How does UPS Freight keep drivers???

Hey, driver here.

I go in for a city driver interview this week. I read the UPS Freight master contract, read the arguments here... Look, I understand you "work your way up" but I got bills to pay, and overtime, at least from what I understand, is not guaranteed at a place like UPS w/ OT after 40.

Here in the Northeast region, could I expect to bring in AT LEAST 1100$/week gross (before taxes, etc) as a tractor-trailer driver during my first year? I am considering several options, but really need to hit 55k my first year.

Are they stingy on OT? Is it a 50 hour week? Or more like a 60? I *really* am done w/ maxing out my 70 like I did otr... 10 or 12 hours and I'm going home for the day, sayonara suckers! I need time to eat, shower, sleep. That's why I'm coming local. I got laid off my OTR job because Landstarve treats small fleets like crap, and I'm done w/ living out of my truck!

On the other hand, 8 hours at what the master freight contract seems to say will NOT pay the bills! A 10-12hour workday is a must if I'd be getting 17 bucks my first year...

But that brutal 1st two years progression, coupled w/ the fact that legally full-time means only 40 hours guaranteed, puts me off.

Any input?

P.S. Us millennials are as lazy as management is greedy. So I'm sure there is a nice, traditional "compromise" somewhere in the middle that'll be sure and leave everyone unhappy!

 

Only person who can make the decision is you in regards to finances. You'll be able to gauge in the interview whether its for you or not.

Bigger the terminal the more likely you are to work. One of the pros i can see at freight is being able to use the 70/8 hr clock if there is that much work available. More chance for OT.
If your near a terminal try to flag a driver down to see if they may have the answers you seek.

 

This is a really good response. Every terminal is different, so talking to the local guys will get you more definitive answers.

 

At my terminal guys are working the dock at the red circle rate if they don't get out for the day. 37.60 an hour I believe.

 

Too busy---will respond in greater detail when there is time. This should tell you something.....

 

dude l talk to a driver for fedex freight driver and hes been local p&d for 35 years and said hell never enjoy his pension or retirement cause he'll probably pass because he doesn't have to work anymore.....this dude was a serious vet man hes name was on the side of the truck and everything. working 60 hours a week ....

 

Some people just like to work.

 

Will respond to #131 when i'm able. Very tired----that should tell you something.......

 

P.S.
i had to use 16 big day extension AND P.C. just to make it home one day last week.........


i'm having the S#$%t run out of me, and i'm enjoying it.

 

You COULD make 55K/ 1100 per week. This is all dependent on timing/terminal/positioning.

One good thing about upsf is that once you get hired, it is fairly straightforward and "easy" to pretty much transfer anywhere; That way you just follow the money.

So, you need to list your mortgage or rent. How many car payments you have. And how many shorties you got?