no money

[chuck3507]

Been lookin, I drive for your competition in Ok.

[terrylamar]

Been lookin, I drive for your competition in Ok.

You may want to stay where you are, you may be working for TMC soon. That's what I heard and I have no way to verify it.

[golfhobo]

I think ONE reason there are so many "jobhoppers" in trucking, is that we share a workforce with the construction industry. I didn't say that.... the industry analysts did! Therefore, we get alot of people who are used to hopping from one job/company to another with little or no consequence (and limited differences in pay and benefits.)

Many of them don't realize that trucking companies look at things "just" a bit differently. To some extent, they don't care, because there are so many wanting to get into trucking, but some of them DO care, as they have MULTIPLE contracts at stake, and they need to keep staffed!

The common denominator, is a workforce that IS "skilled" and licensed in a trade, and can ply that trade just about anywhere! The difference is, that finding a GOOD company to work for, can mean benefits, loyalty, and security.

People are always looking for a better deal, and quite often with GOOD reason. But, people do tend to stretch the truch*, and truckers are masters at it!

If things like hometime, benefits, routine or trusting relationships are important to you.... I don't suggest that you "follow the rainbow" towards the pot of gold all the time. It will hurt your overall goal, and make you as replaceable as you indicate that you ARE!

However, most of us had to take what we could get, to get started, and there's nothing wrong with being upwardly mobile, if done the right way.

For the O.P., if you've never made more than 30k, you WILL find the money in trucking to be better! Eventually.... MUCH better! But, there are sacrifices to be made along the way. That doesn't mean, tho, that with time you can't find a good STABLE situation that gives you both a better income.... AND a good homelife!

As always.... I suggest that smaller to medium sized companies will treat you more like a valued employee, and less like a number. Look for them! It's not always about the money!

Every time a trucker tells you about a "good job" that is making them good money..... get all the facts and phone numbers you can! Investigate and research! File the info away for a time you may need it.

The mega carriers are just "starter" companies! They know it... and they know YOU know it! They have traded quality for quantity and in return have incurred more expense! Treat them with a modicum of respect, and then plan your move to better yourself.

What you DON'T want to listen to, is those who will trash a company, or the industry, based on their OWN experience which is often a result of their OWN attitude!

Recognize your marketability, constrain your expectations, and then DO YOUR RESEARCH to plan out the career path that suits YOU! Unlike many other careers.... the variations in trucking are almost without limit! Have some patience, don't burn your bridges, and take responsibility for your OWN success!

There are over 365,000 trucking companies in the U.S. today, and over 3 million truckers. I can assure you that there are MORE bad truckers than there are bad companies!

If you're not afraid to get a little grime under your fingernails, and can remember that your job is to MOVE the freight, you will find a home here.

[chuck3507]

hadn't heard anything, but we hear those rumors all the time. Who knows? It could be true.

[korekalido]

Thanks for all the info. Yes im married with three kids 15-20, I have to do this otr thing like the one guy said your basicly getting paid to site see. Ijust hope I can make 30-40,000 ayear the first couple of years. Iwas also wondering about the lease program it dosn,t sound like a good idea.It looks like i'l be picked up by falcon or crst are these good company's to drive for. Once again thaks for all your input.

[wepwawet]

Iwas also wondering about the lease program



RUN

[Orange Andy]

good post #3000 by golfhobo. where is the thumbs-up emoticom?

[GMAN]

Thanks for all the info. Yes im married with three kids 15-20, I have to do this otr thing like the one guy said your basicly getting paid to site see. Ijust hope I can make 30-40,000 ayear the first couple of years. Iwas also wondering about the lease program it dosn,t sound like a good idea.It looks like i'l be picked up by falcon or crst are these good company's to drive for. Once again thaks for all your input.

You can earn the income you noted unless you get involved in a fleece program. That was not a misprint. I don't know of any lease program that is in the best interests of the driver. If you want to become an owner operator, save your money for a good down payment and buy one. The failure rate among lease operators is astronomical. In over 30 years around this business, I can recall 3 people whom I have spoken who have actually completed a lease. There are leasing companies who will lease you a truck. This is a much better alternative than leasing a truck from a carrier. The best way to do it is save your money and buy the truck outright. I suggest you get a couple of years driving experience before doing it. Your chances of success will greatly be enhanced. Besides, you don't even know if you will like driving. There is a lot to learn. Driving is only a part of the job.

CRST did have a shorter obligation for their training program. You will need to check with them for their current policy. Some have been pleased with them, others have not. I don't recall much being written about Falcon. When it comes down to it, your attitude probably has more to do with your level of satisfaction with most companies. Regardless of which company you finally settle on, it is important to communicate with your trainer and carrier. Most problems can be worked out with good communication skills. There are exceptions, of course. I think one reason many have problems with carriers is that they get angry or wait until they get to a boiling point before addressing an issue. Most companies are reasonable and will try to work with a driver to amicably resolve a problem. They cannot help unless they are made aware of a situation. If you do a search on this forum you should be able to find things which have been written about these two carriers.

[LOAD IT]

Whats this truck drivers dont make any money. i'm getting ready to get my CDL because all i've heard was truck driving is were the money is. I'm 42 and never maid 30,000 a year, this is why i've decided to become a otr driver. Is all a lie?

Trucking is not for everyone, but if you are 42 years old and havent made $30K in your life, then you need to be sure to change your ways and work extra hard to be successful at your new trucking career. I have to say this....If what you say is true, what have you been doing since 18 years of age? Do you have a GED or HS diploma? If not, maybe thats the problem, but it doesnt matter in trucking. If you can provide service and get along with people not only will you make $30k your first year, you may make $50k. GOOD LUCK

[chuck3507]

[If things like hometime, benefits, routine or trusting relationships are important to you.... I don't suggest that you "follow the rainbow" towards the pot of gold all the time. It will hurt your overall goal, and make you as replaceable as you indicate that you ARE!


How true!! II something looks to good to be true, better check it out with a fine tooth comb, because it probably is to good to be true.

[choperbob]

it is possible to earn a decent living driving. as mentioned there are lots of ways not to tho. i was lucky enuf to get 2 years in with a good company as a new driver. there are some real good companies out there that hire rookies. i am involved in a lease purchase program now. so far it is working, but, like any small business it is a lot more work than driving as a company driver. i am enjoying myself tho. a learning experience. there are more ripoff l/p companies than legit ones. also yeah the l/p is set up to benifit the company rather than a driver. it is a business. my company has quite a few drivers pay off their trucks, but we also have more who don't make it in the program. currently i make about as much as i did as a co. driver. sometimes a lot less then other times more. but i have more responsibilities. i am looking at owning this truck in a few years so that is why i stick with it. 30k first year is very possible.