Hi all..does anyone know anything about NEI? They are one of a few that has a terminal near me and was thinking of trying to get in with them. Is it best to get with a company that has a terminal near you or does it not matter that much? Any help / info is much appreciated. Any other advice / info that you might have will also be much appreciated!!!
Everything depends on what it is that you're try to accomplish. If you want to be home every night, you'll need a different approach to the industry than if you're willing, and able, to stay on the road for 3-4 weeks. If you're willing to settle for a top wage of less than 50K per year, you have far more options than if you want to make 100K. Figure out what your priorities are and then ask questions pertinent to accomplishing your goals. BOL.
Being home that often doesn't matter a great deal. My kids are both in their 20's so they don't need "dad" as much anymore. Will a company with a terminal near you get you home more often? I've done quite a bit of research but some things I haven't been able to track down yet. Thanks for your help!!
Generally, yes. The ideal situation for a person who may not need to be home every night but would like to spend weekends with the family/wife/family pet, is a regional carrier with a terminal within acceptable driving distance.
It keeps things simple by living near a terminal. If they have a terminal there, then it's there for a reason. It's easier to get off the road and have a quick drive home and coming back to work is easier and more relaxed as well. You can run home for a ten hour break or maybe even just some dinner and a shower. The best reason is for truck service. You can wait at home while they PM or service the truck. You really don't want that truck parked somewhere out in the open anyways for security reasons. If it's on their property and you're at home it's not your problem. I've never driven for a company more than 50 miles from home and don't plan it.
Im im new to the industry. How would one to about making 100k a year? Is this possible without being an o/o? Just curious
Contrary to all the bragging your going to read on here o/o with one truck don't make that much more than company drivers if any more. I have done both and choose to be a company driver just because I don't want the headaches that come with your own authority and truck. to answer your question yes you can make that kind of money it all depends on the type of trucking your doing, who you work for, or for yourself and how long your willing to run. I ran my self ragged and was independent when I was younger so I wouldn't have to now. Now that I'm older I switched to being a company driver I get to be home more often and have relaxed runs with lax schedules. As someone else all ready said it depends on what is more important to you.
Most owner/operators don't make 100K, after expenses; some heavy haulers may. Generally, the most lucrative work for an o/o is as a household goods mover or hauling specialized automobiles. Many o/os involved in this type of work exceed 100K, after expenses. View attachment 52438 For a company driver, oilfield work pays well though maybe not 100K. Unionized auto haulers do quite nicely, as well. Realistically, for 100K, you'll probably need to be an o/o.
Just remember with every gain there is a sacrifice. It all depends on what you are willing to give up.
