Need experience to go with new CDL

Can I get my first year of experience by teaming up with an O/O and letting him pay me a company rate. I figure that will give him a pretty big boost in his check and still allow me to get the time I need under my belt. Don't really want to go to truck school and I'm certainly not signing a year long contract with a company so they can train me.

 

Thanks Big John. Not expecting a different answer, just hoping to actually get an answer. I didn't realize there was such a long delay between posting something and it actually appearing on the board. I tried to send you a private message based on your knowledge from the other post. I've seen O/O teams making 54CPM and figured there might be someone willing to make a deal. I understand all that you've said about wear and tear and certainly understand the issue of trust and not sleeping while a rookie drives your expensive rig. I believe that issue would not last long though as I am sure with training/experience I would prove myself. Regardless, I think it is probably best to get trained from someone who actually knows how to train, not just how to drive.

Thanks again.

 

Thanks chompi. BTW, the team pay mentioned above was company. I have seen long haul O/O team pay well over $1/mile.

 

Right, that was my point. If he's pulling in $2 per mile and paying me 30-35 CPM, the extra $1.70 PM I drive should cover any additional costs. Even at 120,000 that's over $200K. Let's say the O/O has to pay $3K/mth too insure me. If he wants to offer me hlth insurance, let's add another $15K (high). Then, let's say he spends $1K per mth on maintenance and I add 20% to that. That all totals about $55K. If he pays me 35 CPM that comes out to $42K for the same 120K miles.

All in all, I get a decent paycheck for my first year while learning from an experienced O/O who is truly invested in my success (i.e. teaching me how to take care of a truck and work hard/fast); the O/O gets WELL over $100K extra that year. Even if the pay is $1.50/mile and he pays me 35 CPM AND I only drive 100K miles it still work out to an extra $73K/yr.

Mathematically it works out well for everyone. I do understand the risks involved on both sides however. If I break his truck he loses more than that and if he changes his mind and fires me I lose everything too. Some people like a little calculated risk. Others just like to play it safe. I understand both sides.

Again, I know virtually nothing about this industry. However, I do understand that miles=money and your rig is your paycheck.

 

I already have the preemplyment screening because I am a school bus driver. Fed prints, urinalysis, med card and all that. If there is anything else needed then I foot the bill. Again, just an idea. It already seems clear to me that even if there was a risk of profit most O/Os would not take the chance. Best option for me...truck school.