didnt sit around and Boo Hoo and whine about it. You have to have a positive attitude in whatever you do if you want to be successful in it. If you want to be compensated for everything you do then I suggest you become a lawyer so you can charge a $150 an hour. There is no reason for you to post your negativity on here just because your a disgruntled trucker having a bad day or a bad year.

Originally Posted by bobobrazil

There is a reason to post the negative side of trucking. And that is turnover! Yes turnover. So many people get into this business thinking...oh great I am going to see the country and get paid to do it. If it was so great why does this job have a turnover rate as much as 150%? I understand that a newby doesn't want to hear the negatives, but you need to know what you are getting into here. The life of an OTR driver is tough...and certainly not for the faint of heart. Boo Hoo? There's no Boo Hoo on my part...only reality my freind. If you want to bury your head in the sand go right ahead...and you will be one of the 150% turnover, or maybe you won't make it past your probationary period and you will have wasted time and money on a fantasy that does'nt exist. This job is tough, you will be frustrated, you will be living in a walkin closet without all of the comforts of home.
And as far as tying down a flatbed load...please! Of course All loads have to be secured. I don't need to say anymore about that. My thing is about not getting paid for work performed. Man, what is wrong with that. If we don't start to stand up for ourselves it will get worse. Freight rates have gone up significantly over the past 2 years...oh, your company won't tell you that, but driver pay hasn't. Stop working for free!

Originally Posted by bobobrazil

There is no other industry that asks you to work and not be paid for your time.

Originally Posted by chief

if you will (discretely) tell me where you are, I'll come to your rescue with a set of bolt cutters and put you on the underground railroad for passage to the north. I jis hope massa don't find out!