tell me if my expectations are way outta line.

It depends how you start. Pay for cdl school and find a company that will hire you with no experience and you might be ok. 40k/year being home every 3 days is pretty unrealistic. I'm home 4 days a month. After 6 months I'm just starting to average $500/week take home since my pay went to $.30cpm.

 

you arent likely to even get close to what youre thinking is possible,especially to start with...

depending on where you live, and with what company you start with, your driving record and what happens during your time working etc etc, it could take 7 years or more to get with a good local company.

 

Hey im in myrtle beach too whats up with the oil patch?

 

You said earlier you'd keep your Miata our of our way... I assumed you owned one. I have a 2001. Such a fun car to drive.

 

i have been were u are on the outside looking in that was 8 years ago were to start this job can be fun and rewording there is money to be made. First thing to know if you are just starting out you have to have any open mind and cant think about only being gone three days or the no weekend thing most company drivers are looking at 7 day on to get 1 day off now that is not to say you cant find some that are different but thats the going rate. Second as for pay as a new driver i would be thinking in the 30k to 36k maybe 40k if you really put in the time. Third picking a company dont pick the first one that talks you they will give you 40 to 50 cents to start if you take that you are going to set and set a lot not good the name of the game is big miles not big cents for few miles. Companies to look at i am not sure if they still do offer something for new drivers but you need to check them out and that is con-way truckload they used to be CFI a great company to drive for was there for 2 great years before i moved to a more local job. The best thing you can do is talk to people who drive for the company you think you like and dont talk to just one or two drivers find as many as you can. Its not an easy live with a wife and to kids as a driver but it can be done and with a good clean cdl you can make a good living for your family. Hope this info helps and i wish you all the best