Another should I......

Well, like every new driver, I imagine, I'm at that crossroad where I need to decide whether it's worth it to continue. I obtained my CDL through Swift and have been driving for them for the past three months. I knew what I was getting into when I signed on but I, like most people that start with Swift, was desperate. In all honesty, they have been great and my only issue is the pay. I recently went over my finances and found that in a perfect week I am only making 440 dollars. That's assuming: I drive 3000 miles at .28 cents, being taxed at 25%, 100 dollars in food, and 85.70 in student loans/heath insurance. I do average 3000 miles, even now in the winter, so it's a pretty accurate representation of my weekly pay.

I'm finding it hard to justify going to work tomorrow. I can make the same if not more in a factory without sacrificing, friends, family, my bed and anything resembling a normal life for a 24 year old. I was think of taking a couple of days off, getting my endorsements, an applying to LTL's here in Chicago. I know ODFL, Conway, ABF hire new drivers with little or no experience. From what I've heard these are companies with which one can plan a future with. It's what I'm looking for right now at 24 years of age. A company I can grow with and have some semblance of a normal life.

Should I make up an excuse, have my DM mad at me, and take some days off to look for something better?

Or it just wishful thinking an at three months no one will give me the time of day?


Perfect record btw. Except that one deer I hit.

 

I do have a contract with Swift and I plan on honoring it. I have saved all my money and have no problem buying out. The problem is that I've only been home twice, this being the second since I started, which means I can't apply in person or get my endorsements if I go back. Hence me making an excuse to buy time.

It wouldn't not mind if I could see it getting better. I have .32c/m to look forward to at the end of my first year, which is grossly below the industry average.

Would you recommend Gorgon?

 

I did do the math but like I stated I was desperate. Although I will admit I underestimated taxes and the cost of living on the road.

I worked as a busboy/runner while going to college and I still made more than 440 a week. I don't understand how I can be expected to feel like a professional when I'm making what amounts to minimum wage while sacrificing my personal life.

 

.32c/m is below industry average for one year experience, at least from what I have been able to find. At one year experience I can apply to most tanker companies and just about any for dry van.

My issue is that after seeing the quality of life otr truckers have I don't know if this is what I want to do with my life. I can always go back to school and get my degree but I don't want to throw away all this hard work.

 

I make 840 gross 440 net a week. I listed all my expenses in my original post.

Truckers are constantly going on about being professional but yet we get payed worse than unskilled labor. I think there is something wrong with that. I came into trucking because I thought it was a career.