Pay for new drivers?

I think GFS for Chain Drivers in Atlanta was a minimum of $1200 a week. Springfield is a well well established division point in the GFS system it is a major major hub of major operational activity it's pretty much a flagship super center of major activity.

So there's no shortage of work there I would think you would be $1200 a week if not more. Sales service is good too, if they have an opening that can be over $1200 a week.

 

Those numbers are a little more realistic for a driver that has some experience.
Even with the experience, however; those numbers will greatly vary especially with companies that do a lot of drop and hook.
With drop and hook you'll rarely run a long load. Most will only average around 400 miles before you drop the trailer.
With no experience. 33-.35 is about average. After benefits, taxes, cost of living on the road, you'll be lucky to take home between 400 - 500.

 

Pay is for the most part determined by how many miles you drive and what it is that your hauling on those miles. For instance, the company may offer a base of 33 cents per mile, but may pay up to 40 cents for a load that contains hazmat. And theres different scenerios. Also, you generally drive 6 days a week; Mon-Fri, park up Friday night do a 34hr reset Saturday, then drive a full day Sunday...so 6 days driving.

1. Know that recruiters lie. Their job is to get you in the door and they'll say whatever they can to convince you.
2. For flatbed the bare minimum should be 40 cents per mile (this included bounce miles when your empty + loaded miles when you loaded. How much do they pay for tarping. Do they pay extra for hazmat or overdementional loads? With flatbed plan on driving up to 2500 miles Mon-Fri if you go home on the weekends. 3150 miles per week if you dont go home. Some flatbed companies pay percent which will usually get you a bigger paycheck versus miles only because percent is based on performance, and if you perform well (good fuel mileage, low out of route) youll see it in your paycheck.
3. For non-flatbed, I wouldnt go with anyone that paid less than .35 ***assuming you drive at least 550 miles per day. Some math: 550 X .33 = 192.5 per day. Times 6 day week = $1155. Times 52 weeks in a year = $60060. *** When you calculate miles driven per week you can assume ***on average at least 550 miles per day. And you drive 6 days per week...if you stay out. If you got a company that offers home every weekend, you'll obviously drive less per week and take home less.
3. Per Diem: This is a big one! If the company claims per diem for you...dont go with them. Per Diem is for the driver, not the company but a lot of companies claim the drivers per diem for themselves so that they pay less tax at the expense of the drivers gross income. This is something which just gets under my skin. Heres a good video that explains per diem:



Ultimately theres so many variables and factors that go into calculating driver pay, but in my opinion an OTR driver should not settle for less than 60K per year. I do flatbed and 1st year drivers at my company can make 60k and more if they stay out on the road, and so I use this fact to compare to how much other drivers from other companies should make. Hope this helps.

 

Alos remember, when the company pays you per diem, they are paying less on your behalf to Social Security and Workman's Comp. You should adjust your withholding on what the IRS deducts every pay period and pocket the $$$$ upfront, that will offset the per diem issue of getting the money now instead of waiting.

 

The per dorm video was Great. Thanks

 

Diem