Newbie question. All advice welcome

Wargames · Jun 24, 2011

$2500 per month? NOT going to happen, and WELCOME to the forum. We dont lie.

wsyrob · Jun 24, 2011

Wargames said: ↑

$2500 per month? NOT going to happen, and WELCOME to the forum. We dont lie.
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Why not? That's only 30K per year?

Preacher Man · Jun 24, 2011

If you're looking to gross $2500 a month that shouldn't be too difficult. Like others have said the beginning will be tough since you will be with a trainer for a month or two. Once you are in your own truck you start making money. First year otr should range from $26k on the low end to $32k on the high end. For instance say you start at $.27 a mile and get 2000 miles a week average. Your average weekly pay before tax would be $540.00. Do the math to figure out who you want to drive for. $2500/9000 miles a month you need $.28 a mile to start.

nate980 · Jun 24, 2011

wow, If you can barely make 1800 a month in the states doing otr how do you people survive. I made 1800 changing oil at a dealership lol

blktop-bucanear · Jun 24, 2011

check out indeed job searches cdl truck driveing in your area. if you don't mind working the docks try fed ex ups or conway freight. many have apprentice programs. and you would start local probably $15-$20 hr 70 hrs no time and a half.

at $15 that would be over $ 4000 a month gross

BigJohn54 · Jun 24, 2011

DeNoZ said: ↑

New here, too. I believe Big John is correct in that you are going about it the right way. That is what I am doing is researching my butt off so as to make an informed decision. One thing you will ALWAYS find when researching online for trucking companies is ALL the bad press about that company. You rarely hear much good press except on forums like this one (at least that is what I am finding). From talking with many truckers out there and the ones at SAGE Trucking School in Spindale, NC where I am currently enrolled, people love to ##### about things that piss them off but rarely praise. Did you ever call one of those 1-800 numbers on the back of a truck to tell the person on the other end how GOOD of a driver this driver is? Usually it's the other way around. And, like one driver told me, he believes in the 80/20 rule. 80% of the drivers out there are good, professional and kind...it's the 20% of idiot drivers that get all the press. I believe the same goes for diferrent companies as well. Hey, it's work. There are going to be good days and bad days. Good employees and bad employees. Keep your side of the street clean and you will be OK. I have never driven a truck in my life but, at 50 years old I am changing my career after 30 years in the printing business. It will be tough but I will survive and so will you. Good luck.
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You are quite right. And there are a lot of complaints. You will also find some who like the worst companies and can make lemonade out of horse ####, so lemons are fine.

Just being informed and prepared to stay course to reach your goal is most of the battle. If you know what is the worst case and want something bad enough to endure that, you will be successful.

I believe unrealist expectations are the single biggest reason for failure. The same person with the same circumstance and the proper knowledge could well have succeded. But hitting hard times you didn't plan for can be a deal-breaker.

wsyrob · Jun 25, 2011

BigJohn54 said: ↑

You are quite right. And there are a lot of complaints. You will also find some who like the worst companies and can make lemonade out of horse ####, so lemons are fine.

Just being informed and prepared to stay course to reach your goal is most of the battle. If you know what is the worst case and want something bad enough to endure that, you will be successful.

I believe unrealist expectations are the single biggest reason for failure. The same person with the same circumstance and the proper knowledge could well have succeded. But hitting hard times you didn't plan for can be a deal-breaker.
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Don't sell yourself short. there is no such thing as an "unrealistic expectation". You are already ahead of most of the people out here with your military background. Meet people. Don't be a sheep. No one ever got something without setting a goal, and working hard for it. That applies to finding a job as well. You have to set yourself apart from the crowd. You can't do that on an online application.

ArmyGuy · Jun 25, 2011

Thx everyone for your comments, alot of interesting points and some very useful information i do appreciate your advice. That being said i currently use my gi bill to go to college but its the new one that i was grandfathered into. I can not use it to pay for my trucking school, that will be coming out of my pocket(credit Card). College is just not for me and in this current economy its a 50% chance of failing me because i can only get a 2 yr degree (which i dont know what i would even want to get a degree in). My comment about 2500 is what i need to make is kind of a lie because i only make about 25,000 a year goin to school and thats including a pel grant. Im just a young husband and father that wants to work and return get paid for what im worth and i pray thats enough to pay my bills. I also have been calling a few companies today and so far alot are not hiring out of florida. I did contact roehl and I really liked how they talked to me and they are hiring in my area. Im gonna be doing alot more researching as some of u said getting off my butt and doin a little more and not just using the comp could be a good thing too. like i said before if anyone has more comments or advice it is all welcome. Im sure in the next few days i will have some more questions so keep an eye out for me. Thx Everyone!!!

American-Trucker · Jun 25, 2011

flatbedder83 said: ↑

welcome. First question are you crazy?! lol You have to be to be willing to get in a truck! No seriously, I've been doin this almost 2 yrs so I'm no expert but I'm not dumb either. Unless you get lucky youll need atleast 2-3 yrs OTR for a local job because their insurance. Your military background will help everyone wants a vet, they know in most situations theyll be getting a disiplined employee. You say you need 2500 month, sorry but idk where youll make that out of school. Best ive done is 1800 a month and that was taking every load i could steal. Ive drove for Schneider and TMC both had good and bad points and love the military. Schneider was good money actually loved the job. But I had a wreck and found out that they dont cover or give a handout of policies. Thus I was fired for disregarding a policy I knew nothing about. Tmc is good if you get a good FM-fleet mgr other wise youll do a lot of short runs and even more setting. that was my problem. They say you can change if he/she isnt working for you but its a battle ax decision. Mine told me I HAD to stay out 2 wks to make any money but I proved if he paid attention I could make 800wk no sweat and go home for the wkend. I still talk with a few drivers and they say the companys goin down hill fast. true some recruiters will lie they dont know everything they need to or just dont care. Schools idk 1 I went to told you who past students had went with and their experiences. Best advice I can give you is make a list of what you want or need and use that for every company you call. I call 3-4 different times so I get different recruiters and see if they all have the same story. Talk to drivers TALK TO DRIVERS find someone youre interested in and talk with a driver as many for that company as you can find. If were happy youll know it if not youll know it. lol Ive rattled on enough lol most ppl here are good for advice so I hope you get the help you need. If i can help further hollar at me.
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You need a new job! Right out of school, straight out of orientation i was and still am TAKING HOME $700 - $1,100 a week!

Thats $2,800 - $4,400 a month TAKE HOME

American Trucker

THBatMan8 · Jun 25, 2011

wsyrob said: ↑

I don't think its a good idea to use up your GI bill for a truck driving school. You may want it down the line and its worth a lot more than the cost of truck driving school.
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Agreed, especially when many OTR companies offer training courses free of charge; provided you sign a employment contract with them.

# the OP;

Before you go to Roadmaster, STOP!

Look at Prime, PAM, CRE, and a few others as they offer training.

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