Raise Driver Pay

Much of the problem for newbies is that they end up driving for "Training" companies that have A LOT of trucks to keep rolling. The companies cut the freight charges to a minimum to get the load from the customer.

Also, a driver manager may have 50 or more drivers they have to manage so there is little time for them to baby sit loading / unloading times OR call a shipper to see what is keeping the driver waiting. From my experience, when I have been delayed, it has not helped the situation to ask "Any idea what kind of time frame we are looking at?" even once. Many shipping and receiving personnel are very unprofessional to say the least.

When a driver checks in with a dock foreman and inquires as to a rough estimate of time to load / unload, one would think they could tell the driver if it is within an hour, 3 hours, or if the driver should find a place to overnight. It was never difficult for me to do that when I worked on the docks decades ago, and I can't see what has changed much since.

Many times shippers take advantage of their knowledge of this situation with big companies. Not sure that they get away with that with O/Os that are running on their own authority.

 

I know several o/os that I have known for 10 or more years as well as others that are family, and their after expense, after tax take home that I have seen while considering going o/o myself, is only a few thousand more than I make as a company driver, running regional, and home weekends.

I am sure there are some that have found their niche and do very well; it's just not the majority. In fact it is pretty well known that for every successful owner operator, there are many more that file bankruptcy.

 

Average company drivers do not make anywhere near $50k a year.

 

Maybe UPS, Fedex, or other union shops, but not average drivers. Oh yeah, the average driver will need more than just good luck to get in those gigs. Make friends with those that work there.

 

I made $60k my first year out of school. I should make $55k this year

 

With several years 50 k is very doable! If you are not, vote with your feet!
Jobs that pay are out there!

 

You are much more fortunate than most. I hope you continue to be.

 

I also thought that one needed more than luck to get a good job but the company I work for has been having job fairs and can not find drivers to work..local guys can make 60k+ and be home every day team drivers can make 75k-90k+home every week...the problem we are having is finding guys(gals) willing to work nights and weekends...follow all rules (cones out any time stopped,NO speeding etc..) clean driving record with hazmat..willing to work 14 and on occasion 16 hour days running local...there are good paying jobs out there( depending on where you live)...there is a shortage of people that are willing to follow rules and be micromanaged...our trucks are slow and gutless many without jakes or passenger seats and many with video cameras watching you but if you are willing to play the game they will pay you good...interested? search_ Linde Gas careers..