Hi I am new here and have some questions

kimmeegoose · Oct 7, 2008

Timtruck said: ↑

kimmeegoose said: ↑

Beleive what you want, but I see somebody else here agrees with my numbers. Also, if you read the original post then you would know that her husband is going through training now. So yes that $.23 is an average training wage at any of the biggies. You are esentially "in training" for at least a year at most companies. If you dont beleive it, you can call any and ask them. Also, most of the biggies and many of the small ones start out at roughly $.30 per mile for "newbie" drivers if you "pay" for your own schooling. If you dont beleive that then call them and ask.

Sounds to me like you are pretty cynical with your answers, your profile says that you are a trucker's wife, if that is so then you know what I have said to be true--if not then you may want to discuss it with your supposed husband, I'm sure he could confirm this.

Also, these numbers $450-$600 are take home numbers. $450 is roughly the takehome on $.23 and $600 is roughly the takehome on $.30 after taxes and insurance. If you dont beleive that, then run the numbers yourself, I took this on an average of 2500 miles per week, which BTW, if a newbie is consistently running is pretty good. If you figure even $.30 per miles at 2500 miles per week that is $39,000 a year (which was my high end) and if you figure $.23 a mile at 2500 miles per week that is $29,900 (which was my low end) Check out the companies if you want and you will see that I am right.

Average for a newbie driver 1 year out is $.32 per mile and that is $41,600 based on 2500 miles per week. Now remember I am saying average, of course some companies pay less and some pay more. Your takehome on that obviously is not $41,600, it is more like $30,000 a year which is exactly what I said. That is providing you pay taxes and insurance(which here in America we do) then take about $5200 away from that($100 a week spending while on the road, average that is) and you have an annual take home of $24,800. Anybody on here will tell you that my numbers are real close for the average driver. I agree that flatbed pays a little more than van, but the time you will spend with a trainer is longer also, so therefore your actual pay may be a little less. A company is not gonna pay you $.23 per mile with a trainer, most average around $.12 per mile while with a trainer(which is usually 5-7 weeks depending on the company). So that means that for the first 2 months that you are a newbie your pay will roughly average $500 a week or less depending on how many miles the trainer wants to drive or thinks you are able to drive. And the company still takes taxes out of that, so you can figure $400 takehome, plus you still have to live on the roadso you can figure $100 a week for that, so your takehome is $300. If you dont beleive that, then call the companies and ask. Or ask other drivers here, we have all been there and did that. Some may have got lucky and got more, and some may have got less--I am speaking in averages.

Like I said previously, if you are truly a trucker's wife(like your profile says) then you already know this, but you just like to argue.
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I don't like to argue, I just don't like to see negative people with nothing good to say about anything. This was actually the first time I posted anything disagreeing with someone elses view. No job is perfect but most people can find something good to say about what they do for a living and if you are that negative about driving a truck then why don't you do something else? BTW, to question that I am married was the most ridiculous thing you could have said. What reason would anyone have to lie about that. Just chalk it up to getting off on the wrong foot this time. I try to be a positive person and your original post was so negative I felt that I should respond to support the person that started the thread. I am in a similar boat as she is. My husband changed careers and we have 3 children, one is very young. I researched and sifted through all the posts and websites I could before even registered with this board. There are some companies that don't pay very well starting out but you made it sound like it would be years before someone would make a decent living driving a truck. From the research I've done, I don't believe that is the case or there wouldn't be truck drivers. The last thing I wanted to do was hijack this thread arguing with someone. Can we agree to disagree and move on please?
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Timtruck · Oct 7, 2008

kimmeegoose said: ↑

Timtruck said: ↑

I don't like to argue, I just don't like to see negative people with nothing good to say about anything. This was actually the first time I posted anything disagreeing with someone elses view. No job is perfect but most people can find something good to say about what they do for a living and if you are that negative about driving a truck then why don't you do something else? BTW, to question that I am married was the most ridiculous thing you could have said. What reason would anyone have to lie about that. Just chalk it up to getting off on the wrong foot this time. I try to be a positive person and your original post was so negative I felt that I should respond to support the person that started the thread. I am in a similar boat as she is. My husband changed careers and we have 3 children, one is very young. I researched and sifted through all the posts and websites I could before even registered with this board. There are some companies that don't pay very well starting out but you made it sound like it would be years before someone would make a decent living driving a truck. From the research I've done, I don't believe that is the case or there wouldn't be truck drivers. The last thing I wanted to do was hijack this thread arguing with someone. Can we agree to disagree and move on please?
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My original post was not negative at all, it just layed it out as it is, and so did my subsequent post(but in more detail) Like I have said before trucking is great, but you have to pay your dues and pull your weight before you get any real money(and you can figure 2-3 years unless your lucky like I said). I was just letting her(and you) know what is involved and you will not be making what you are used to as a professional in another trade. The average(which you obviously keep missing)is just the way I laid it out. If you can find a job that pays more, then fine go for it--but dont come back here in 2 months telling us how bad it was and how they screwed you. Most of these companies websites lay out their pay program, but that is AFTER their training, and ANY new driver will tell you that training is basically the first year out. The 4-7 weeks(or longer) with the trainer-driver is mainly so you can get the feel for the business, but beleive me the training goes on a lot longer than that and these companies know it. Like I said, we can disagree, but before you do-call the biggies and talk to the recruiters and then tell me that I wrong--You will find me to be right on the money. BTW, I changed careers 7 years ago, when I got into trucking--I had a great career as a machinist for almost 15 years, but you get real tired of getting laid off as the automotive industry changes.

Websites are advertisements, in case you havent figured that out, and of course they are gonna not really lie, but embelish--because they want you to drive with them. Most of these companies want to know who your recruiter is and if he lied to you in any way once you get to their orientation.
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trips74 · Oct 11, 2008

Goodluck this might be late but ok for one thing ive got almost 10 years out here and starting it stinks low wages and not use too being away from home. If your paying for the school I would suggest schnieder vs werner , and yes I would prepare too live off of 30k average for the 1st year or 2. Also stick with 1st company as long as posible that will pay off in the end. Yes its tough but bills can still be paid. Honestly if he can find other work I would trucking is a great job but not for a family person,thats my honest opion but best of luck with his decisions.

WingRider · Oct 11, 2008

I agree with trips74. Im not sure of the ages of your kids, but having a family at home, and missing seeing/helping them grow up is priceless. I started driving in the 90's but quit after 2 years to be home with my kids. Now that they are grown and out on their own, Im back on the road. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Deannainlasvegas · Oct 12, 2008

I wanted to take a few minutes to thank you all again for your advice and wonderful support. He starts school on monday Oct 13th, school is paid for by unemployment to better his chances of getting a job, he is having such a hard time finding a job in his 2 trades right now that anything that is better then unemployment is worth taking a shot at in my opinion. He wants to do trucking and has always wanted to but it was our last resort if he couldnt find a job in his other two professions by the time school started. we realize now that they pay wont be great and we will have to struggle but it cant be any worse then what we are doing now and that is struggling down to the bare minimal and at least if he has a job or something he can work his way up on unemployment he can only go down you know what i mean? we also realize he will be away from home and after 23 yrs together it will be a challenge and more so since we have two small boys kyle is 4 and will be 5 in may and jayden is 2.5 and will be 3 in jan, so it will be extreemly hard for both of us but there comes a time when you have to do what you have to, to take care of your family and if that means he has to miss out on time with the boys and i have to take on more responsibilitys with the boys then it all is worth it to make sure they have a home and food and all the things they need because at the end of the day and every day, they will always have love from both of us...hubby will call everyday probably 50 times a day no kidding and if he isnt able to we will manage something im sure...im a picture taken freak so he will always have that as well...i just feel that no matter what happens we will get through it we just have to work together and take it day by day....now onto research for a good company lol..thats our next challenge

LucianTHX · Oct 12, 2008

I noticed you live in NV. I do as well but in the Nothern NV. Reno. I just signed on to this website today and I have been looking all thru these boards today......ALLDAY!!! Also I have been doing research now for approx. 3-4 weeks.The response you have been getting from members here are I feel to believe to hit the nail on the head on all aspects of the Driving world. You signing up for info on this site was the best thing to do. There is alot of members here that are true to there word, but as all things are some are not, so beware and use common sence. I too will be doing a career change do to my industry slowing down to halt. I'm 43 and going to do the final frontier. I am in the same boat as your husband with unemployment. They will pay for it......Just don't know if it's a 100% or 80 or what. But my life is alittle different, I am with no ties to hold me down so the sky is the limit for me. I haven't decided which starter Company to go with yet, or even do a starter, Dry Van, OTR or Entertainment hauls for Celebs. Any suggestions out there would be great!!!! I have a funny feeling I will have to start with a Driving mill. But hey I can dream can't I?

About 12 years ago I use to drive truck for a Beverage Co. In Idaho Class A CDL............. (A word to the wise!!!!!) Never surrender your CDL once you have one. They hold there weight in GOLD!!!! Regardless if you are using it or not, spend the extra money when renual comes around, I had to surrender mine when I moved from Idaho to Nevada, I fugured after 10+ years my carreer as a Design/Engineer of Audio Video was it and I didn't need it anymore......I WAS WRONG!!! I had my CDL from 1995-2007. Clean everything to this day on my record. Drug Free since birth as well.

Anyway...............Just wanted to wish you all the best in your family's adventure. Hope to hear more but your husbands quest.

Like my parents always taught me...........................Have an adventure.....................an experience of a lifetime.................and GET!!!PAID!!!
Good luck and welcome to the forum
LucianTHX

ChromeDome · Oct 12, 2008

I wanna haul for the celebs lol.
Or race cars, or trade shows lol.
I think it would be fun for a year or two.

WingRider · Oct 12, 2008

You sound alot like my wife. Very strong and supportive. We send text messages all day and my kids send picture texts of the grand kids, which is worth its weight in gold. I drive for Watkins/Shepard which is a great company, they have a terminal in Las Vegas as well. Where ever he lands, the best thing he can do to help save money is install an inverter in the truck, and then get a refrigerator and microwave. My wife cooks food for me and freezes it in single serving size baggies, then I put it in the freezer and just nuke one each day. Im very frugal and only spend about $10/week on the road.

Deannainlasvegas · Nov 16, 2008

i just wanted to update on this post...hubby finished school and got his CDL, but we decided to avoid werner at this time and he is in search for a in town job first and then if nothing else will apply for out of state jobs but will do everything possible to avoid those jobs that will cause nothing but grief..thanks to you all we learned alot other wise he would have just gone with werner and well it probably and most likely would not have been a good outcome from what we heard and read about them..gosh even the rep at our electric company told me a horror story about her hubby working for them .. so with that said, we are weeding out the bad and he is applying for the ones that are "decent" at least...thanks everyone again for all your help

noguns3 · May 20, 2010

If you and hubby can hang in there for the first 6 months, things will be fine. My advice to him is to be flexible with what he will do and to explore all options including small family owned companies. Personality goes a long way in this business. I had no experience, talked to many different small companies in my area and showed them personality and an ability to use common sense and a knack for doing things others didnt want to do and I got a foot in the door. I was trained by my dad, who was a driver for over 30 years. With all the crappy drivers out there today, he needs to show that is is not a cookie cutter driver, and has mechanical ability and will go over and above what others will do. I have never made less tha 42G per year and am currently making 78G and home every 5-8 days. Minneapolis to somewhere and reloaded right back to Minnesota. Get back to me via this board and I will try to help you as much as possible. Good Luck. I know its hard, but hang in there.

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