Any Advice?

I think due to the economy, because trucking does pay so well to start, we have a lot of people out there that shouldn't be. They are on the forum too! You can usually find them by hearing them complain. In what career field do you start out at the top? The LOTTERY! That is it, and p.s. it's not a career! Those of you that are positive and stay positive are going to make money and have a good time at it. Let me back up by saying I don't mean to sound harsh. Example: I would hate to pump jon boy's for a living so if I HAD to do it you might hear me complain from time to time. Owners would probably hear me complaining all the time and not be to fond of it. I would probably not see any raises nor would I see the easy jobs or the good paying customers. Is everyone picking up on this? Good. Back to trucking. So if I stay positive, like my job, do a good job, don't complain to the boss and the customers, try my hardest, I WILL DO VERY WELL AND SEE LOTS OF RAISES AND GOOD CUSTOMERS AND THE EASIER JOBS! They really should teach this in trucking school.

 

It pays well to start? I suppose that is a matter of opinion.

 

Go get a job at mcdonalds and then come tell me what good starting pay is! I am sorry I should elaborate on it pays well to start. For three weeks of schooling of which anybody can pretty much do, especially with gov. funds and it is not rocket science (run on sentence) and the school will pass you no matter what to then put you in a truck and make 40,000 is very good pay to start. Yes it will take you a little while to make more than that but that's with any job. Hell that's better money than a drug dealer starts out making! Now I know it sounds "redneck" to say 40,000 is GOOD money but in the grand scheme of things 40,000-60,000 dollars a year in this country is above average.

 

I wonder if CSA 2010 will start to change some of this?

 

Don't forget all you can eat!

 

The school will pass you no matter what? Well I suppose some schools might, but you still have to pass the state test, and trust me they will fail you.

40K as a brand new driver? If you get lucky. In reality it is probably closer to 35-36K per year. Don't forget that is pre-tax and doesn't include your portion of the health insurance. Also how much do you think you will be spending each week to eat, shower and do laundry while out on the road.

Let's do some math shall we?

Assuming one is single and making 40K gross:

Fed income taxes = $6187.50 (based on 2009 IRS tax brackets, this will go up next year).

SS withholding = $2480

Medicare deduction = $580

That leaves $30752.50, this is before any state and local taxes are taken out. This also doesn't include your cost for benefits which vary by company.

Now let us also assume that one is working on average 48 weeks a year. (I am deducting 4 weeks for vacation time, home time etc.)

When while on the road you are working the full 70 hours a week.

That equals 3360 hours per year. (70 x 48)

That comes to $9.15 per hour net, (don't forget this doesn't include state and local taxes, nor benefit deductions.) Nor does it include your expenses while on the road.

People never seem to look at net earnings, they seem to focus on gross, which can cause folks to think they are actually earning more than they really are.

 

Most schools will pass everyone....if you dont pass in the first place, they'll spend extra time with you so that you do the second time...or third time...or fourth time...or fifth time...lol. Yeah, my school wasn't the greatest, but i went into it knowing nothing about trucks except "uh they have a bed in the back!", and i passed on the first try....

Wow, $10,000 in taxes for $40k. Talk about robbery.

I honestly think you should estimate at 80 hours a week though. You know how it goes....

 

I was going to go with 80, but I opted to go with the 70 that DOT states is legal.

 

Hows that go ??????????????????????

Log 70 , work 100 , get paid for 40 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

richt-I agree with all you posted but I think even the 35-36K could be high for a newbie. Take away all the start of costs too- getting stuff for the truck to start -not just once out on the road. Take off the first 1-2 months of training where you are lucky to get $350/wk.
And of course it all depends on MILES MILES MILES......