how do driver make $$ iffff

I'ts amazing to me some of the stupid responces people get on here for legit questions. First of all, don't run two log books, if you get caught, all that money you made unloading goes to retirement fund for that state. Secondly, believe it or not, you have the power to say no. If your company isn't paying you at least what the parasite lumpers are charging don't do it. Plain and simple. When i first started I thought " hell, if i can work for 2 hours and make a hundred bucks, that's 50 an hour, wooohooo" but in hindsight, what would of happen if i would of drove tired and fell asleep at the wheel. It's not worth it , just pay the parasites cause their in bed with the people that your delivering to so you don't pay you have time limit to get it done and a pallet jack, pay them you get out sooner and get your rest. You make your money in trucking industry driving the truck,not loading or unloading it. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

Flatbedders always have live load and unload. They don't get paid for securement, but they do get paid for tarping. Dry van is best bet for drop and hitch.

 

i don't see how a rookie. who's been trained and ONLY running on a qualcomm. is going to run 2 log books. LOL.

 

I haven't heard much about it, but from what I understand, EVERYONE (companies involved in interstate travel at least) will be using electronic logs by next year. If theres a way to cheat on those, I'd love to hear it, lol.

 

late to what appointment? if loading takes forever, QUALCOMM your dispatcher your new eta based on a 600 mile day (400-500 in winter). and if your day is 1/2 gone already, base the day on 300 miles. let the planners adjust the appt time based on when YOU will get it there safely. Drivers would be much happier if they realize their best friend is the QUALCOMM.

 

We have drop and hook as well.

Most of us get paid by the load, not by the mile, so securment is figure into what we get paid. We do on average get paid more for compels loads that take more securment. I average .53/mile, but that pays me to secure as well and we don't run as many miles.

 

First, depending on your company policies, make sure you logged your "Arrived at shipper" or "Arrived at destination" as soon as you got there. Make sure that if your company compensates you for any shipper/receiver delays you will then be compensated for that time. Some trucking companies will require that you get the name and phone number of the person at the shipper/receiver that said you would be delayed and the reason for the delay.

Beyond that, when you started your pretrip inspection you started burning your 14 hour clock. If your dispatch noted a standard 2 hour load (for example) and you are 7 hours getting loaded, then just notify your dispatcher that your are late for the destination because of the shipper delay.

Many times I've talked with drivers that are harried because they just don't understand the common sense principle of communication with their dispatcher. Let the dispatcher know your situation and they can adjust the delivery schedule. Simple and easy.

Regarding the aspect of "making money" if you are delayed at a shipper or receiver, the short answer is you don't, unless your company compensates you well for delays. Most companies have meager compensation for delays, the meat and potatoes is always in the miles you run. It is simply a fact of life in trucking.

You can also earn "brownie points" by pointing out to your dispatcher you had a delay at shipper or receiver "X", and see if you can get a sweet dispatch in the future as compensation. Basic common sense in regards to good communication with your dispatcher is a must for any trucker that wants to make money. Don't be a whiner or angry complainer, just let them know that you did them a favor with your good behavior on that difficult load and you expect to have a favor returned.

 

Run two qualcoms!

Mikeeee

 

Well, if a trailer is already loaded up we still have to check/do all the securements right? Have you ever picked up a trailer that was loaded, secured, and tarped properly? I know I haven't. Thanks for shedding light on the way most flatbedders get paid. I've always been paid cpm. Maybe with some more experience I'll do better.