What is the REAL average first year income for a new driver

On the other hand I can't understand folks who want to see the same thing everyday.

 

I don’t know, there’s something about otr. It’s not the pay. It’s something else.. for me anyway

Yeah I lack experience. I just get excited is all. Haven’t been excited about much in years. It’s nice to finally have something to look forward toL

 

I do. You laughed when I quoted median company driver income, suggesting I quote those figures to Owner/Operators. It seems you have a problem with reality, so I'm quite sure this business would chew you up and spit you out. Besides, if you don't need to work, I'm sure you'd quit in a heartbeat, hopefully with some respect for those of us who do this everyday.

First of all, successful O/Os are pulling in about 3-4 times more in revenue than they are paying themselves. Secondly, they often do their own maintenance on the weekends. Third, those figures don't include benefits. I can go on.

This is not to mention the fact that to be successful requires experience, so that O/O "making over $300,000 per year" 1.- didn't learn how to do it overnight, and 2.- is still earning less than many of us are after including benefits and taking into account all taxes and expenses. Also, most have a spouse behind the scenes dealing with other aspects of the business while the O/O is out on the road. Dispatcher, accountant, etc.

It takes a special type of person to be a successful Owner/Operator. If you think it's easy, go for it. But first you might want to learn how to drive a truck. Good luck to you, sir.

 

So true. I can relate. I get burned out on the road, I go home for a few days, and the road calls me back. I just enjoy the open road and everything about it...emphasize OPEN ROAD, (why I love long hauls with few shipper/rcvr interactions). I love money as well and I'm glad to be able to get paid for something I love to do. Some people just get a job for the pay and I feel sorry for them.

 

Who am I to tell a person what their interests or hobbies are supposed to be? I do me, you do you, he'll do him.

Not intended as an insult just a confusion over why it matters to ANYONE. What an individual lawfully does.

 

A lot less than what a recruiter will tell you. But you have to go into this thinking of the first year as a learning process that brings you to better things and can't get discouraged when things don't work out.

Delays and low-pay weeks are natural in the trucking world, so you just take it in stride and move on to the next day/week/month.