Another newbie

Howdy all. I am currently a student at a truck driving school. I am should graduate on 6/5/09 assuming I pass the states tests that day.

I am positng here because I have some questions that I should have researched BEFORE shelling out about $4600.00 for the school.

One such quesiton is: How much are drivers currently spending on eating expenses on an average week while on the road?

 

Of that I have no doubt. But I am hoping to get a feel for "average" by those that post here that are actually out on the road and paying such expenses on a weekly basis. I know it will have a fair amount of variance based on the person and region where they drive.

 

Having a fridge would really reduce costs. I haven't picked a company to work for yet, and I suppose I will need to check into that (does the truck have room to put one etc.) I will be a company driver, as I have zero desire to be an owner/operator at this time.

 

My over riding concern here gonzo, is: Can I afford to drive and still pay my bills? I'm not worried about the pittance I will earn during the training period. I am more concerned about the 6-12 months (or longer) after that.

As a mere student, I don't know yet. That is why I signed up here; to ask those in the "know" so to speak. I appreciate your responses.

I hope a few others chime in with some input as well.

 

LOL... I was getting ready to comment on that previous post.

If you don't mind my asking; who do you drive for and how many miles a week do you average?

I am not trying to get into your "business", but as a student that may soon to be entering the industry, I have questions and concerns, especially in today's economy.

Let's face it... the ecomomy is hurting, which means folks are buying less of what they used to, which means reduced demand, which means reduced freight being moved from point A to point B.

I have certain income requirements (don't we all), I am very concerned about meeting such requirements as a potential driver. I will need X miles at Y cpm just to survive. I know that most companies that are still hiring trainees only pay .28 - .30 per mile. So I will need to drive at LEAST 2000 miles a week.

I really should have done this sort of research before I signed up for truck driving school.