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Give it to me straight

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Disgruntled30, May 17, 2010.

  1. May 17, 2010 #1
    Disgruntled30

    Disgruntled30 Bobtail Member

    2
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    May 17, 2010
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    I have my CDL, have 3 months solo driving experience and i am with (in my opinion) a less than reputable company but what choice do you really have starting out...Anyway here are some questions and points.

    I'm averaging 2000 miles a week, is that standard across the board? Is it possible to actually make money in this industry if your not an O/O? I made more money on unemployment. I see alot of "local" places will not hire until at least 6months exp, more likely a year. Is that what needs to be done, suck it up for a year and move to a local gig? I dont want to show 3 different companies on an application. This company has horrific communication, forget about breakdown pay, if you breakdown your down at least 2-3 days if not more. There is no point in even calling anyone passed 5pm or on weekends either. Sooo the major issue i'm having is...is this industry worth working in? I dont mind the driving, i can handle the rig, my home time is tough but bearable, but not for $300 weekly paychecks. Thats less than 16k a year!!! Where is this 1,000 a week i heard of when i got into this career....any suggestions on what company to look into would be helpful
     
    Disgruntled30, May 17, 2010
    Disgruntled30, May 17, 2010
    #1
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  3. May 17, 2010 #2
    kickin chicken

    kickin chicken Road Train Member

    3,240
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    Jan 4, 2009
    SC
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    Hello and Welcome to the Site:)

    IMHO, Put out those applications now. You have a better chance of getting hired when you already have a job.

    You will have to search and research potential companies. There are many opportunities available, you just have to know how to market yourself.

    Where are you located?

    Check in our sub forum for potential trucking companies that may hire you with your current experience:

    http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/trucking-jobs/

    I do agree with you, do not job hop. This looks very bad to a potential employer.
    Set yourself up for success by doing your homework first.

    Enjoy the site:)

    Best of Luck!!!!
     
    kickin chicken, May 17, 2010
    kickin chicken, May 17, 2010
    #2
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  4. May 17, 2010 #3
    dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    May 6, 2007
    Mississippi
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    $300 a week ??? Something is wrong here. Either your company isn't running you. Or........

    While the $1000 paychecks are out there. They're generally reserved for more experienced drivers when you're dealing with the typical "mega-carrier".

    You say you're getting 2k miles a week. What's your rate of pay, .25 a mile? A good company can get you between $600 and $1200 a week bring home on those miles. I know that sounds like a huge difference. But you have to realize, not all driving jobs are the same. Experience, type of freight, area driven, who you drive for, and other things factor into your pay.

    With the economy in the shape it's in. You're competing with 1000's of new drivers for available jobs. 2009 saw over 150K drivers lose their jobs. Many companies have cut driver pay during this downturn. So the ads you used to see, are now irrelevant.

    You will see a turn around within the next year or 2. But can you hold out for it?

    That's as straight as I can give it. I don't know where you live, who you driver for, or your abilities and desire.
     
    dancnoone, May 17, 2010
    dancnoone, May 17, 2010
    #3
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  5. May 20, 2010 #4
    Bjv1981

    Bjv1981 Bobtail Member

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    May 9, 2010
    Joplin, MO
    0
    The industry is worth getting into if you are willing to compromise. There are alot of us out here that put in alot of miles in the jump seat watching our dads and uncles. A big problem with alot of new drivers coming into trucking is that they see an ad on the television for a local driving school that feeds them full of lies. I will admit I got lucky when I came in. I got my cdl from a community college program which was recommended by the company I started with, then I trained with my dad for a bit, then ran team with him before going solo. My first full year in I made over 57,000 dollars. Like I said, lucky. Just hang in there, dont be afraid to put out applications, and keep your nose clean. I have been on the road for over 7 years now, and a couple of weeks ago i sent out 2 applications and within 3 business days i was accepted to both. Also, keep in mind that with local jobs, you will be competing with drivers that have alot more experience than you do, and even though they say they require 6 months experience, they would rather have 1 or 2 jobs, alot of years, and a spotless dac and mvr. I hope i was helpful!
    BJ
     
    Bjv1981, May 20, 2010
    Bjv1981, May 20, 2010
    #4
    JustSonny, Saddle Tramp and kickin chicken Thank this.
  7. May 21, 2010 #5
    Disgruntled30

    Disgruntled30 Bobtail Member

    2
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    May 17, 2010
    0
    So far so good, thanks for the replies...

    I like the job as much as anyone can like it...yes the rate is 0.25 per mile but like i said pickings are slim just starting out from CDL school, after talking to alot of guys i know its more or less the company, i've had the talk with the powers that be about getting over 2000miles a week but its just not happening, i live in the upstate NY area, i might have mentioned this in my first post but i'm over 30, prior military, never had so much as a parking ticket on my operators license...I have looked into a few companies that require at least 6months with one outfit so i can handle that, im just hesitant because A. i dont want 3 jobs on my record in 1 year and B. I'm doing all the research i can to make sure they're not flat out lying to me like this company did...i've talked to other drivers on the road and i have yet to meet one that has one complaint (career changing complaint) about the company i'm interested in.

    They wonder why the turnover rate is so high...how can you expect someone to continue doing the job when you came right out and said you will average 500/600 take home checks per week (as an entry level driver) and its literally 300 take home, its slave labor...i appreciate your posts and i will stick with this until i get at least 6months and jump ship and check out company number 2
     
    Disgruntled30, May 21, 2010
    Disgruntled30, May 21, 2010
    #5
    kickin chicken Thanks this.
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