Good morning,
I'm hoping to drive at least 100,000 miles my first year over the road. I'm not particularly concerned about home time and I'm willing to run wherever I'm sent. I'm psyching myself up for the likelihood that the first year, at least, will be filled up with learning the ropes of the industry - not just driving. If I got more miles, that would be great, but I don't want to have expectations that are too high.
To all you guys/gals with experience: Is this reasonable?
Thanks in advance for your time and be safe,
Oldnewbiewannabe
100,000 miles first year for a rookie. Reality?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JustSonny, Oct 29, 2009.
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100k is totally reasonable. I started with US Xpress in 2002 and my 1st year I had 103k paid miles. lol notice I said PAID miles. Between wrong turns, out of route miles and getting lost I drove way more than that. I did go home, not every weekend or anything but I didn't stay out the whole year.
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100K in the first year is very realistic. Trust me you will learn a lot in that first year.
JustSonny Thanks this. -
In today's economy you may even learn more than what you expected. Like why in the world did I get into trucking LOL...Yes in the first yr or two that is usually considered your learning period.. Put remember you learn new things every day, even if you have been driving for 50yrs.. And at no point in your career to you every say you know everything. If that time does come, then it is time for you to get off the road...
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Of my trainees, the worst ones were usually the ones with just about a year of experience. Long enough to handle the truck well in normal circumstances, but without enough of the scary moments to keep 'em from getting a bit too bold.
Keep it in mind, and know that even though you'll be comfortable behind the wheel, remember that it only takes a moment to get WAY outside that comfort zone.
I'm reminded of my last partner, who'd just gotten out of trucking school, spent a few weeks with one of our trainers, and was then assigned to my truck. He kept the pedal on the floor, and wouldn't really listen to what I had to say regarding safety, even after I caught him bumping the governor on sheet ice. One foggy night in Kansas, I woke up wedged between the drivers seat and the bunk. He was driving with the pedal to the floor on a Kansas two-lane, unable to see past the hood, when he suddenly crossed a divided four-lane highway, dips and all.
60 percent of the load was destroyed, two-liter bottles of Dr. Pepper. We never did get that smell out of the trailer.
I could write a book...
Back on topic...
100k miles shouldn't be difficult at all, so long as your company has the work available, and you are available to do the miles. -
I drove 122k paid miles my first year, and I was actually home enough to be happy. So it is definitely doable. Just have to work
JustSonny Thanks this. -
100k no problem and you still go home everyweekend or 2 if you are gonna stay out a month or 2 you should get more
JustSonny Thanks this. -
100k isn't that much. I did over 130 and was home almost every weekend. As long as the miles are there it shouldn't be a problem. If the miles aren't there I guess you'll learn to love truck stops, because you will probably be spending a lot of time there.
JustSonny Thanks this. -
100K is easily done with consistant running,
Holla back when you roll 140K+ Solo
Oh its there if you can get it.JustSonny Thanks this. -
Thanks for the response FT! It's good to hear from 29 years of experience. Be safe!
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