Getting into the business

TruckerPete1990 · Oct 19, 2012

chompi said: ↑

Yes, realistically you are looking at $25,000, 28, 30 a year. 1k a week!?! No. Despite what you may hear from the super truckers on this site you are going to see 1k a week as a new driver. As an experienced team driver this can be obtainable. If you are paired with a good lead driver then you could possibly do 1k a week as a newbie. If you are a fairly fast learner and you aren't a slacker, meaning, you aren't afraid to hustle then ya I believe you can do 1k a week. Do the math.... As a team you can run 7000 miles a week. You will be paid between
$.17 - $.20 a mile. Maybe a little more if they aren't hub miles. So you are looking at between $1190 - $1400 gross weekly. After a year or so and once you gain some experience you could be a lead driver and get bumped up to about $.20 - $.25 a mile. If this sounds like something that would interest you I would personally steer you into the direction of either air freight or expedite. Also Reefer. These are the top three avenues in which freight is run the hottest!

Just remember what you are getting into. A team that runs 7000 a week is running hard! The truck never stops! You don't get to shower everyday! A team also typically doesn't go home as often as solo drivers. It will take a little getting used to learning how to sleep in a moving truck but I'm sure once you get worn down enough it shouldn't be a problem. I've always found jumping out of bed and behind the wheel in less than 10 min. a little more challenging than the sleeping part. Nonetheless, that's my two pennies!

Good luck man...
Click to expand...

there been weeks ive made 1k after taxes on elogs... Has it happen lately no cuz miles are down... But even with miles down im clearing about 600 a week..

with CRST you will be lucky to make 300 a week. there pay sucks and so do miles ive did 8months with them... Its not fun living with no Money cuz u dont get miles... We did alot of sitting with them. had great on time loads... there trucks are peaces of crap. it is posable to make 500 aweek but not every weeks depends what company u go with. go to a local truck stop talk to drivers.

wildercorp · Oct 19, 2012

Yeah, that's what I said....35K at least and that's thinking small. I'm a rough and tough roadster...I'm not trying to get home...I'm trying to buy a home...have steering wheel will travel...oil patch, ice roads, man camp, stay on the road, OTR, straight for the next 3 years and 25K ain't gonna cut it. By the way do any of you guys know where to apply to the oil man camps the ones that you don't go home you live there and work 14 hr shifts? Now that's what I'm talking about.

sammccorison · Oct 19, 2012

Thanks for the input. I'm looking at PAM strongly. They seem to have the best deal as far as pay. From everything I read 30k the first years is realistic. I just need enough to cover my half of expenses at home. I currently take care of my families two mortgages and one car payment. As far as home time... I'd like to come home monthly but if the work is there I don't have any problem staying out to provide for my family. I know this first year is going to suck.. But I've already lined up a local job but I need to get the experience. Once I have that this company is willing to pay me 22 a hour and I'd be home daily. So 12-14hr a day 5 days a week. They don't do over time but that's almost 70k a year. I'd be happy with that. I just want to make it through one year. So I'm calling PAM today and going to bite the bullet and just get it done. 52 weeks of just giving it 140%. I know I'll make it.

wildercorp · Oct 20, 2012

Best of luck to you and I know you will make it. Thanks for the reality check!

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