Another should I......

I think this is just it.

I agree, the reason they gave me a job isn't because of their commitment to the community or any other altruistic bs. They gave me the job because it makes them money. Not only do they get to pay me peanuts but they also get a government grant on top of the tuition they are charging me. Which by the way is more than most community colleges charge to get your cdl. So lets not act like I'm taking advantage of anyone here.

Having said that, I knew what I was getting into. I was desperate and didn't have enough money to do it the right way. I could have done a lot worse than Swift so at this point I just need to suck it up.

I do have a cooler and 12v hot box. The thing takes 30 minutes to heat up and the portions are tiny.

The thing is I'm in good shape an accustomed to eating big healthy meals. I feel like #### when I'm living off process foods and it affects my driving.

This is what I eat on a typical day.

Morning
Coffee
Protein shake
yogurt

30 minute break
subway
coffee

end of day
protein shake.
yogurt

So it's not like I'm eating at Denny's every meal. Yes, I know this amounts to less than 100 a week but I do splurge once a week on a 10-20 dollar meal. Probably can cut back on that.

I'll admit my time management might need some work but my trip planning is on point. I can get to my destination almost at the exact time I want. This is why I sometimes roll in with less than five minutes on my clock. I have never run out of time because I always have a few back ups depending on delays and traffic. I actually plan my trips so that I use all my 11 hours, its the only way I can get the miles I want. I know most truckers would suggest I only drive 8.75 hours to keep me rolling but I find taking a 34 gives me better pp's. The planners, for whatever reason, don't like to work off rollover hours. I always get to final early anyways and end up taking a 34 or close to it every week an half.

 

I'm reading thru thinking about my future when I get my license.
Based on what you have said your expenses and gross after taxes do not jive.

If what you are counting as expenses are legitimate to the IRS,
Are they being deducted from your check prior to taxes being applied, or are you paying out of pocket?
If your paying out of pocket, have you adjusted your number of exemptions to more correctly represent what taxes you will actually owe.

No matter were you work, if you are paying deductible expenses out of pocket, or having them deducted after taxes, if you don't adjust your exemptions on the W-4, you will end up with big IRS refund, but a lousy pay check.

P.S. if paying out of pocket, you are keeping the paper work, receipts, etc?

 

I dont have any dependents so I get taxed at the highest bracket.

Deductibles get taken before taxes.

When I have time ill post a paycheck. That will you an accurate representation of what you will truly be making.

 

Start applying locally then. You can do this simply by checking out companies local to you. Grocery store dist. , beverage companies , food service companies , fuel companies. You need to man-up get out and do some looking...it will benefit you greatly.

 

I haven't set foot in a truck yet, but I'm a million miler in life experiences. At 24, a few months ago you had nothing. That's why you went to Swift, to get a chance. Now a few months later, you got a little bit of $$ stashed away and you're complaining about only making $440 a week and not having a life.

Reality check: you're making better than $40k a year with few expenses. You're able to SAVE $440 a week if you're smart about it. Not many 24 year olds are able to say that.

Here's another way to look at things. If you're only 24, and have very few expenses, tuck that $440 a week away and don't touch it. After a year, you'll have better than $20k tucked away and a year of experience in one place. Stick it out for the year with Swift and avoid shelling out the money for the education they fronted you.

Typical 24 year olds make a bit of money, then spend every cent of it on going out, drinking, partying, buying some shiny new toys, and at the end of the year have nothing to show for it except a few less-than-shiny toys, and no money in the bank. That's the start of the American dream of debt slavery. Having some $$ stashed away will give you more security, self confidence, and a whole better outlook on your future. Along with that year of experience, you'll get a lot further. Best of luck.

 

You seem like a pretty smart kid. Good grammar says a lot. Get some experience under your belt. It takes time to prove that a driver can handle the responsibility without being a liability to the company he/she is working for. Once you get that time in and as long as you have a clean record, you will be in a .40+ per mile job. It's going to take a couple years. Keep your expenses down, just work on cutting cost's on one meal for now. Keep your chin up. I left a good daycab job based in Chicago that paid 2400 miles a week at .45/mile and I made 4-5 stops a day at 24.00 each so I did alright. I bought a truck, that's why I left. Just be patient and do your best all day, every day. You will get there.

 

Just remember this and this can apply to all first year drivers who think they are giving up their life for nothing. Your making twice the amount of money that an airline pilot flying regional jets makes in their first year. And their training cost waaaaay more than ours did. Try making less than 20k while trying to pay back over 200k in loans.

 

That's not BS, either. I had a pilot friend doing exactly that, based in Chicago area, and his 1st years pay was truly abusive.

 

Look on the bright side... You get paid to see the country, wake up in a different urine smelling parking lot next to a bunch of people you never met, and may never see again. You Should be grateful for the experience. Enjoy the party at Swift for a year and move on to a local gig.get away from pulling dry van and go flatbedding or pull a tanker.