New driver needs advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by patriotusa17, Apr 23, 2016.

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  1. Apr 23, 2016 #1
    patriotusa17

    patriotusa17 Bobtail Member

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    So I'm wondering if I'm complaining about nothing or if I have a legitimate complaint. I've been with CT Transportation flatbed for 6 weeks solo now. I'm on a semi-dedicated route, so far staying in Virginia and Maryland. But the pay is per load, based on mileage, $75 for under 50, and like $150 for 100 plus I believe, not exactly sure. Anyhow, the best I can do is 6 loads in a week, over 50 miles. And that's given me $700 for the week. They said I would be home every weekend, except this weekend I could only drive as far as my terminal and my wife had to drive an hour to get me. They will pay .22 cents per mile for my POV. And I'm only home for a day and a half, have to leave early in order to start my week right. Is this how all newbies have to start out?

    If I was on mileage pay, I could have gotten an extra cent or two for my military experience but they don't have anything for the dedicated routes. The funny thing is, their Baltimore terminal drivers are home every night and get the same pay. But I am gone Sunday afternoon-night thru Friday afternoon-night. Do I just need to suck it up for my first year or what?
     
    patriotusa17, Apr 23, 2016
    patriotusa17, Apr 23, 2016
    #1
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  3. Apr 23, 2016 #2
    w.h.o

    w.h.o Road Train Member

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    It's because you're regional. I hated doing regional for that reason, Monday thru Friday but Friday I might not make it back in time and have to work a few hours sat to get home.

    I'm Otr and my last 3 home time I been getting 4 whole days off. My 4th home time was 3 whole days.

    I rather have quality home time than weekly hometime.
     
    w.h.o, Apr 23, 2016
    w.h.o, Apr 23, 2016
    #2
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  4. Apr 23, 2016 #3
    Alaska76

    Alaska76 Road Train Member

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    Get a local job, problem solved, plus paid by the hour. If you cannot do it, ask the wife to submit applications for you while you are on the road, you may get a pleasant surprise and land a more desirable position.
     
    Alaska76, Apr 23, 2016
    Alaska76, Apr 23, 2016
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  5. Apr 23, 2016 #4
    ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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    When I 1st scanned the post I thought "700$ starting to be home daily isn't too bad", then I realized you're regional. You can make 700$ a week in a lot of other occupations that get you home daily... Or if you want to drive- expect at least 1000/week running regional flatbed. The money is there, I wouldn't run dry van for 700/week.
     
    ExOTR, Apr 23, 2016
    ExOTR, Apr 23, 2016
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  7. Apr 23, 2016 #5
    jldilley

    jldilley Medium Load Member

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    Indianapolis, In
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    That's right, especially with military experience. It's true that in many cases, if not most, you will need around a year of experience, and usually that is OTR experience. But I was surprised when an aquaintance of mine landed a home daily and weekends position with Old Dominion. Definitely have your wife fill out some applications for you. There seems to be a reasonable chance of landing a good local position.
     
    jldilley, Apr 23, 2016
    jldilley, Apr 23, 2016
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  8. Apr 23, 2016 #6
    Pepper24

    Pepper24 Road Train Member

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    I would try hard to get the year in keep nose clean. A lot more better jobs open up with the full year. Better options . You don't want to start job jumping
     
    Pepper24, Apr 23, 2016
    Pepper24, Apr 23, 2016
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  9. Apr 23, 2016 #7
    patriotusa17

    patriotusa17 Bobtail Member

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    Even as a new driver?
     
    patriotusa17, Apr 23, 2016
    patriotusa17, Apr 23, 2016
    #7
  10. Apr 23, 2016 #8
    thelushlarry

    thelushlarry Road Train Member

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    Real truckers are always complaining about something!:cool:
     
    thelushlarry, Apr 23, 2016
    thelushlarry, Apr 23, 2016
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  11. Apr 23, 2016 #9
    Pepper24

    Pepper24 Road Train Member

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    If it was so making all that big money we wouldn't be on here on a sat eve we b out spending it . You have 6 weeks exp. get your year. A lot better will come. Everything done in do order.all jobs are what you make of it you just started. There is probably more money where your at it just takes time
     
    Pepper24, Apr 23, 2016
    Pepper24, Apr 23, 2016
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  12. Apr 23, 2016 #10
    Pepper24

    Pepper24 Road Train Member

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    Is 700 gross r bring home
     
    Pepper24, Apr 23, 2016
    Pepper24, Apr 23, 2016
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