Just in case I decide to get greedy, how do I.....

You're right, ONGB. It's always the steering wheel's fault.

To answer your original question, I've always said the more specialized the freight, the more it pays. I haul bulk industrial raw materials and I'm home every day 90% of the time. I'm making just as much per week as I did at my best paying OTR job, which was with KLLM. When I was there, I was never home. In 4 months, I was home twice. I even worked through Christmas and New Years because KLLM offered a $500 bonus to do so. Now I average between $800 & $1000 per week bring home and I actually get to see home. Plus I don't have all those OTR expenses which means I'm actually banking more coin.

In short do what you can to get your experience, but as soon as you can get into some kind of specialized freight. Tankers (liquid, gas, or pneumatic), flatbed, OS/OD, car hauling (maybe not the best time for that right now), or even hauling for the entertainment industry is where you'll likely find the best balance of income and quality of life.

 

Oldnewbie if your interested in flatbed I can send you a lead. Most of the
work is along the Gulf Coast but we do have stuff that goes to all 48. Usually
pickup go deliver then head back home to wait on next dispatch, so most
nights you would be home in your own bed. This company is all O/O and
some hire drivers to drive a truck for them. I been doing this since I got my
CDL 3 years ago and average anywhere from $500 to $1800 a wk. If your
interested let me know.

 

Coooooooolllllll !!!!

Good Luck Oldnew !!!!!!!!!!!

 

Aww shucks....t'weren nuttin

 

I just gotta say that of all the new folks I've seen come and go on this board, none of them have ever had the gall to ask as many intelligent, thought out and at times entertaining posts as you Oldnew.