Can I expect to make more than $8/hr as a local driver?

Holy crap!! No put down intended but dang man how do you live?
Your right you do need another job and quick! Start asking every where don't just pin your hopes on a local driving job that might not work out. Start talking with ALL the company's near you, do you care if you learn to be a plumber(At say $20.00) or HVAC ($15-20)? Be honest and tell them you want to learn and be sure to mention the kid. BTW congrats and good luck

 

Feel your pain looking to get into trucking myself, thinking regional more than local. Just found out my gf is prego.... So at this time doubt otr would go over well. Is it sad I think 450a week is good money? Unsure about the whole hvac and plumber thing. Both require a long schooling process and before you get all of your training you make min wage working with no one who speaks english. Did the hvac thing was called el gallo blanco and you haul around duct jacks with broken wheels and are a pookie ##### sealing off air ducts with your lil paint brush. Chiller guys make good money... But after 4years of school. Good luck on your search keep trying I'm sure you will find something.

 

Tcc_timbo, Congrats. I've thought about the regional route too, but would like to stay local if at all possible. Oh, your not the only one that thinks $450 a week is good money.

NYROADIE, I do what I do. Check to check. Its tough and no one seems to be hiring around here unless your licensed in something or have a degree.

Looking to get something quick and figured a driving job and 4 week course would be the way to go.

I don't know anyone that owns any big equipment, so if I were to just go and try for my cdl without schooling, can I still take the test?

 

Other fields of training I also looked into was locksmithing.

But in my neck of the concrete woods, there is no schools available.
Also wanted to become a gunsmith, again, no schools near by.

I have been a welder/fabricator in the past. Good money if you get in a good company.

 

I have an HVAC Journeyman license and have owned two trucks.

If you think starting as a new driver will be any different than starting as an HVAC Apprentice, you are in for major disappointment. Everyone pays their dues in every job worth having.

Even as a Journeyman I have carried and sealed plenty of ductwork and moved plenty of duct jacks.

Your best bet to get to good wages would be to adjust your expectations to a better understanding of what working your way up means. It can take two to four years to make your mark in HVAC or trucking.

 

In my area, we have mostly strait trucks doing dump work. The pay is about $10 - $14 per hour.

 

Yeah, you can, I make $17.00 an hour, average about 49 hrs a week. Time and a half after 8 each day. Run a daycab, home every night.

It pays the bills.....

 

That is my fault for not explaining I agree you have to pay your dues in any field I just ment for me it was not worth it since HVAC was not of intrest to me. I did my four years in the Marines I know about paying dues joined when I was 17(mom signed a waiver) being 17 and going to a grunt unit(I was an 0311, tip of the spear. Only true non pogs). Every occupation has a starting point. Sorry about that. Good luck and stay safe everyone.

 

Also just an FYI. Just saw an ad on craigslist in Houston that is hiring flatbed drivers 6month exp total 1year cdl a exp. Local driving 5days a week pulling pipe for an oil company 860a week. Unsure if theses jobs are rare or if the pay is exaggerated. Just thought I would let you know you can find a good local job with min exp.

 

sounds like your in the same boat as i am being a newbie rcguy . but from what i have found out on here some form of a training school would be the best bet. i didnt go thru a school and only had my permit a couple weeks and its looking to be more difficult the way i chose so ill prob end up going thru a company training program to start mine off. As far as running dumps i m thinking from te best i can tell here in georgia ten wheels make from around ten to up around fifteen per hour and tractor trailer dumps are a few cent to a dollar or two more . dont take this for granted this info is hear say so there is a chance im a little off there , but good luck with yours any way.