All About The Money

LTL, Tankers, and specialized flatbed - not necessarily in that order. As COMPANY drivers, like you asked.

I can tell you from experience, LTL will pay 60-90k gross as solo, 75-110k gross as team.

But then the road to get there, depends on YOU.

 

Yes, I throw 'specialized' at anything oversize/length/width that requires permits/pilot cars etc. This has it's own set of problems and probably is better suited toward experienced drivers. I'm not an expert, but from a basic understanding of rates, anything above the standard flatbed load pays better. That's not to say they pass on the amazing rates to the driver - as a company driver it's generally cents per mile.

Dry van usually is the lowest. Then Reefer, then Flatbed. USUALLY, not always. If you're just a driver, then the rates needn't worry you, but it gives you an idea when job shopping.

 

After a quick look see, I see you're fresh out of school and off to Watkins and Shepard here soon - am I correct?

And in the meantime, you're batting around some ideas on where to aim in the industry to get the most bang for your buck?

Ooops, just saw your post. Robertsons runs the bulk doubles down the 15 in SoCal, if I'm not wrong.

Yes, that can be a problem. Companies want OTR experience over local. However, after a year sacrifice and clean nose in OTR, the door is pretty much wide open these days. My company will take you at 1 year, and by the start of your 3rd year, you would be on about 57 cpm, and home at least every week if not every day, if that's what you wanted.

Don't be bogged down with the idea of 3 or 4 years in to find yourself a good company with good compensation. It doesn't have to be like that. But we all have to start some place.

 

Check System Transport website.

Melton Truck Lines is good for just flatbed.

Hazmat/tanker is good for high annual pay and you can start that right out of CDL school.

If Robertson's will take you pulling double-tankers, might be a good choice. Didn't realize you have a legal issue in the past.

Here's some OTR companies that might hire you with the felony:

Western Express - flatbed division
Pride Transport - reefers
Navajo Express - reefers
KKW Trucking in Pomona

 

Well, the record will be a hindrance to begin with, but after a year clean, I don't see it being a major setback. Sure, you might not get DOD clearance and be hauling explosives and ammo for good money right out of the gate, but a solid history is something you can build.

I had to learn to give "Only the required details", I used to give WAAAAAY more information than was needed.

Yeah, don't be too hard on yourself. Applying to companies and getting knocked back is frustrating, but persistence always wins. As for first year income, I'd expect $25k-$40k depending on who you can get on with. Even taking W&S for example - 30cpm, 2500 miles a week, is still $36k gross after a year - I see you're in an expensive state, but it's a start.

 

Good advice!