is it wor$$ it to become a flatbed company driver

wideload - so I have read that a lot of people don't like reefers? What are some specific reasons for not liking them? Please remember that I'm a n00b to all of this and still learning.

 

Let me help you I have five trucks and all my trucks make around $200,000 a year I pay my drivers 25% of what the truck makes after I take taxes out most my drivers make $47-54,k a year and stay out two weeks at a time

 

OTR and flatbed experience gives you a solid foundation to base an argument for higher wages, but it is surely not the only valid argument that can be made.

Both of those factors are learned skills. A good attitude, open ear, and some common sense go father than you'd imagine. We have several drivers that with minimal prior flatbed experience who have jumped to senior driver level wages much quicker than normal. I believe that's because of their personal dispositions and because of their fit with our company atmosphere.

If you want to make the big bucks, you have to work 5 to 5.5 days a week. Companies that offer per-diem, OD pay, tarp/securement pay, and a good base rate are good places to start in the open-deck world. Additionally those that have a pay-for-performance bonus program can be attractive if you're inclined to participate in the company's cost reduction measures.

It is very possible to make that kind of money within 2-3 years of open-deck work and being paid mileage. The majority of our open-deck drivers average over .50 CPM (w/ tarp/securement/OD/per-diem) and run 2000-2500 miles per week. That is being home every weekend to get your restart at minimum.

Anyways, I'm not trying to be a recruiter, but trying to show you it is possible to make good money as a mileage company driver. We'll have guys in the 60's this year with an average in the mid 50's. It's all on you, the company you choose, and how much effort you put into it.

 

I don't have the numbers at home, but I believe 3-4 of my drivers made $60-65K. Most were in the $55-60K range. All of them made over $50K, unless they didn't work the entire year. They are paid mileage. All drivers were home every weekend...the top guys were only home for 36 hours, but most are home from Friday night to Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.

 

I will make close to 60k this year, but I work pretty hard usually, and I didn't start at this company until march though I know we have a few guys making really close to 70k, and they get 34 hours home a week...I usually get Saturday's off.

 

i worked for GAF hauling shingles around nj nyc de ma md ct for 4 years. m-f about 12 hour days o/t after 8. some weeks 25 hours overtime during peak season. was grossing 1500 some weeks. the other side of the coin was when it gets slow ( which it will) i was luckly to work 2 day a week and maybe get 15 hours for the week. late nov- early march was always dead for roofing unless theres a sale. lots of flatbed is building materials and itll be dead in winter. no work no money. so unless ur hauling something thats all season long i doubt ull make anythin more then hauling around a regualr box. plus withflatbed u get dirty, wet,cold,hot,sweaty and more risk and more hassle from dot. i love flatbeds tho but im taken a new gig hauling a box

 

LOL...I like this response....recruiters never lie, right? Too funny.

 

What kind of math are you using?

 

Trucker math. Just like the guys who dont include their deadhead miles.

 

Remember there is no state income tax in Texas, so his numbers could in fact be very close.