What was your pay your first year? (Bonus: robots)

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TurtlesLikeI, Feb 11, 2016.

  1. Jason G

    Jason G Bobtail Member

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    I hear this all the time, "your 1st year you are not going to make that much money." What is "not that much money" I made 28k to 30k a year in my last job. Will I make at minimum that much my first year?
     
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  3. ajohnson

    ajohnson Medium Load Member

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    How should we know? Who you going to work for? How long so you plan on staying out? Local, regional, otr,?
     
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  4. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

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    ... let alone what kind of driver are you going to be? I know drivers at Swift right now with 4 years experience that don't make as much as I did my first year with Swift. They have "reasons". Need lots of home time, don't run at night, won't take JIT loads,... the list can be endless.

    I know for a fact I could make at LEAST 60% more than your current income starting at beginner pay scale at any mega carrier. Why? Because I am willing to stay out on the road for weeks at a time and willing to take any load anywhere at anytime.
     
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  5. Jason G

    Jason G Bobtail Member

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    I will be going to SNI Regional, might switch to OTR if the money aint right. Hometime for my first year or so is not a concern. Driving at night- no problem, Need it there - I'll get it there. I just want to make as sure as I can that the money is there the first year or my mandatory bills will sink me right out the gate. Thanks for your comments guys.

    JG
     
  6. ajohnson

    ajohnson Medium Load Member

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    You shouldn't have a problem making more than that, but there are no guarantees ​
     
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  7. Jason G

    Jason G Bobtail Member

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    Jan 23, 2016
    West TN
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    Thanks, I know there are no guarantees in life, but I hope that I can atleast pull in 25k or better my first year. I cant really get a clear and concise answer on a starting income. I am starting to realize that there are a lot of variables when it comes to trucking. Since this is something I really want to do and I know that I want to retire in this industry. I guess a little sacrifice in the beginning will be well worth it in the long run.

    Thanks,
    JG
     
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  8. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    5 years ago I made $42,000 from date of hire to one year later running MW Regional at Schneider, but I worked at lot. I was hired on at 28 CPM. We are currently hiring MW Regional at 34 CPM (no idea of.other regions pay structure).

    It would be reasonable to think you can easily clear $35k as a wet behind the ear greenhorn rookie. If you listen and learn from.other drivers and your own mistakes.
     
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  9. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    I made around 40,000 my first calendar year. I started at 28 cents , seems it went up to 32 real quick.
    I really cheated on the logs too.
    image.jpeg

    I doubt if robots will take your job, how will they pass a preemployment drug screen?
     
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  10. kamen rider

    kamen rider Bobtail Member

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    Sparks Nevada
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    Aliens will drive before robots
     

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  11. ajohnson

    ajohnson Medium Load Member

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    I made $45,000 first year, but that was local class b straight truck. There are many factors but 40k is a realistic first year goal if you work for it. Some make more, some less
     
    Jason G Thanks this.
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