Average Pay Today?

Update: Just got done talking to several recruiters. Going to start applying..

 

That's right. You're living in a truck for 25+ days a month and your schedule isn't always how you like it. My sleep schedule is a complete mess at the moment delivering 2 am. Your health also suffers, along with the rest of your life (social and family). Cost of living is rising FAST right now. A simple example. 2 weeks ago I bought a 4 for $4 Wendys meal. I haven't had one of these for nearly 3 years... MUCH smaller portion size than I remember. This week, I see its now $4.44. I can name a list of items that cost a lot more today... but I'm still making wages from the past.

The guy treats me right but he takes advantage of me... and I let him. But I'm telling him the next run will be my last. I would rather make more money... even if that means I have to put up with more mega carrier related BS. Driving 700+ miles a day is kind of stressful with E-Logs. He's also claiming he can't pay me more than what I make because loads are at $1.10. Last several loads were $1.60 (found out from a O/O). If by some miracle, he pushes me up to 48 cpm (doubt it), I'd consider staying with him over the possibility of making 54 cpm. I don't like change and I don't like working for larger companies.

 

So, I talked to the boss. He offered me 0.46 cpm. That's it until January 1st - 0.47 cpm. He said if I leave, he won't hire me again, just like the other drivers that left and called back for their old job... scary thing is, I believe him. I went through 5 other companies before settling with him.

I like the idea of making 0.55 cpm... but the treatment and mileage expectations go straight down hill if I leave. I know, I can gross in $1,500+ a week here. I'm worried if I leave and work for a 0.54 cpm company, I'll be sitting a lot more, praying for $1,000 gross /weekly checks... #####ing and complaining to a dispatcher. I get 2 text messages per load from my boss and he leaves me alone. 1 text... destination.. 2nd text.. empty? Or I tell him and he says "okay, drive 600 miles empty to ____ (0.46 cpm) and I'll find you a load." And usually I do 2-3 loads per run... so turn around time is about 10 days... 1 from the northwest to southeast (uually florida). Then get a load in florida or GA to either head back or travel north (not NE) before heading back. No CA loads, no short loads.

After taxes, I can make $1200+ a week. Could care less about 401k right now, I'd rather invest and trade on my own (did it for 3 years). I get a health care package.

--- Thanks for the help/feedback everyone.

Again, I'm at 0.46 cpm now. Thanks. *Note, trucks governed at 72, so that's an additional 3,000 miles a month to play with, compared to 65 mph trucks.

 

Yep, thank God it worked out. Its a good outfit to work for. You have to know someone here to get a shot (referral). He's not stingy when it comes to miles/work. Last week was slow, but this week makes up for it.

Getting over 8,000 miles on my bi-weekly paycheck, so about $1,850 - $2,150 a week @ 0.46 cpm.
Going to tell him I need some time off... keep it under 14,000 miles a month.

If you want the miles, he'll give you all the miles you can handle. I would never see those types of paychecks (consistent) at Crete, even at 0.60 cpm. I honestly hate the idea of having to do short trips just to get 1 decent 1200 mile load. My boss knows his drivers, he gives us 2,000-3,000 mile loads.

I'll push for 0.48 spring of 2021... unless we see dramatic price increase (inflation)... then maybe more.

 

Update: Did quite a lot of research, wanted to be accurate and unbiased. A lot of Refrigerated Companies out there are paying around // (0.47, 0.48) cpm - (0.52, 0.55) cpm // for drivers with at least 1 year OTR experience.

So if you are working for less, just know there are TONS of companies that will offer these rates. The only concern would be miles and company reputation. I am happy with my company, even though I make below average (0.46).... because I get upwards of 5,000 miles a week, and lots of freedom.

Hope this thread/post helps... 06/01/2020.