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Any chance of starting out making $50,000?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by kenp94, Feb 18, 2015.

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  1. Feb 18, 2015 #1
    kenp94

    kenp94 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
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    Hi all, I'm new here and considering getting my CDL. I currently work for a small company making pretty good money for what I do ($23.50 / hour + 5 hours/week overtime, + christmas and annual bonuses).

    But I'm going insane here in my 13th year and am thinking about truck driving.

    The biggest problem seems to be the statistics I'v seen about starting out at $43,000 or so.

    I think we'd have to find a cheaper apartment if that was the case, and I'd rather not do that until we're able to move from Kentucky to Florida, which I would like to do as soon as possible.

    I've noticed a couple of posts here about people making $27 / hour , $60,000, etc.

    While I continue my research online, does anyone here think it's possible to start out making $25 / hour?

    Thanks,

    Ken
     
    kenp94, Feb 18, 2015
    kenp94, Feb 18, 2015
    #1
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  3. Feb 18, 2015 #2
    rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    You're gonna make maybe 35 grand the first few years gross.
     
    rachi, Feb 18, 2015
    rachi, Feb 18, 2015
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  4. Feb 18, 2015 #3
    tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    Look at Prime at .43 cpm and paid for CDL training at 700 a week. 2000 x .43=860

    860 x 52-44,720

    2236 miles a week at Prime would get you 50,000
     
    tommymonza, Feb 18, 2015
    tommymonza, Feb 18, 2015
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  5. Feb 18, 2015 #4
    tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    Yeah it's possible if you do your research,
     
    tucker, Feb 18, 2015
    tucker, Feb 18, 2015
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  7. Feb 18, 2015 #5
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Sioux City,ia
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    As a new driver no you wouldn't make that.Hauling general freight you still wouldn't make that.Trucking is everything but consistant.One day you could run hard and deliver then you sit for a day or 2 waiting for your next load and it could be a short run.But you need to get the exp before going on to bigger and better things.So after a couple yrs in this industry you could find a different kind of freight to haul and make big bucks.But general freight you'll never get rich.Don't believe all the ads and websites and especially recruiters.
     
    pattyj, Feb 18, 2015
    pattyj, Feb 18, 2015
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  8. Feb 18, 2015 #6
    Oaker

    Oaker Medium Load Member

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    Depending on your location and motivation... there are positions that will earn you that and more as a new CDL grad. Tanker...!
     
    Oaker, Feb 18, 2015
    Oaker, Feb 18, 2015
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  9. Feb 18, 2015 #7
    kenp94

    kenp94 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
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    Rachi, this web site shows this: View attachment 79171

    I'm just wondering if this site is wrong, or are we talking about different things here?

    Thanks,

    Ken
     
    kenp94, Feb 18, 2015
    kenp94, Feb 18, 2015
    #7
  10. Feb 18, 2015 #8
    77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
    0
    I did it with Millis Transfer and so have a lot of other drivers. Your gonna have to run hard and not hit stuff to make it happen.
     
    77smartin, Feb 18, 2015
    77smartin, Feb 18, 2015
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  11. Feb 18, 2015 #9
    Clyde07

    Clyde07 Heavy Load Member

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    I'm giving you my numbers off W-2's. Im about to complete my 3rd year, but my first full calendar year I grossed 34k, second full calendar year 51k, same company. I didn't really work any harder the second year, just takes time to learn how to maximize opportunity and learn the game. But I wouldn't get into it counting on making over 35k first year. It can be done, I just wouldn't count on it. The most important thing to longevity is learning how to keep the truck upright and not smacking things around.
     
    Clyde07, Feb 18, 2015
    Clyde07, Feb 18, 2015
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  12. Feb 18, 2015 #10
    RetiredUSN

    RetiredUSN Medium Load Member

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    Do you have kids? It would be extremely selfish to quit a good paying job to go trucking, for barely adequate pay, and adding self inflicted stress onto the family by being gone all the time. It is a very rare thing for a new driver to make $60,000 his first few years. It does happen......................to maybe 1% of us.

    Take a serious look at your priorities before making the jump.


    But if it is just you and a wife with no kids...........C'mon in!................the water is just fine.
     
    RetiredUSN, Feb 18, 2015
    RetiredUSN, Feb 18, 2015
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