They do: 120% average annual turnover rates. How you like dem apples?

Like I said, if the job was as great as some people here paint it out to be, there wouldn't be these astronomical churn rates. Fact is, the numbers tell the tale and OTR is becoming the choice of fewer and fewer.

To the original poster, use OTR as stepping stone for something better like tankers, roll-off, construction, LTL, etc. For God sakes, don't make a career of it. It'll age you before your time and rob you of precious moments with friends/family. All that for 9-10 bucks an hour? No thanks. Leave it to the diehards.

 

Well at least this post is better than your first post.
I try to ignore most of what you post ( belittling OTR ) because that's what I have in mind. Putting my time in then getting something local. IF I can find something that pays decent.

 

Snowman...I've known you a long time. Of course I don't mean "all local driver's." I respect you and your posts. Sorry you felt otherwise.

 

The truth of the matter is that this is a job. Some people enter this business with false expectations and are disappointed with the realities of the job. Not everyone enjoys being by themselves on the road. It is true that you will be away from home and will likely miss some things about being there. There is not another profession like trucking. Some of us enjoy it and others don't. You can make an above average income but will make some sacrifices. There is no profession which pays as well that you will not make some compromises. I have yet to meet anyone who has achieved any degree of success in ANY profession who has not made sacrifices for their dream. There are those who want the income but are unwilling to give what it takes to get there. This industry does have a high turnover. There are other industries that have higher turnover rates. Fast food has a 300%+ turnover rate and you won't make nearly as much. Just look at what has happened to the IT business. Trucking is one of the most secure professions you could enter. If you keep your nose clean and have a good MVR, you have job security as long as you can pass the physical. Older drivers are at a premium. You don't have to worry about being fired because of your age. If you are willing to work hard, you will be rewarded accordingly. Granted, most companies don't pay the best starting out, but if you can survive the first year, you will see your income increase based upon your experience and longevity. $40-50M per year is achievable within a short time. In some segments of this business, you can double that amount or more, but that is not the norm. If you have a good work ethic, you should do well. If you need someone to look over your shoulder and have constant supervision, you won't like this business. Those who succeed are self starters who know how to manage their time. If you blow your paycheck and waste your time in the truck stops playing video games you will find it difficult to make it. Nothing in life that is worthwhile comes easy. I have worked hard all my life. This business has been good for me and my family. I know how to manage my time and plan my work. And I don't work for $10/hr. :wink:

 

very well said GMAN! :wink: thx from the truckers who knew what the job entailed and still enjoy it.

 

You dont have to apologize bro, I was worried "I" offended "YOU". sniff sniff ...I love you man...sniff, here, take my Budweiser. :lol: :lol:

 

Yes sir that about covers it.

 

Millersod....please understand....I've been around CAD quite awhile. I know who is local....even if it is not listed in any one post. I don't wish to get inot a pissing contest, so I decided to not point any finger specifically.

I've worked long and hard to get where I am at....and I am working even harder to stay there. I was focused and determined...with goals. I paid my dues, and did the "rookie" crap to succeed. I hit the ground running, once I got my CDL...and so if I happen to be "on top" now....it's because I earned it....and I was focused to get to this....as well as I mentioned...I am fortunate as well, and have been blessed.

I love trucking, and keeping a positive attitude about it. The poster asked if anyone "loves" trucking. I do...and always will.

Sorry if I rattled your cage. It was an accidental bump.
Keep posting Bro....in just 82 more posts....you'll be a 'super trucker' too. :lol: :P

 

amen bro! :wink:

 

Why sacrifice when you don't have to? Trust me, there's far easier ways to make 40-50k then working 80-100 hour workweeks in OTR.

To this I would agree with you. However, the sacrifices that trucking demands and what you get back in return don't equal out. Most people figure this out after awhile and leave the biz, which accounts for the massive turnover rates.

If you want to compare your job to fast food, then go ahead. But my company has a 6% turnover rate. Why? Because drivers are paid well for their time, are able to be at home with their families, and don't work for free. The polar opposite of OTR.

I am one of these people. I am unwilling to live on the job working double the hours for what I can make at a regular 9-5 job.

Only because it can't be outsourced. But that won't stop the trucking companies from getting cheap foriegn/Mexican labor here behind the wheel. It's just a matter of time. In fact, Celadon and a few other carriers are already doing it.

That's because nobody else wants the job (the so-called driver "shortage") and the carriers are desperate to put meat in their seats.

Those who succeed figure out how to "work" the logbook to run more miles. Those who follow the rules and don't break the law and log it as they do it won't last very long.

No, after 5, 10, 20, 30+ years you can top out at a whopping $13.00 - $14.00/hour with no overtime after 40 hours. After 3 years of OTR, I walked into a local job that STARTED at over $18.00/hour with overtime after 40 and home everynight. That alone should show what a ripoff irregular-route OTR trucking is.

Oh well, I've about said my peace and then some. Let the flaming begin.