Started w/ C-1 (Ft Wayne) on 9/13/10

I have earned $8100, that's thru the end of the first qtr this year. You have to consider that the first few months you will be earning the entry level wages and your opportunities will be limited until you prove yourself. The penny raises you get over time don't seem like much, but they add up. Consider also your outta pocket expenses, which can add up. Its rough the first couple of months but gets better pretty quick.

 

My first month on the road my FM told me that in 3 months time I would be in my grove and hints would be fine. He was right. Does things get messed up from time to time? You bet. Just roll with it and help fix the proble, don't add to it. Just last week, grocery store load going to Pittsburgh area, 3 stops, 47k of Campbell's soups/juice. Driver was to unload. (paid of course ) All 3 stops were firm and could not be changed. I arrived 2 hrs early to the first stop only to find the truck was loaded in reverse. That's to say the first stop (5 pallets ) was in the front of the truck. 47k of liquid is a bunch. I unloaded the whole truck with an electric pallet jack, sorted it and made the deliveries. All on time I might add. Was I mad? Madder than he**! However, was that USA's fault? I find lots of drivers here blame USA for circumstances that have nothing to do with USA. Bad mistake in my view.

Besides, it was a good workout AND I got paid 5 hrs, for the two extra stops and the miles. All told it was an extra $221.00 for about 6 hrs.

 

Just sharing my story. USA says "experience USA". Hoping to share my experience to help someone make an informed decision. Good luck!

 

I did some calculations and at the end of May my YTD miles per week are 2178. Up 5% from last months number. 11689 miles for the mint of May. That includes 4 days home and (2) 34 hour restarts.

 

So we had a mandatory safety meeting we needed to attend, as we were near a terminal and had some time. They gave us a window of days to show up. I chose West Memphis because I was close and the safety guy there is pretty good. Quick meeting, no problems.

I am having my truck serviced and I spent some time in the drivers lounge, against my better judgement, amazing. The drivers in the terminal are called terminal "rats" for a reason. Negative bunch of people. Its surprising they keep their jobs with the way the conduct themselves. And don't get me started on hygiene. Nasty, nasty dudes. My adivce, steer clear of the terminals at all costs. If you have to go, stay away from the negative rats.