Questions about being on the road

Per diem is for daily food expenses.

 

OK,passingtrucker,you just confused roughly 46% of them and the rest are wondering where you got the math from.Me,myself I understand where you're coming form,but to break it down to basic world wide everyday equations- OTR drivers get screwed unless they work for the right companies.$900 a week gross is about right,for a company driver I think,Don't know,O/O.But these big companies don't and will never pay what a OTR driver is worth as long as they have newbies to fill the shoes of those who quit.All I can say is ,get your time in with a big company then find the right small company to fit your needs.Not everyone finds that,but some are luckey enough to do just that.

 

They have truck versions. That is what I run. Garmin copilot.

 

GPS works great for interstates, toll roads, other limited-access highways and what-not; it's when you get down to state, county and surface street level that you can really run into problems with low-clearance and low weight bridges, restricted routes and the like.

For Illinois, and most especially for Chicago, the following website is exceptionally valuable (assuming admin allows it to be posted):

www.gettingaroundillinois.com

 

I've never used a gps for the truck,so I can't say how good they are,but I was curious about if they had certain things like low-clearence programmed. I my self pretty much know how to get just about everywhere I need to be,and if I don't,my dad,a 47 yr. veteran is still driving. We talk on a daily basis so if I have anything I need help with I can ask him. Believe me,after seven years I'm learning something new everyday.I always felt that if you know it all,go home,you're dangerous!!!!

 

All the algebra aside, when I was driving I was making about $700 a WEEK. Now, I'm working in a warehouse for close to $10 an hour, and I make about $700 every TWO WEEKS, if I'm lucky enough to get a little overtime.

On the road I can do the same stuff I do at home in my off time - watch tv, walk the dog, goof around online, and sleep, but on the road there's a hell of a lot less housework to do.

Right now I'm endlessly packing shoes into cartons and putting them on a conveyor belt - hour after hour, day after day.

I'd much rather be out there on the road with all it's attendant headaches than dying slowly of monotony. And I'll be making twice as much money to boot.

Don't let all the complaining discourage you from getting out there. If it was as bad as folks are making it out to be then no one would be willing to do it.

 

Wow, seems like youv'e never heard of walmart? Lots of good stuff to eat in there. I think it's nice to meet lots of people and make friends out here. Not a crappy job to me. D.O.T. gets none of my money because I keep everything ship-shape. I work my hours to always get into a truck stop early and if you believe anything a recruiter tell you then????

 

Companies usually underpay per diem because they will be fined heavily if they overpay it . Figure your per diem for every eligible day . On the tax form it will ask for per diem deduction . Enter the full amount . It then asks if you have been compensated for this deduction . Enter the amount of company per diem paid . If the company paid less you can deduct the balance . This is one reason you should have your taxes prepared by a CPA or enrolled agent . Their knowledge is well worth the fee .

 

I have a Garmin 550. It'll run me into low bridges on purpose, I think. I plan my routes with the qualcom directions, and the road atlas. I like the gps for showing me what street I'm coming up to when I'm near a new customer. Before the gps I practically had to stop and read the small street name on the sign across the highway behind the bushes at 2:00 in the morning.

 

1) Get an inverter that puts out enough watts to run a microwave, a microwave, and a 12 volt cooler. You'll save on buying meals.

2) Fuel cards are supplied.

3) When I'm doing a load that is paid mileage, it's shortest route though PC miler. Otherwise it's % of the load. Every company is a bit different.

4) I use MS streets and tips, but always call ahead. Someone already mention that most GPS software is for cars, and following it blindly will get you into all kinds of trouble.