What am I getting myself into?! Newbie from WA State...

Up here in the NW we have plenty of good gig's we do not need to go OTR for. Fuel hauling is one $19-21 ain't that bad for outta school. But, if you're into to whole pain thing. There is all the "Big Name" outfits, if you are getting all your endorsements like you say you are. Might I suggest to just go ahead and get the TWIC card? Yes, companies will pay for it. But, nothing is better than going to an interview with all your ducks already in a row.

If you're interested in local, look into can hauling, or fuel hauling. Might even find other local gigs you like, just don't go into it thinking you HAVE to go OTR because it is not true. I'm sure the recruiters that will come to your school and give you these amazing sales pitches will find a way to get you thinking you have to do OTR is completly false. They will also talk about a driver shortage, this is also not true. There is just a shortage of suckers willing to drive for .28 CPM....You will also hear that being a lease operator is a great way to make good money, this is also false. If it was that easy to make good money being a lease operator, then why are they pushing you to lease a truck so hard?

Just some things to think about, figured I would touch up on them.

 

The industry will be seeing higher rates . The only drivers seeing higher wages will be the ones paid by percentage . The OTR carriers will never raise pay as long as there are thousands of CDL mill graduates willing to work for bottom feeder rates .

 

Just keep at it, and get all your endorsements like you're planning on. Get your TWIC too, wouldn't hurt to get your passport as well. I know JJ Williams is a decent company. They run hoppers and tankers in BC/WA/OR. If you like a little more physical work, McLane is a local company. You'll deliver to the fast food joints, they pay a mix of hourly/mileage/cases unloaded. A driver told me the current average out of the Portland terminal is $27. There are also plenty of container outfits this way, fuel haulers, local produce companies, there is also Air Liquide and the likes. And I'm sure there is plenty more, this is all just off the top of my head.

I ran into a local Estes guy few months back in Seattle, fresh outta school it was his first job(been doing it 4 months), he was making $23/hr. There is a lot of LTL gig's out here too. Chip haulers too, I'm sure there is someone out there that will give a clean cut driver that would represent a company well a shot.

I really don't see you starting out anywhere below $17 if you plug away and do your part in reasearching companies, and talking with them. While in school, or even now. Start going to potential gigs, call their HR dept. and ask for a ride along, tell them who you are, what your situation is, and that you would like to learn more about your future carrer.

 

Just remember your the one driving that truck not your dispatcher. Be safe and good luck!

 

There's a new regulation out regarding WA CDL holders and their medical cards.

You might wanna look into that.

 

That's good what ever happens keep yourself on a positive side, u will have good day and bad day. Just like any other job. This march is my first year as solo OTR. 48/48 and mean it. Enjoy the adventure every single day. Learning new trick everyday meet new friends as I go. Love it out here. Keep it real. Keep it safe and mostly keep it legal. Your be fine. Good luck with your journey