New Wannabe

Welcome to the forum Akisohida.For new drivers you'll get paid around 25 cents per mile.If you wanna team with A friend,make sure you 2 are compatible.Teaming is hard otherwise.Very little room in the trk,you're together 24/7.Make sure you both do your fair share of the driving.You cannot pick your own loads as a company driver.If you're hauling generaly freight it'' either be dry van or reefer.Livestock is a whole nother kind of hauling.You pick your own cb handle unless you want a driver to pick yours.

 

Make sure the school you choose is 160 hr. school or more.
Pay depends on many variables, so get all the endorsements, TWIC and a passport. This will give you many more options when choosing a company.

Start now making a list of companies that interest you so you can start the application process as soon as CDL school starts. Apply to as many companies as you want, then pick and choose from the job offers.

 

What is the general pay-per-mile? that would greatly depend on what type of work you get into, flatbed,van or heavy haul etc. Don't be so anxious to make top dollar at first because there is a lot to learn and its very important to sign on with a company that has a good reputation to teach it.

What trucking schools around me should I use? I would go to a school that has many trucking companies that recruit from that school. Ask the school administrator for a list.

Should I go it alone, or with a friend? if you know someone who is serious about finishing the course ? Absolutely

Do I pick my loads, or am I just given livestock one day, fruit another, and computer parts the next time? most if not all new drivers are not given the choice on loads and unless your signed up as a bull hauler? I wouldn't be worried about picking up livestock

Every trucker seems to have a nickname/handle. Do you pick your own, or is one given to you by other truckers? most already have a cb handle in mind when the time comes and by all means don't let someone pick a handle for you, it falls under that old saying "careful what you ask for You might get it " lol have fun and we will see you out there !