Anyone running in Canada.

OK prairie boy I get what your saying, some people have left trucking because of low wages. I don't blame them, everyone should get paid fairly for their time. You say raise the wages, and some of the 210,000 people holding cdls will return to the field. For sure! I am for that too, I will also bennifit! However, I would think that would still leave a gap to be filled though?
There are so many variables that go into play regarding why someone would leave their field of work..I can can only speak for myself but coming from the job I just left, I wouldnt go back if there was a pay increase, even though I still hold a licence to do that job, because that job simply wasnt for me anymore. This could possibly be the case for alot of drivers too, thats just one of the MANY other possible variables I can think of why one would not return. Everyone has their reasons, right!
Any way, i think someone might be listening to you and the MANY other drivers.... The artical you posted mentioned a 49% increase in 2011 thats good news, if that is actually happening in American company's what about Canada!? I'm seeing new hiring posts going up all over the place daily, offering 60,0000 for 60-70 hrs? I see some drivers doing very well for
themselves and others not so much. I feel like the potential to be successful is there BUT its all how ones goes about it, am I right?
Just doing all my research hear, crossing T's and dotting i's I don't want to be a sheep lead to slaughter.

 

There is potential for success in this business but you have to look outside the big long haul companies. They comprise the majority of the turnover and a large portion of total drivers. Typically the smaller "family owned" business will provide better pay and benefits. It will take a while to qualify for those jobs. Typically two years experience and over 25 just to qualify for the insurance plus they may ask for more. They don't open up as often as they have lower turnover but it is something to seek out.

I haul cement so in my biased opinion I think they provide some of the best jobs out there. My drivers are home everynight, on a pretty consitent schedule, yet still get out of the city and are able to drive. I don't have a full year average yet as I haven't been in business long enough but they made over 40k over the last 5 months of 2012. That is with working only 3-4 half saturdays. There are many people happy hauling fuel or pulling dumps. Mostly all local work so you get time at home. Typically you will need to start with a mega carrier doing long haul but work your way out of it to find a better job.