What do you consider good pay?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by NewWorldTrucker, Apr 21, 2024.

  1. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Guess I'm gettin screwed. Just looking at the odometer, and I'm at 167k miles since late last April.

    I get 500$ a week
     
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  3. NewWorldTrucker

    NewWorldTrucker Light Load Member

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    I’m a Fuel Hauler.
     
  4. TX2Day

    TX2Day Medium Load Member

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    And have some extra to do the things I enjoy on my free time. Free time and benefits are part of the good pay as well.
     
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  5. Jamie01

    Jamie01 Light Load Member

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    I look at pay in context - what your financial needs and goals are, how much you enjoy the work, what other things you want to do with your time. I drive four days a week, two short days and two long days, a total of 33 hours. I'm paid $1495/week. That's before tax withholding and my 401K and HSA contributions, but after the employee share of health and dental insurance. I could make more by switching to a bid with more hours, or maybe looking for a different company. But the schedule fits nicely into my life. And anyway if I were in this for the money, I'd be doing something that pays better than driving a truck. I do this because it's fun and relaxing. Getting paid is nice, but at this stage of my life, it's not what motivates me.
    I would calculate it on an hourly basis. How many hours per week are you driving or otherwise on duty? If you're working 40 hours/week, $2500 is $62.50 an hour. If you're working 70 hours, it's not even $36 an hour.

    If I were OTR, I'd also factor in any off-duty time spent on the road. If I have to be away from home due to work, I expect to be compensated for it.
     
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  6. mustang190

    mustang190 Road Train Member

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    Live within your means.
    Stay debt free as much as possible, or keep your debt to income ratio as low as possible.
    I know some who get a little bump in their pay and run out and buy a $70K pickup truck.
     
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  7. FloridaRetired

    FloridaRetired Light Load Member

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    A general CDL job with enough experience may not be as highly paid as a specialized trade but should pay well enough to support a family, pay off a mortgage and have a modest retirement plan. As someone said earlier, you need to live within your means.
     
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  8. Lav-25

    Lav-25 Medium Load Member

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    Congrats . I dont make that much ( i do one store and only 4 nights ) , so my pay is little less .
    Got the bennies and they are okay for me . specialty driving has it's benefits , but it's downfalls too.
    Talking pay to one person who does a different thing ( ie oversize lowboys ) and hauling fuel 5 or 6 stores a day is quite different.
    Each has a certain knowledge and skill and once you have it , you try to keep that skill and pss it on.
     
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  9. smokey12

    smokey12 Road Train Member

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    Company 60cpm mile 3000 + miles a week as a driver with a year or so experience. Starting out these days as new no less than low 50'scpm
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2024
  10. NewWorldTrucker

    NewWorldTrucker Light Load Member

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    True. I usually only do 2 stores a day. Sometimes 3, but you’re right there are drivers/companies that run 5-6 local stores.
     
  11. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    You Boss is a cheapskate. Lol. I have the same issue.
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2024
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