Driver Salary

I disagree because not every truck driving job is created equal. Some gigs need very skilled drivers and some dont. A guy who only has to bump a dock and drive in fair conditions loaded 50K shouldn't need to be paid as much as someone who has to chain up everyday and is loaded 100k. Both jobs take skill don't get me wrong. It's just one is more hazardous then the other.

 

I like where I work, I like the lanes I run, I make enough to live the lifestyle I choose.

Could I make more at another carrier? Probably, but would I be happier? I don't think so.

We each have to decide for ourselves what makes us happy. I am not going to go an be miserable making more money just so someone else can be happy making more. They can go and take that job, it will be open, because I will not be doing it.

 

You're saying that entry level drivers with NO experience whatsoever in the trucking industry can dictate and influence the pay standard these companies use? Nice theory, but purely philosophical in realty.

Business runs on supply and demand, period...

If the megas can't find guys willing to run for .35 a mile, they'll use their money and influence on the political powers that be to change the laws by hook or crook, open the floodgates and import hundreds of thousands of potential new drivers more than willing to work for $50 a day.

That day is coming soon and is already here to an extent.

Just my most humble opinion, of course

 

I feel the need to stand up and yell "Preach Brother, Preach"... Find something you love to do and you will never work a day... Or so I hear... Enjoying the ride for now.

 

Except that flies in the face of what's actually been happening ... 2 years ago the "megas" were paying their newbies in the $.25 per mile range ... pretty much all have bumped their starting base into the $.32 plus range ...

 

Supporting a wife and family back home is an honorable thing... Value that when you do get home to relax and enjoy life.... With or without the bells and whistles of others.

 

Well my friend... You just described the Laws of Supply and Demand... And how the markets come to balance... Every resource has a cost be it equipment, fuel, or labor... I am all for higher wages but reality is the market will dictate the cost of any product. We have example after example... Cable is over valued by the cable companies and as soon as on line viewing comes along at a cheaper cost then cords get cut... We are all in competition with each other... If one person is happy and content with $30k then he will find a job... If another expects $130 for the same job, then it's going to be a bit tougher.

And as mentioned before, not everyone is motivated by money either... Just one piece of the benefits package of any job.

Stay Safe,
MD

 

Management? Maybe... lol

 

They were? I started at .30 a mile for a big company in 2009. Their starting rate is like .04 a mile more 7 years later. Barely kept up with inflation.

The demand side of supply side economics has forced them to pay a little more. However, the benefits side has been significantly reduced, thanks in large part to Obummercare.

 

Amen... Second career guy here and later this year, after we secure a few issues, my wife will be leaving her career and joining me on the truck and we are both looking forward to the Adventures of Trucking... And getting paid too... Awesome right?