Want to drive Class B, Pros and Cons

Thought I would respond since I too am from the Twin cities and I drive Class B with a class A license. I finished class A training about a year ago, and do plan to drive class A eventually because I have a itch to see what it is all about. For now I service portable toilets driving a class B tanker pump truck. The thing is, I make as much if not more than I would driving OTR A for a first year driver. As a service driver I am paid a hourly rate plus overtime at time and a half. I get lots of overtime, which makes all the difference as compared to milege pay for OTR.

 

I have a class A and I drive class B in the twin cities. For me, the main reason is that without class A experience, I make more money than I would as a inexperienced class A driver. The thing is, for what I do as a service driver (tanker pump truck servicing portable restrooms), I get lots of overtime at time and a half after 40 hours, just like a real job. As I'm sure you know, most Class A jobs pay per mile, and at least for a new driver, if you do the math to compare to a hourly job with overtime you can come out better driving class B. And of course for my job there is the presteige factor as long as your sense of smell is not to good. There are some class B jobs that pay a flat salary or otherwise get around paying overtime. So look for service driver jobs that are more likely to pay overtime.

 

Wow I never knew driving a honey wagon was prestigious...I'm gonna run out tomorrow morning and find myself one to drive, steal it if I have to...

 

Yeah, and it's a real chick magnet too. Hey cutie, check out my ride! wanna go crusing?

 

If you can find a local straight truck job, I would think the one pro would be being covered under labor laws as you are an hourly employee. One should be able to figure if it is enough to pay their bills if the co. is offering a regular amount of hours versus being paid by the mile in the current economy.

 

Not necessarily . If the company is involved in interstate commerce at all the drivers are exempt from some reuglations , like overtime .
One the other hand if the company does business in just that state they aren't governed by Federal labor laws . I knew of a repair shop in GA where employees worked 50 -60 hours a week - all straight time . Overtime pay isn't required in GA . Complaints to the U.S. Department Of Labor got the response that companies weren't governed by Federal rules unless they were involved in interstate commerce .

 

Wow, we just can't win for losing. I would have assumed that would have been one of the last few safe places to drive. Should have known better as it seems every driving position on the planet has been manipulated to some extent.

 

I have a class B, been laid off since January. Nobody in this area is hiring class B only class A. Thats why I'm starting school next month with Millis. I hear what everyones saying about the hourly work and all but the class A (for me anyways) will sure open up a heck of a lot more doors and present more oppurtunities for me in the future. I'm a family man not at all looking forward to going OTR especially since MY father did it and I know first hand how hard it is on the family. However, it's only for a year then you can get a local job and be home everynight. You can get an hourly job with a class A stay local and make much more then in a class B. So, for me the ends justifies the means. I suggest you get the class A you will have tons of extra oppurtunities.... All the advice on dump and concrete trucks is great if you like seasonal work and being laid off 4-5 months a year.