Good question

Well congrats on the job! The nice thing about a carrier that does both local and OTR is that it easy to change things up if it starts getting dull, and if the change isn't what you anticipated, you can usually change back. Usually.

 

I apologize, I obviously didn't read very well. Congratulations on the job!

 

Lonesome, the majority of local driving jobs out there average $10hr. Now the difference between where I live and where you live is big! You live in Northern Indiana, yeah local would be great there! You are in the middle of the busiest shipping lanes in the nation! Kudos! Most people don't though! Down here in Florida starting pay for local gigs is $8.00! Not to mention an influx of people looking for work. Now I know you aren't new to the forum and you should know with your experience that most local gigs like you have are few and far between. Not to mention you have 18 years of driving experience! Yeah great boast about your job and your pay, but don't do it to the newbies that don't know any better and are getting ready to fork over thousands of dollars for school with no chance in hell at making that kind of money in that kind of position! Does it happen? You and I both know that, but its not very common. I'm all about being positive but in this economy a lot of people are risking a lot to pursue a career like this!

It's like those money making infomercials where all the people are interviewed as to how great there money making scam is and how well they are doing! Then the little disclaimer at the bottom of the screen says "results not typical"!

So for you new guys there you have it! Can it be done? Yep! Results not typical though!

 

I do beleive it does depend on area when it comes to pay as far as local, now I don't a year in yet, I did 6 months OTR and now am lucky enough to drive local, and it took alot of door knocking and some outfits flat out laughing at me but I did find it eventually,I do make more than 10hr, less than 20hr not bad for a jag like me starting off, plus I get to sleep in my own bed everynight, a nice hot homecooked meal, and the other percs of living with your fiancee. Will I make more yes I will eventually, I realize you have to start somewhere to get somewhere. I think the guys who drive for the linen and uniform companie make about 10hr noncdl trucks.

 

What is the cost of living in your area? What do OTHER jobs in your area typically pay?

I live in a low cost of living area, and the wages reflect that. I was making $12/hour, and able to pay the mortgage on a 3 bed/2 bath/1500 sq. ft. home on 1/2 acre with a 27x34 attached & heated garage. I also had 2 pickup trucks and a motorcycle at the time. Bills were paid, money saved, and I was doing quite well.

$12/hour in the northeastern part of the state would have me living in a cardboard box under a bridge.

Now I have another question for you: What kind of research have you done to support your statement that "the majority of local driving jobs out there average $10hr."? Have you called a majority of companies with local driving jobs nationwide? Or just the ones in YOUR area? Or are you merely repeating the same hogwash you heard spouted by another driver who didn't know what he was talking about? It is far easier to cope with life on the road when you convince yourself you're making more than you would be at home. Guess what! When I quit driving OTR and took a local job, my earnings didn't decrease at all. Many other drivers have discovered the same thing for themselves, too.

Local work doesn't HAVE to be low paying. Sure, there are low paying local jobs...just like there are low paying OTR jobs. Not everyone driving OTR makes less than $0.25/mile...but since that's where the mega-fleets start drivers out, would it be fair to say that MOST OTR drivers only make a quarter per mile? Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it. Your statement that "most local jobs pay $10/hour" is JUST as ridiculous.

 

Well, then don't say "the majority of local jobs pay $10.00 an hour" and "go find another career". It can be done, maybe not in your eyes. Like the Pedigreed Bulldog sez, there are low paying OTR, as well as local. And some local jobs pay very well, as well as some OTR that do. Do your homework, keep your nose clean, those jobs are out there. Find one everyday? Not hardly.

Many "local" in my area pay about $12.00 or so. So it's not just the area, or the experience.

 

It all depends on the job and what you want to do. Anybody tell you different is just blowing smoke. I worked at a local gig and the pay was $26.50 an hour based on a 40 hour week and anything over that was time and half. It has three retirement investmant programs and after 20 years you can go out with 7 figures if you invest all you can to get the company to invest their max. So there are some that pay every well. But there are also some that pay nothing and are not worth your time. I knew LTL drivers for a major company that were making over $20 an hour back in the 90's and at the same time a bottom LTD company paid $7 an hour. So it depends on what you're looking for.

 

If it helps you with your career plans then go for it. The pay only matters what's totalled at the end of the year. And I would hope they have some benefits.