How broke were you when you entered the trucking business ?

I am in school right now. I am fortunate to have a wife that is working. BUT there is a young man in our class that is couch hopping and out of foodstamps. His test is Friday, so I hope he makes it and gets working next week. Least he will get something at orientation.

 

I was working at a crummy 50hr week job making 35k a year living paycheck to paycheck for 7yrs in a small town where good jobs people hang on to. I had a buddy who worked at a highend mattress company and the truck drivers he talked to were mattress drivers in a sleeper truck, my buddy said they made 80k a year pre economy plop, I was sold. So, I found a mega carrier cause I was broke and couldn't afford cdl school. Had to stop paying my credit cards and F up my credit, to make my rent while in transition living off my last paycheck and 1500 that was in my 401k to make it. Now 8 yrs later, I moved to a big city, I have between good and excellent credit, Bought a brand new motorcyle, 2007 sports car, and just bought my house. Runnin LtL now but my last 3 jobs pay was above 60k a year. Now I'm looking at making 70k+ this year and next year topping out at 80k. Now I have money in the bank and not struggling like I used too. You can be broke in trucking and be broke if you don't pick the right companies. It took me 5 companies in 8 yrs, and a clean driving record to make good money. Been with my company for 2 years and don't plan on going anywhere unless acouple years from now when I hit 10+ years might drop a app at Walmart but that's about it.

 

I was unemployed for 6 months when I got back behind the wheel.

 

I just got out of school and will be taking the greyhound bus to orientation next monday.

I have 39 dollars.

 

Good luck with your new gig, SwizZz!

 

Had six hundred in the bank from my last paycheck from many previous employer, then hit the road

 

My first three months paid so little I couldnt tip my hat...

 

That is amazing, best of luck to you.

 

As someone just starting out and still in training. Im broke. And I mean broke. I Pawned off just about everything I have just to have some pocket money. I live with my mother who is planing on moving. Im selling the computer im typing this on in a few days just to pay my phone bill. Yeah

 

LOL. I know, right? I learned a lot from that failed marriage. Most of it not fit for print in this forum. Thankfully I have not made the same mistake and am now very happily married to a wonderful lady of high character and we are stable financially. Having learned the lessons the hard way, we are not as financially stable as I'd like to be, still paying for some past mistakes (but actually paying) but doing OK by practicing life's lessons. It takes some of us a while to grow up and engage the discipline to manage money. I always was a late bloomer. LOL.