What’s the truth on new company driver earnings?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MonetaryWage, Jan 28, 2022.

  1. MonetaryWage

    MonetaryWage Light Load Member

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    Corporate websites and advertisements always say “up to” and mention a range of CPM. When I go on YouTube, it’s hard to tell who’s exaggerating for the views, who’s trying to get driver referral money, and a few are trainers promoting their company. What’s the real deal?

    If I come in as a new driver what should I expect as far as CPM and mileage I’ll actually see? I know that there’s local opportunities like Sysco that pay well but run you into the ground.
     
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  3. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    "Up to" usually refers to the highest paid driver, or most senior. Say the pay scale is $.50 cpm for 0 years experience and $.65 cpm for 25 years. "Up to" is referring to the max pay you can make at that company. Just a way to draw in drivers to orientation then break the news to them after they quit their previous job
     
  4. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    “Up to” translation: If you have your act together, are a hustler and all the planets lined up.

    What you should concentrate on is weekly gross earnings.. Imo that should be $1,500-2,000 per week. Some weeks less and some more.
     
  5. MonetaryWage

    MonetaryWage Light Load Member

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    I saw this on YouTube. A driver whose wife is an accountant told him that drivers are honestly making minimum wage and it made me think. If you work 70 hours at most any job you’ll make good money. I’m just trying to get an idea because if you work a $15/hr job for 70 hours, after overtime, time and half you’re making $1200-1300. So if I’m going to be away from home I want to make vastly more than that or I might as well get a regular job and work all the hours I can get or get 2 jobs.
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Every trip is different; not two trips are the same. CPM is only part of the pay equation.
    Shouldn't try to compare trucking to a normal, boring time-clock or office job where every day is the same for years on end.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2022
  7. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    Although I was lucky enough to start out with a $80k per year driving job..
    For me it’s the lifestyle and freedom that attracted me to the job. I don’t even consider it a job today, it’s what I love doing. I’ve learned to make more money than I ever dreamed possible. Learned how to lose a half million dollars like a man too!

    Fact is if you got it together and are responsible with money the earning potential is virtually limitless.

    I mean, where else you going to make decent money sitting on your butt all day staring out a window?
     
    dwells40 and Dave1837 Thank this.
  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    OOIDA says the industry average pay for truck driver is $50k. But A driver doesn't get hired by The Industry. Each driver works for one company and they have certain pay and conditions for that job. You need to adjust for YOUR area, which company you work for, and the time of year. BTW, none of those numbers are guaranteed. One driver could be making half of the "up to" amount and 4 other drivers could be making 40% of that amount.
     
  9. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    That's baloney. A run from Pittsburgh to Chicago pays me $285. Running at night I can make it in 7 hours. That's a shade over $40/hr. The drive to and from, load and unload pays me $620 for 16 hrs of my time, over $2,400 a week if I can turn 4 loads. If you work for a company worth half a #### that keeps you moving you'll make significantly more than minimum wage even without OT.
     
  10. MonetaryWage

    MonetaryWage Light Load Member

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    Is that as a company driver or o/o?
     
  11. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    Company
     
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