How Long Until I Make Full Pay?

Hey folks...

I got my CDL with all the endorsements last winter. I didn't go to a school for a certificate - I just took several private lessons from a school and took my road test. I worked a seasonal job since April that included 200+ hours running semi's locally. The season is coming to a close soon!

Like everyone else, I have financial responsibilities that need to be maintained.

I have two driving options: local or over the road.

If I drive locally, I will make "full pay" (x amount per hour or whatever) on day one. If I go to work over the road, I know I will have orientation, running with a trainer, etc.

The web sites from national companies are all over the map so if someone can 'generalize' this stuff, it would be most appreciated...

Step One - Orientation
How long is typical orientation and how much does one get paid, if at all?

Step Two - Training
I'm sure I will have to run with a trainer for a while. How long is this usually and how many miles per week and cents per mile is typical?

Step Three - Solo!
If my goal is to run 2,500+ miles per week at whatever best cents per mile rate I can negotiate, I'm sure there is a period where, as the new guy, I won't get the best miles per week or cents per mile. Can I expect many of my first weeks running solo to be under 1,000 miles? Under 1,500 miles? Also, once I go solo is the cents per mile rate the full rate or is there often a discounted rate for the first few months?

On a different note, are there any companies that are amenable to seasonal work? I'd love to be able to work over the winter into the spring over the road and then do my seasonal job again next year and return to the same otr carrier in the fall.

Thanks in advance for any input...

 

No surprise there... Go ahead and say it: "Insurance companies rule the world!"