Average Pay Today?

I think Britton and Decker have flatbed and van/reefer divisions and probably better than going with the megas

You could switch divisions instead of companies this way

 

That's not good at all. Even most local guys are averaging $27,000 by now after 30 weeks into the year (57.7% of the year) most generate between $27k to $40k before August. Even though there are serious politics with a lot of driver friending up dispatch from buying & bringing them coffee, donuts, snacks, gifts etc. For new trucks etc..Aggressive crap attitudes, Pretentious Management I must admit that most unizonied fleet operated companies pay well with overtime after 45 hrs, Double time on weekends etc. We have drivers well north of $51,000 (before tax) already & we are only in the summer months. There is a major catch working local city/regional routes oppose to OTR though. Management is always watching your 24/7 and some are even jealous of the money you can generate. The best thing about otr though is the independence and no one looking over your shoulders as much. I'd recommend looking for a OTR company that at least pays $0.50 to $0.60 cpm. And if they pay a little lower look at the p&d payments including layover pay. If you can't even generate $1000 per week after taxes it's not worth it.

 

I'm leaning towards signing with Melton Truck Lines they will start me off at .47 cpm and be at .51 cpm after 1 year of experience.

I really want to do reefer more than Flatbed , I might stay at Melton to get a year or two of experience and sign on with a major reefer outfit that pays good.

 

Yes, even @ $0.47 cpm that's alright money especially if you can average 2700 miles per week ($1269/weekly before taxes or around $951.75 after) which is considered alright & reasonable. They also have good reviews on indeed
Working at Melton Truck Lines: 220 Reviews | Indeed.com
Working at Melton Truck Lines: 220 Reviews | Indeed.com anything above 3.5/5 is reasonable.