Real first year earnings ? from a noob

As to your first question, that annual income is remotely possible. It is also highly unlikely. To make that kind of money, you would literally have to live on the road in your truck for your entire first year. That being said, you've got to realize how incredibly difficult it is to do this. I've been driving for over 3 years now and the longest I've stayed out is my current stint of 8 weeks. Basically, it will burn you out, as I'm burned out right now and in desperate need of some quality time off (meaning more than just a 34 hr reset somewhere). If you're headstrong enough, you might just be able to manage to stay out longer. And, as I'm sure you've read, the more you're on the road, the more money you'll make.

In regards to your second question, I don't think you'll have any problems getting your CDL or a job with the driving record you revealed. Mine was slightly worse (in certain aspects) than yours when I first started and I had no problem at all getting on with PAM Transport.

Best of luck to you and hope to see u out here soon.

 

I just finished my first year.
Drove 143,000 miles and made 56,600. I was home every weekend and usually once during the week. I am the exception, not the average.

What I did:
I called around before I went to school and found someone who said he would like to talk to me after I was licensed. I told him my personal minimum wage was 50K and that I would work for it. Without exception, everone I talked to was friendly and helpful even if they could not hire me.
Do not go to work for a freight company. Try to find a manufacturer who will consider taking you right out of school.
5900 sounds high for school. I would think 35-3800 should cover it. Even less at the community college

 

Blue: You're record is almost identical to mine, including the "other driver ran a red light" no-fault accident! I got hired by Schneider and start their training in a week. I'll be salaried at $37,900, home two days a week.

 

Salaried, how you work that.

 

Your schooling does sound pricey . My local Tech school here in Wa state is less than $3600 plus lic fees from the state (some where around 4k total with lic fees). This school is 22 weeks with early exit. <eaning you can go early if you have finished and feel good about driving. The more hours you spend driving and the better trained your are the better off you will be. I forget how many hrs it is but I will find out and post . Good luck :smt023

 

You will almost never make that your first year. But then again it's your FIRST year, you shouldn't make it. No offense but just out of driving school there is still 95% of the job to learn. they just get you a license, they don't really teach you to be a truck driver. When I learned to drive 12 years ago my father taught me. He made me drive for a year and a half before he'd let me take the truck on a trip alone. and for good reason.
I'm making about $60k now and basicly am toped out in the industry. I'v been looking for a new job lately and can't find anything that comes close to the deal I have now.

Good luck

 

MM, you got a bunch of fine training. I'm betting that kind of training couldn't even be bought.
It does seem that about 60K is top pay; aftter that you just look around and find the outfit you want to drive for. Some of our guys make a little more than that, but not much.........

I'm older than you. You didn't ask, it's not the subject, but please allow me to whisper something in your ear.
START SAVING YOUR MONEY NOW! PUT IT INTO A 401K, A MUTUAL FUND, THE BANK, OR A JAR IN THE BACKYARD, BUT SAVE SOME OF YOUR MONEY!!!!!

 

alright i been driving a little over 2 years first year i made crap around 30k second year i took off made around 48k