What is EXCELLENT pay for experienced company hands?

I absolutely agree with you. And part of that problem is that I am from Chicago, where the cost of living is very high. You could theoretically get away with a lower pay rate depending on the area of the country.

 

Yep, Chicago is expensive.
Drivers who work for so cheap either divorce, have a lot of health issues by running around the clock to get that extra $100 per week, or leave for something better.
His name says Midwest, so depending on the state he's in. If he's in Illinois by paying less than $1,700 per week he is asking for trouble. Many drivers if they do run for less are working for big brokers already with a lot less on their minds if there is a problem. Smaller companies rip off drivers on time and pay. Their stress level is even higher. By paying low, you might have to change hands often.

 

Well no, I really appreciate what he's doing here. He seems to be trying to do right by his drivers. It's just hard to operate as a small carrier these days, sometimes.

 

Good luck to that!

 

No, it's a lot of pressure, and even the smallest change can be monumental to a small operation. I wish you all the luck in the world.

 

Interesting conversation , but region is important . I find it kind of a tell that you don't have apus , I consider that standard equipment for the trucks I buy .

Now my trucks are strictly dedicated , very limited broker exposure, most of my guys know what they are doing week to week and my home time is pretty flexible . You got something at home that needs done take off what you need and get it done . Usually most guys are only out 4 to 7 days and i find if they controll thier hometime they are more productive .
I wish I could offer med insurance but the hca is where I get mine also because the products I could offer at any cost just are not competitive to an hca plan .
We have a per diem plan (which you did not mention) and a 1000 for orientation paid in first paycheck . Standard vacation plans ETc.....most of my guys come in between 70 to 85k a year and we have every truck I want full except one , and i.m in no hurry to fill it I like having the spares when guys are home for services i.ll slipseat them into the spare for a few days and my shop can really dig into preventive maint like diesel force cleaning , kingpins etc without holding them up on the road .

Our pay rate avg between 55 cpm to start I won't post the upper rates but we do do raises on an individual basis and to date (knock on wood ) have zero turnover .

 

That is why I never want to grow bigger. For me, just me is enough. My wife does all the paperwork, and I drive.
Knowing how much drivers sacrifice and how hard they work, I just couldn't make money off their backs.
Unless, I would pay them how much I would want to be paid running for someone. But I'm happy where I am. I got a wake-up call after my wife found me sleeping on the floor outside the bathtub when I was filling it with water. The water was everywhere. My clothes were soaked. I almost lost my wife after 20 years of marriage because I ran for my brother who made so many promises, and I believed him.
My brother doesn't speak to me now after I went on my own. He was hoping I will go down as if he wanted to break me or my marriage.
But the year 2020 has been fair to me.I'm doing well and moving forward. My marriage is good. I'm more home, and I'm making money.