Here is a question I asked myself. How much are you needing to make in order to make it a go with TMC? My answer was I needed to be able to take home at least $600 a week. But I was coming from making $847 every 2 weeks prior to TMC. Ive yet to make less than $800 net. From what I can tell, it really is what you put into it. If you've never driven flatbed, its going to be a little harder for you at first, but once you get used to the load securement, it will come easier. Ive noticed myself getting faster and more efficient at chains and straps. My second week solo I had a 44,000lbs steel coil, it took me about 1.5hour to chain and tarp it, The other day I had a 37,000lbs coil, I had it chained and tarped in about 45 minutes. So it really is based on how efficient you can be at making less trips, and having all your gear needed for the job.
Yes when got my cdl back in 1994 I started with a flatbed company hauling block for 4years, so I am familiar with strapping and throwing the straps etc. I think when I get started with it again I'll pick up on it pretty quickly. As far as asking myself that same question, now I get paid every other week and my gross is around 3000 and my net is 2100. That sounds great but what the biggest problem is the medical insurance. It's $210 every pay period. That's not included all the prescriptions,co pays and deductibles I have to pay for myself and my family. Then I think of the type of work I do is wearing me down, working 13-16 hour days with 20-26 stops per day is really getting to me. I know that the money is great and everything but keep thinking if I was to go on the road again, I may have a chance of doing better then I am know. I don't know now.
TMC insurance runs me 106 a week plus 10 for the catastrophic cancer coverage. You are grossing around 78k a year, and thats great money. It would be very tough to clear that with TMC. Its not unheard of, but youll have to have the best streak of luck starting out. TMC insurance is pretty #### good that much i can say. Their deductible is decent, and my copays are $20 &$40. Best thing I can tell you is to give them a call and see what they can do for you.
Yes I'll be doing probably 70k-75k this year. But that is because I'm working a lot of hours a week 65-70. As of late, I start at 6am work on the dock,load trailers usually just skids and 2-3 days a week I have to move between 2-400 tires from one trailer to another. Those days ***** suck if you know what I mean. Then after I load trailers I go out with a peddle run and get back between 7:30 -9:00 at night. It's just wearing me down, I'm not 25 years old I'm 41. Lol anyways I really appreciate you getting back to me bro Sounds like their is more drivers like yourself at TMC that are nice people. I definitely wouldn't mind working with drivers like yourself man. Thanx again. I did talk with Jami there in recruiting and wants me to proceed with my application. I will go ahead and call her back this Monday and take it from there. I'll let you know what happens from their. Thanx again man...
Ooida publication says only 10% of OTR drivers make more then $50000/year seems to me you need to know how much of a pay cut you can afford obviously fingerprinting every load as you do now pays more then most kinds of trucking after living on the 95 corridor most of my life (portsmouth nh to toms river nj) moving to green bay wi gave me a 25% raise just in cheaper living costs
You I was looking into North Carolina. My wife's brother lives near Charlotte and was looking into companies like Trimac. It's seems I could live like a king out their. So to speak anyways
I think it would depend on how much a pay cut you could take and if being away from home for a week and sometimes two weeks at a time would be a problem with family. Have you ever done OTR before? Its hard especially if you have kids. But some people live for the road and have families that are better suited to it. I think with TMC you can expect to realistically make $40k-$60k a year, closer to $40 I would think though, depends on lots of things. Is there another local gig you can find thats less physically demanding and less hours? Remember living on the road has its own extra costs associated with it and TMC is more than just throwing straps. I drive locally and except for throwing straps and winding them up its not much physical. Usually average 50 hours a week bringing home about $1k a week. I have a friend who has driven for a food distro company for a bout 20 years now and he was pulling down $80k a year but he paid for it since he's been on disability now for a year with two worn out knees from hoofing heavy hand carts up and down a ramp and he's only 45. So in my thinking I'd rather make less than a lot and wear out my body.
Youngblood, TMC has been looking for guys to run out of Buchanan, NY. They've been having a hard time keeping guys because in order to make money you gotta have some hustle in your bustle! They've tried a couple of newbies but it's hard for a new guy to break in and get that local driver mentality! If your location is correct you should be able to get home at least a couple of times a week. I know the guys that have been there a while and they seem to be doing okay. It's not a perfect deal but you won't be pedaling freight all day or humping on the dock! Disclaimer........I don't work for TMC but have worked out of and in that yard for 29 years so I know the work.About half NYC metro area and the rest NJ, Pa,Ct, Mass and upstate NY. JD
Have a TMC guy park every weekend at a local gas station (Goshen IN) He has a new truck but always has a trailer with a side kit. It's that a dedicated account?
