Essential Information for New Drivers

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Admin, Jan 14, 2015.

  1. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Jan 13, 2013
    SW Arkansas
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    Several threads asking the same thing below. Best bet is to tag @Chinatown
     
    Flat Earth Trucker Thanks this.
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  3. Kimia2005

    Kimia2005 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 24, 2021
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    Hi everyone
    it get CDL CLASS A I am looking for job please let me know best company's
     
    Flat Earth Trucker Thanks this.
  4. djjoe1987

    djjoe1987 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 29, 2021
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    Use common sense when taking a driving job. Going to work for a company that tells you your getting paid .60 a mile but we are only giving you 63 mph on your truck is a bad choice unless you have only ever made $300 a week in your life. You just MIGHT double your pay. Keep in mind your employer is making THOUSANDS $$$ every week off your work. Company Drivers should be making minimum $1500 a week and better jobs $2500 plus. Even a newbie is worth $1200 minimum a week. Don't always believe the employer. He's very likely lying to you. Take this advice or don't be mad when your living in the truck making $400 a week.
     
    0ppenheimer Thanks this.
  5. djjoe1987

    djjoe1987 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 29, 2021
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    Avoid at all cost any employer with bendix or wingman systems on their truck unless they are guaranteeing you $2000 a week pay. Only then will the frustrations those systems will cause will make it somewhat worth it.
     
  6. Clayton11415

    Clayton11415 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 16, 2021
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    Don’t overthink it,,and don’t let anyone push you into a mistake,,you are the commander of the ship ,,and get rest when needed,,and don’t text and drive,,
     
  7. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    Jan 27, 2013
    Austin, MN
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    That's some bad math right there.

    If someone were to only drive half their shift each day, take 2 days off per week, and only average 50 mph, they would gross 5 * 5.5 * 0.6 * 50 = $825.
    If someone were to only drive 8 hours per shift, take the same 2 days off per week, yet average 55 mph (kept the door closed), the would gross 5 * 8 * 0.6 * 55 = $1,320.
    If the same driver were OTR instead of regional and they drove 6 days per week and only averaged 55 mph, they would make 6 * 8 * 0.6 * 55 = $1,584.

    If that company paid detention @ $20 after 2 hours, and the driver got stuck an average of 5 hours extra per week, that's another $100.

    We have some drivers averaging 145,000 miles per year. Combine our base mileage rate, mileage bonuses, and other accessorial pays (detention/layover/cell phone/stop pay/holiday pay/401(k) match, etc.), and our average driver makes just over $0.64/mile... therefore those that keep the door closed and drive make about $93,000. The average driver, however, makes about $77,000 here (about 120,000 miles) in order to balance work and home life.
     
  8. Tobytob

    Tobytob Light Load Member

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    Aug 17, 2013
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    In 2004, I started at Schneider, it was a great time for me but I eventually moved on to several other companies chasing something that wasn’t there. knowing what I know now, I wish I would’ve started with an LTL company. Home time is awesome and the money is the same if not more than majority of the OTR companies.
    with that said if I was suggest one to start it would be with LTL company unless your just interested in staying away from home on the road in truck stops.
     
  9. Tobytob

    Tobytob Light Load Member

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    Aug 17, 2013
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    In 2004, I started at Schneider, it was a great time for me but I eventually moved on to several other companies chasing something that wasn’t there. knowing what I know now, I wish I would’ve started with an LTL company. Home time is awesome and the money is the same if not more than majority of the OTR companies.
    with that said if I was suggest one to start it would be with LTL company unless your just interested in staying away from home on the road in truck stops.
     
    Speedy356 Thanks this.
  10. Coriolanus

    Coriolanus Bobtail Member

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    Aug 23, 2021
    Mordor, USA
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    Do most LTL companies have the same 1 year experience OTR requirement? Or can you get in once you have your CDL?
     
  11. Tobytob

    Tobytob Light Load Member

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    Aug 17, 2013
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    From my research and talking to a few of my friends who work for LTL companies, they have dock to driver programs, where you work the dock then transfer to driving position. Right now some of these companies are so hard up for drivers, since you already have a CDL, they might be willing to put you right in to a driving position with a refresher course or a few weeks of training. Im not sure, One thing i do know is if you have family and want to be home that where i suggest starting in this industry. The road is the road, but most of those OTR companies aren't worth you staying away from friends and family for weeks at a time.. Thats just my opinion after 17 years in this industry..
     
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