Big Decisions

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by ConsciousTrucker, Jun 14, 2021.

  1. ConsciousTrucker

    ConsciousTrucker Light Load Member

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    Hey folks. I'm wrestling with a decision and would love some wise input from more experienced drivers to help me answer What Would Jesus Do?

    The company I work for is great. I have 28 months driving experience, 15 of them where I'm at. This is my 2nd job. Clean, safe miles. I'm a mentor and ambassador, which adds a few cents a mile to my check. The people are great. The work is plenty. I just got a raise to .48, and a company-wide raise is about to bump me to .50. At 3,000 miles a week, the bills get paid. More home time or home daily would be preferable, but local doesn't pay this good. $1,000 a week minimum pay if circumstances slow me down. The company was financially strong last year while others floundered, because they're more conservative with their finances during good times to keep things balanced during hard times. I've got my dog. I know my job well enough to do it on autopilot. I like my routes. My dispatcher is wonderful. APU, inverter, fridge, gold toilet (just kidding)....

    I'm seeing a lot of places offer 60-90 cpm lately though. Honestly, that’s a hard pill to swallow. I don't really want to be trucking more than the next couple years if I ain't gotta. The more money I make now, the sooner I can get out. But my sense of loyalty, integrity, and appreciation for this team are keeping me from making changes to employment.

    Am I being foolish? Sensible? In what ways?
     
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  3. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    yes foolish. once you start driving. then it gets into your blood.
     
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  4. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    I would start by getting an offer from one of those offering more in writing then see what your current employer can do to match it, if they're decent to work with that'd be the decent place to start. If they laugh and say that ain't happening then I'd probably tell them you'll be done in 2 weeks.
     
  5. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    If you are happy in trucking, your current job, that is what is most important. The happy, contented company driver is a rare breed

    Every time I have left a company, it was because of feeling they disrespected their drivers.
     
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  6. ConsciousTrucker

    ConsciousTrucker Light Load Member

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    As far as trucking goes, I am indeed happy and contented. If I had my druthers though, we'd tax the hell out of $1,000,000+ a year earnings and ensure everyone in the country has a fair, living wage from their job. If that were the case, I'd be substitute teaching at the local public school, tending chickens and a garden, and volunteering at the humane society and domestic violence shelter. But America doesn't invest in people who do any of those "essential" jobs, so I'm driving a truck.

    I truly feel respected and cared for at this company. They want me here and let me know that they appreciate me often. If I never have an OTR job elsewhere, I doubt I'll ever be unhappy about that.
     
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  7. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    Well I think the question is if you leave and you go somewhere you make more money but you're just a number and they micromanage you and they could care less what you think how will that work out for you?
     
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  8. gekko1323

    gekko1323 Road Train Member

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    Be careful what you wish for. Those companies that are offering that much money might not be all that they're cracked up to be. Are they in the Chicago area? Are they owned by Russian or Eastern European entities? Will the miles be there? Do they pay on a 1099? At the end of the day, in this industry your happiness should come first. I am sure that if you go to your employer he will give you a raise. Trucking outfits are making money hand-over-fist these days. They KNOW how important it is to have good drivers.

    In short: "If it ain't broke, don't break it."
     
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  9. Dennixx

    Dennixx Road Train Member

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    .50 isn't the worst out here.
    Are your benefits good? Do you have a family to cover? They count for something right?
    Those .90 cent gigs are most likely 1099 jobs.
    If you like your people and situation the grass probably ain't any greener imho.
     
  10. Suspect Zero

    Suspect Zero Road Train Member

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    CPM is just the small tip of a big iceberg, what's the rest of the package at these other places?

    I'd have to look long and hard before I left a place that I was very happy with as you say you are with with your current place.

    CPM is not the be all, end all, enjoying the place you work goes a long way.
     
  11. ConsciousTrucker

    ConsciousTrucker Light Load Member

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    Thanks, y'all. It's one thing to hear my employer tell me the same thing y'all just said. It's another thing to hear it from people who don't have a vested interest in my making them money. This conversation has brought me a sense of relief that I'm not just being naive or settling for the path of least resistance by staying where I'm at.
     
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