What kind of paycheck is realistic for new drivers?

Shouldn't be too hard. I'm in my first year and average 1500 a week. I load my own trailer when I arrive places to do pick ups. Its hard work but the pay is there if you are willing to do the work.

The linehaul guys don't do any manual labor and they make about 800-1000 a week last I heard. The team drivers a bit more because they will be given the better routes. That means dealing with another guy in your truck and sleeping while the truck is moving, driving at night, etc.

I haven't worked for those companies you listed, but heard good things about Roehl if you are able to be accepted by them.

 

I work for FFE - Frozen Food Express. I went to their driving academy free in exchange for driving for them at least a year. Chinatown recommended the company to me and I have not regretted the decision.

KLLM a straight OTR company is there two. You pick the company in orientation. The driving instructors that work for them said you can make good money there too if you take initiative and talk with your dispatchers. Ask if there is a drop yard and another load nearby. Don't always just sit and wait for a call. I havent worked for KLLM so can't say for sure, but that's what I was told.

Just decide what you want before orientation and stick with it. They will try to talk up whatever company, division needs drivers the most. Just make your decision and stick with it. That's what I did.

 

Here we go again.

 

3k a month is more than doable. I wouldn't worry. As long as you actually work and run decently hard.

 

I paid for my school and went to CRST. Dont go to a team company, EVER! The truck makes a buttload of money because it never stops moving, but each driver is only paid about 25cpm. So, two drivers make $50,000, but its then split in half. I then went to USA Truck. They had me at 34cpm within the first 6 months. That was about 4 years ago. I stayed there for 14 months, until they started screwing me. I push back when leaned upon. So I went to Marten. Both are great companies and I would go back to either if I ran OTR again. Marten does primarily food service, so expect to deliver at 0-dark-30 hours. Any company you work for in any industry will screw their employees one way or another.
Now, the simple rule is this...whatever yr paid per mile will roughy equate to your yearly income (ex. 34cpm = $34,000 year).
Good luck.

 

I heard CRST sucks. Where I am at we are paid .35 cpm empty and .40 cpm loaded for all miles driven.