New to the business? Maybe....

So, for the past 4 years I have been hauling a dry van as a delivery driver for a local pop vendor. I work hard at this job, have a clean driving record, driver of the year, etc., etc.. So, this appears to be a new forum and I wasn't able to find the answer to the questions I have. I talked to an old trucker who said he'd go drive for a car hauling company (everything I refer to is CDL tractor trailer, not 1 tons and the like.), but he can't be away from the family too much. He claims to have a brother in law making >100k a year doing it. I had talked to a trucker from MT who I saw at a truck stop and he was making >70k a year doing this.

What I really want to know is what I could potentially expect if I pursue a career in it. I know that I wouldn't be home every night, and although I am married, I don't have kids so that isn't as much of a factor. The gentlemen I talked to said that they would likely just send me with a veteran driver for a month to train me, and assuming I got it, I would then be on my own. The money is a big draw for me since it's nearly double what I make right now. I like challenges and I am very good at problem solving, so it seems it'd be a good fit. Educate me please before this job wears me out!

Thanks, Robert

 

Thanks, that sounds in line with what I heard. I also heard from the person who piqued my interest that it'd be roughly 50k the first year. I do have to say, knowing I would have to make sure nothing ever got damaged would be intimidating....but I guess if you are methodical and think of it as a job like you should then nothing should happen. I may just pull the trigger and I'll keep checking in here whether or not I do. FWIW The guy I met at a truck stop was .50/mi $10 per car with a .03/mi damage fund and 3 weeks paid vaca. Seems like this niche area of the trucking business may be just the place for a person like me. If anyone has any reports of how it is in general to work for these companies though, I'd love to hear them!