Go backward in pay to drive Class 8

Well, first of all...

There’s no way a guy with a decent driving record is starting out below 40cpm, plus accesorial pay, should he look around at decent companies.

What’s your location? That should help people with the advice they give.

 

Schneider Bulk might pay for cdl school, then give you a good job. Many of the tanker drivers at Schneider "take home" a thousand to fifteen-hundred a week.
How close are you to Savannah,GA?

 

Schneider reimburses up to $7000.00 tuition. I'd try working with them to help you get into the tanker division. Sometimes the recruiters will try to persuade you to go dry van for 6 - 12 months first, but don't fall for that. Go straight into the tanker division. They do a heart rate test at their tanker school and you can practice for that now by doing stair step exercises every day.

Millis Transfer - has their own cdl school in Eden,NC and you need $500.00 up front for fees. Those drivers post they have no trouble making over $50k per year. Three weeks vacation after 12 months and allowed to cash in 2 weeks of it if you want to.

Maverick Transportation - has their own school in Arkansas and their flatbed drivers say they make real good money; better than Millis Transfer. Hotel room & 3 meals a day provided.

 

Here's some info. on Millis Transfer:
NEW FOR 2017!
Trainees Now Receive $0.42cpm
$50,000 Guarantee – annual salary when trainee runs fleet average of 115,000 miles

Millis Training Institute, the elite CDL-A training school operated by Millis Transfer, provides quality truck driver training through a twelve-week, professional and personalized program.


5 Convenient School Locations – Lodging Included:
Classes are held Monday through Friday with a maximum of six students per class. This ensures one-on-one attention for personalized learning. Students receive three weeks of classroom instruction, a three-day orientation period, then go out on the road with their individual, professional trainer. A total of 166 hours are required to complete the course.


Highlights of Our Program:

• GUARANTEED $50,000 if you run our fleet average of 115,000 miles
• Earn $0.42cpm when out with a trainer
• Small class sizes at 5 convenient locations
• Lodging included with breakfast and lunch provided by Millis
• Professional & seasoned Instructors provide one-on-one training

 

Millis Transfer:
Equipment
Millis’ fleet is one of the newest, well-maintained on the road. All power units are equipped with the latest technology to ensure timely communication and accurate tracking. Drivers enjoy added amenities to stay comfortable on the road. All trucks come with Sirius Satellite Radio, a 24” flat screen TV and a subscription to DirecTV paid for by Millis.

• Auto shift tractors with ABS braking and traction control
• Speed governor set at 70 mph when driver meets safety requirements
• Summit driver comfort seat
• Refrigerator
• Sirius Satellite Radio, 24” flat screen and DirecTV subscription paid for by Millis
• Crank out vent windows in sleeper with screens
• Dash mounted radio with weather band
• Aluminum wheels
• Touchless 5th wheel release
• Customized storage capacity
• Double bunks (upper and lower)
• Power locks and windows

 

I"m wondering if you can help with a dumb question.
What the heck is Class 8? Do you mean Class B?
No big deal on air brakes? Just pass the written test?

I do have to agree that going Class A is best. But gee... I know Hot Shots make money.

 

You've been doing this for 10 years, and on the way back you've been working the load boards and doing better than your outbound loads? Have you thought about getting your own equipment and authority to continue doing hotshot on your own? I mean, it sounds like you've got the experience and all.