Funzo's saying hello

Welcome to TTR.

Basically you'll go over the road with a trainer for 6-8 weeks, some less. Then you'll have to earn your stripes so to speak for 6-12 months before you find a better job away from the training companies. Being 46 you should be able to deal with it better than the younger ones.

Now get to reading.

 

Try to put that tanker/hazmat to work for you; that's where the good money is. Also, ignore any "experience required" on trucking websites & apply anyway.

Here's some to apply with; might have online applications; apply with all of them:

Superior-Carriers
Schneider tanker division
Venezia Transport Service
Trimac

With these companies you should be able to average $60K + annually.
Flatbed would be the next best pay annually.
Get a passport & TWIC. If you have a criminal record you won't need a passport because you can't enter Canada. You need TWIC for entering seaports, chemical plants & some military bases.
Welcome to your new career.

 

Woe -$60k is not "average" at any of them companies. I dare say $60k wil put you in the top 10% at those companies - and i am sure a newb won't make the top twn percent - ANYWHERE!

 

I worked for a tanker/hazmat company running 48 states; 90% of the loads were acid & they hired 2 new CDL grads; both made $60K their first year. I made $65K & only worked 11 months a year; took one month off each year to vacation overseas. Of course, those 2 new CDL grads were hard chargers & never called in sick & took every load the dispatchers gave them.

 

What company are you referring to Chinatown?

 

won't happen first year for a newb.going to have probably 2-months with training another week orientation. after they seat you in a truck they will give you shorter runs so you are not in bum puck if you need help. plus a company like Superior will give the better runs to more senior drivers.

Add in E-logs and the only hard charging one is going to do is forego hometine. Don't forgey that a lot of our shippers don't load weekends. Unless u get a kick butt run on Friday, your weekend money is gonna be layover pay.

Of course if it is some fly by night company, the above won't apply. But, you will lose time with DOT harassment, oops I mean inspections.

Just my opinion after working the main players in bulk chemicals. On the bright side you will be way ahead of the box dragging noobs.

 

geargrinder : Yes, guess I should have been more clear; that big pay begins the after orientation, training, etc. and once you're a solo driver. You're right, he will be way ahead of the new drivers who go with van or reefer outfits.