is 350 a week normal?

Have a friend who just left them after 18 mos. (going back to work for UAL), I know he was making about $800 to 900 per week after taxes for part of the year. But as others have said, it's also getting into a slow time of the year.

 

Normally I would say go where the grass is greener. But when you have less than 6 months experience, nobody wants you other than an identical company.

When you make a move, make a positive one. Sidewards or backwards can cost more.

 

Stick it out for 6 months if you can and save your money on those worthless GPS and invest in a good laminated truck map and "the next exit" book. Those GPS aren't worth a darn and you have to double check the gps to the map anyhow even with the "truckers gps". Goodluck to you.

 

I've been with my BFI company for almost 6 months and I take home on average about $350/week. I will be able to stick it out for my year then I will be looking to drive for a company that does not need to advertise for drivers. Going from one bottom feeder to another is not going to solve your problem. Get your experience and look around. I try to spend time talking to old head drivers getting company names and references collecting business cards. I keep track of the ones I think I'll like so when the time comes I have a list of places to call.

EDIT: also keeping on road costs down can be an art. I eat at a truckstop about once a week. I keep cold cuts in my electric cooler as well as PBJ. Cans of ravioli, soup, fruit, etc. When I need to resupply I can usually find a wal mart and for less than $100 I can resupply for 2 weeks. Don't forget ramen noodle cups. For food I have my 12v cooler, lunchbox cooker, and a water heater for the ramen. If you are lucky and have an apu a small microwave increases your choices a lot. I get about a dozen lunchbox cooker liners a month at wal-mart and a roll of heavy duty tinfoil And I'm good all month. I also carry enough clothes for a month. If you were in the military you know how to roll your clothes and get an amazing amount of stuff in a duffel bag. As for showers, ask other drivers. At any one time I usually have 5-7 showers on my pilot/flying j card. I am happy to give them to drivers that need a shower as they will expire before I could use them all.

Good luck driver and stay safe

 

350 a week is pretty normal for all the BFI carriers.

 

Yeah , it's ironic all these wannbes that are too good to work for $8 an hour 40 hours a week at other jobs will pay thousands of dollars for the opportunity to be away from home weeks at a time for less money .

 

So if it's the average for BFI might as well stick it out bro

 

Hold up. Are you saying I won't get rich from driving a truck?

 

Lol! The name of the game in trucking is to stay with your training company for at least a year. After that, doors open for you. The more experience you have without tickets is how your pay will be based. CSA is no joke. Take it or leave it.

 

Last I checked $320/week before deductions is less than $350/week after deductions. Is this that new math they talk about.

How much advancement does that $8/hour job have? Eventually you might work your way up to manager at Krispy Kreme? No thanks. I'd rather have the chance to become and owner if I so choose and work for myself. Everyone has to start at the bottom. Starting at the bottom builds character and makes you appreciate what you can get after some hard work.