Starting out, what is the pay really like?

I've had my reservations about starting a career in the trucking industry, some of which has been put at ease through reading about others experiences here on the forums. However, regarding pay, things haven't been laid out as clear. I have to be able to support my family while out on the road, otherwise what's the point? My wife and I currently pull in about 34k-35k yearly between the both of us. We live modestly but my children have all their needs met, we have a roof over our heads, and we rarely are without. In order to support my family I'll need to make at very least $450 a week take home(after taxes). What can I realistically expect, regarding pay, in my first six months with CR?

 

$550 after taxes? That's something we can work with. I understand that with experience comes higher wage, it's the same for every profession, and starting out we all have pay their dues. As far me being away from home goes, I decided a little over a month ago to pursue a job as an OTR truck driver and I've been discussing it at length with my wife. She's come to terms with it, doesn't necessarily like it, but she understands that there's a real potential to allow me to earn a decent living. I keep telling her things like don't expect me home for holidays, birthdays, etc etc, and it's sinking in. I know it's going to put some strain on our relationship but as long as I can financially provide for my family, everything will work out for us in the end. She'll get to be a stay at home mom, which is something I currently am not able to provide for her. $550 huh, okay, I'm going to contact CR today, get a start date for classes.

One other quick question. When I was young man I got several speeding tickets, and even had my license suspended for failure to appear. The tickets are over ten years ago, the suspension was cleared in 2004. I've only had 2 fix-it tickets since, could these old tickets cause an issue with attempting to obtain my CDL? How far back does CR look into your driving history?

 

Food has been a concern of mine, but I'm currently preparing for the worst by stocking up on canned/dry foods. Although I've not yet figured out how routing yourself to a Walmart to pick up supplies works, I know other drivers manage to, so I'm sure I'll figure it out when I get out with a trainer. In any case I'm planning on eating no better then college student, Ramen and Canned goods for me. I'm so much more concerned about my wife and children having a roof over their heads and good food in their bellies. I believe my children will still qualify for our current insurance policy, but I'll defiantly look into what CR offers.

Well, I finally got hold of the recruiter and I'm filling out the additional forms now. I'm hoping that nothing in my past will prevent me from moving forward, the recruiter didn't seem to think so. Looks as if the hiring/schooling is year round so I'll be shooting for start date in early December since my wife's employer requires a month notice in advance to fill her position.

 

I was under the impression that CR England and Central Refrigerated were entirely different companies. Anyone care to shed some light upon this?

Oh and by the way, thank you for the high praise of my writing skills. I'm actually a high school drop out who has spent more time as a laborer humping and hauling gear for better paid workers then myself than I'd ever care to admit. I was never was able to breakout on my own and acquire the skills necessary to move up in a trade. This was mostly due to unfortunate living conditions. In any case take what you out of this. I'm not add campaign, I am a real person, and I'm currently pursuing employment through Central Refrigerated. If you think i"m making a huge mistake, please continue to tell me why?