Just looking for an opinion..

It can be done but the money really isnt gonna come close your looking at about .32 cpm for a new driver maybe 2500 in miles a week do the math otr can be a good life but it takes a while to start earning good $ depending on where you live 28 days out maybe 3 off.

 

I am in the same boat you are now, I have been in towing most of my life and made more twenty years ago than I do now and I run every truck in our fleet when needed including our rotator. I have gone OTR on occasion, mostly in between auto transport or towing jobs and I have enjoyed it but it will take a while to make the money you want. You may be better off trying a local LTL company if they have terminals in your area, some will start you on the dock and train you but you will be miles ahead rather than the OTR route, unless of course you are looking for a complete change in your lifestyle. Being you are used to being on call as a tower being on the extra (on call) board at a LTL company would be an easy transition for you.

 

Three words. Cash for clunkers. That is what hurt auto repair and towing in this recession and it effected others too. And you would have to land a good company to get even close to that starting out.

 

Were you looking at swift specifically because you'd get more feedback in the new drivers forum.

As far as money goes the first 6 months you won't make much more than you are now, less if you do van OTR and don't get consistent miles.

We get consistent miles on the flatbed fleet but with the low starting pay (25 cents) you wont make much your first 6 months. Thats 4000 miles just to gross 1k. However after a year you'll be at 34 cents and your tuition will be paid off (if you attend swifts CDL school) and you won't see a check under $1000 if you run hard.

 

Check out Prime if you want to flatbed they have a forum here

 

My advice would be is to get your CDL on your own and start applying to small companies (no more than 100 trucks in fleet) you should be able to make $600 right out the door
That of course depends on where you live and just be persistent on looking around

 

I live in southern cal as well and went with swift because as you know the TMCs and Mavericks don't hire out of here. My original intention was the same, do swift FB for a year then move on. But I'm still here because you actually make good money your 2nd year and I'm happy with how the flatbed division operates (lots if long trips through the Midwest), so I'm staying put.

 

so here is my two cents in the matter!

i am 3 days away from graduating from smith and Solomon so I have done crap loads of research in this matter. There are several flatbed companies that hire sharp individuals with a clear DMV record no felonies or conviction of DWI. Don't sell yourself short if that is what your interested in. There is much more money to be made in that division along with tanker division. Look into Maverick, McElroy, or TMC I applied to them all and have been accepted to TMC and McElroy both really great flatbed companies and I have no experience in truck driving at all! If you are considering flatbed just remember that it's not for everyone and you will be busting your butt for the money you earn. Haven't met a fat skateboarder yet! $600 seems low for towing! Bust your butt in flatbeds and make $1000 a week!