Would you give up this gig?

If you don't have a safety net you're risking everything you own because in all likelihood your first year is going to break you financially. Newbies don't get the choice gigs or the high pay. Most team companies will shy away from putting two newbies in the same truck to team as well so you'll likely be driving two different trucks instead of together. You can see higher wages, but it's no guarantee. Don't kid yourself, this is a gamble.

 

Some teams make over $100K for each driver in the team.
Here's one:
Estes Express Lines -> click for more info -> Apply On Company Site
This ad says 2 yrs. experience "preferred", not required.
I know for a fact they hire drivers with 1 yr. experience and at some terminals have "dock to driver" program to help people get a cdl. You and the wife can get 12 mos experience with any OTR company, then switch to Estes Express.

 

Same with R & L Carriers. I think they have a terminal in Aurora.

 

Same with Old Dominion Freight Line. Think there's a terminal in Commerce City.

 

I would quit your current job if I was getting the job I have now(hauling gas locally) no way would I leave if I was starting at a mega company. my first year was a pay cut compared to what I made as a flat rate dealer tech. But now I make double what I ever could have made at a dealership ( and not have turned into a hack).

Your first year will be rough and even 2nd depending on what the starting rate is for ltl guys in your area.

 

Old Dominion, R & L Carriers, Estes Express also have city jobs where you're home every day.
These are hourly pay and pay really well. Usually plenty of overtime and excellent benefits package.

 

Here's a city job you can probably get out of Sage:
Click here -> Apply On Company Site
Must have 12 months previous tractor-trailer driving experience and/or be a graduate of a State Certified, Licensed and Safety Department approved driving school, and/or have satisfactorily completed the Old Dominion Truck Driver Training school.
R & L Carriers and Estes Express have same type trucks for city driving.
.

 

You could always try to get a vocational job. You would work long hours most places but home most of the time. Depending on climate construction and redimix could be decent. Seasonal work here so I've never tried it. I have never driven long haul (drove roll off, fuel truck, and tow truck) don't think long haul would be for me. I look at what some company driver long haul jobs are paying, and it's even less interesting for me.

 

No. I would get a hobby or get a part time second job to kill the boredom.

 

To go live in a truck for peanuts? (That was you that posted new team pay right). No way. You may not get rush where you are at but you go live in that truck and you are gonna feel real poor real quick.