Questions for newbie

Im confused it looks like its a little over two hours on my map? Looks like about half hour from charlotte.

If it would really take you five hours to go 150 miles, you might want to re-think trucking.

 

The number of miles you can drive largely depends on the type of freight you carry, the carrier and your equipment.
Virtually all new drivers that go with a 'training' company (Swift, Schneider, Crete, Stevens, Central...to name a few) will be hauling either dry van or refer. This is where most people start.
When hauling refer, there are lot's of delays for loading, unloading. Dry van tends to have more delays in getting dispatched. (just my experience)
But for starting out, especially if you're with a training company, you'll likely be governed and you can expect to average between 2100 and 2800 miles per week your first 6 months.
Some do better, some do worse, but that's probably a pretty good average to figure.
After you gain experience and a track record, you may move to a company with trucks governed at higher speeds or just plain ungoverned.
You will pick up your average weekly miles due to speed and the carrier.
As for first year earnings? I'd guess $35-$40. could be higher, but could be less.
Spend some time investigating the carriers you are interested in. Don't go by just this board. Go on down to your local truck stop and speak with drivers. They'll give you the best insight.
Good luck.

 

Legally you can do 4000 a week sometime more...I've never run more then 3500 in a week but I know drivers who do it regularly..The most I've done in one day was 710miles.

Your first year Expect to GROSS $25,000 to $40,000 It all depends on who you go to work for and how hard you run....


The best way to find a company is look around on this website for names, then go to there company website and if they sound like something your interested in, then come back here read all you can about them, then if still intertested call a recruiter and go from there...

This is what I asked:

1. Average miles per week
2. Pay Scale
3. asked if they allow inverters and if they have APU's

Thats what was important to me, you'll probably have other things that are more important to you...




American Trucker

 

American Trucker,

You must never wait anywhere? What do you and your buddy do......repower and drop lots all week? That’s the only way you would have the available hours to legally drive that many hours. I'm not saying can't be done, but all the stars must be in alignment. I can only assume you’re not on electronic logs.

 

A.t is very proactive for himself and that is why he gets good miles. You have to stay on top of your logs and loads so that you can stack up pre-plans. If you don't richard around and run straight with your load you will get there early most of the time. If you get there early enough the company usually has you drop the trailer in a drop yard for someone to deliver when its time. Some drivers do creative logging which lets you run when there's miles and rest when you get held up. Not that this is what he is doing. Just another little trick. Also A.T. is exceptional for a newbie. I am sure he will be doing over 4000 a week with a little more experience.

 

Your correct I use a Coloring Book!

And no I do unload and load allot, BUT my average length of haul is 1400 miles Sooo I have days where I wake up at a TS and drive 11 straight hours to another TS foot to the floor all day....Thats where I get my Big mile days and weeks. Most if not all the guys at Watkins Shepard are the same....mileage wise


My Loads are between 700 and 2500 miles, if I did allot of short runs I wouldnt be able to runs these kinds of miles though...




American Trucker

 

Thank you, your too kind!




American Trucker

 

Chompi,

Exactly like I stated above, with the exception of him being a prodigy trucker

 

OMG that is to funny!!! I will be or plan to be back down there for Bike Week in 2 months.

 

Hopefully it will be warmer by then!