[Roadhog]

He was making standard base pay for a rookie with 1-2 months experience.
I started out about the same, but advanced very quickly. I made 38k my first year...but I drove hard and proved myself to be a top hand right out of the gate.

Thing is...I had a much different attitude also. I was grinning from ear to ear my first year out. It was a great feeling. I still enjoy what I do. I make over 48-50k now...and have more time off.

It's fun when you see someone come into this business all enthusiastic, and feeling they are where they belong. Reminds you of when you started out.
I can not relate to this guy what-so-ever.

I have the tendency to want to put him down, but you know what...he gave it a try. It's not for everyone. He at least can't regret giving it a shot. I think he is bitter he isn't making more money, and that starts you hating this and that next. If he worked like I did in the beginning...he would have got a raise and occasional bonuses, in 6 months and a Boss wide eyed as well, at how fantastic a job he was doing.

Life is what you make of it.
I hope he does well for his family and himself. After he settles down, at least he may see us out there and appreciate what we do, to keep America working.

He would not have his old job to go to....if it were not for the American Trucker.

[devildice]

Originally Posted by yoopr

Good thing he didn't join the Military

no kidding......if a few weeks away from the family is bad, try being deployed for a year at a time.

[jeremyh]

I make anywhere from $300-350 bucks a day four days a week I ain't complaining. Trucking is not a lifestyle as some would say it is a job and if you find the right gig it can be a very successful job!

[Cluggy619]

Look.

Anybody can learn to drive a truck. Very few become truck drivers.

You were not cut for this type of work. It's understandable. It take a special kind of nut to drive these roads.

And the pay? Well, you always start at the bottom until you get some experience. When you get that, you will know what your time is worth.

Good luck with your new job.

Later.

[coastie]

Originally Posted by eptp88

paycheck is 490.00. You can pick up cans or work at a supermarket and make that much. Think about it long and hard, it sucks!!!!

Picking Up cans and make 490.00?

At the average price of 50 cents a pound you'll have to pick up 980 pounds of Cans a week. 21 cans to make a Pound. So you'll have to pick up 20,580 cans to make $490.00. And saying 50 cents a pound is being over priced. Most will be less. I have seen it as low as 25 cents per pound. So at the worst you need to pick up 41,160 cans. crush them, and bag em after you walk the entire country side of your county and all the counties around you to get 1/4 of that many.. Sorry I tried that. Did not work out. I made more Trucking than picking up cans. Picking up cans I averaged $5.00 a day. Spent more on gas than I made, not to mention almost getting ran over.

Trucking is not for everyone is true, but you should have known this before you started.

[coastie]

Originally Posted by devildice

no kidding......if a few weeks away from the family is bad, try being deployed for a year at a time.

LOL I wish I could go back into the Military, lol.. The Best Job I ever had... Followed by Trucking.

[inmate1577]

I'm just wondering ...
What is it about "SOLO" and "OTR- OVER THE ROAD" do some people NOT understand?

You think it would be any different than driving solo for anyone else?
Maybe try to find a company where you and Dr. Phil can run as a team.

[qombi]

Originally Posted by jeremyh

I make anywhere from $300-350 bucks a day four days a week I ain't complaining. Trucking is not a lifestyle as some would say it is a job and if you find the right gig it can be a very successful job!

Hi, I am looking to get a start in trucking. I too do not want to work my life away but am willing to look at the long picture. I have been told after a few years, I would be more likely to be able to obtain a LTL local gig.

In the meantime, do you mind if I ask where you work to get that many days off a week? I think I could do OTR if I was out 4-5 days a week. I do not mean the pay neccessary that you make as I realize that came with experience but those hours are definitely managable.

[GoldiesPlating]

Originally Posted by inmate1577

I'm just wondering ...
What is it about "SOLO" and "OTR- OVER THE ROAD" do some people NOT understand?

You think it would be any different than driving solo for anyone else?
Maybe try to find a company where you and Dr. Phil can run as a team.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Roadhog]

qombi....check his address. I also believe he is quoting Canadian dollars.
That would make it $260-310 US...which is still good pay, but not outside the rates an experience driver here can make.

jeremyh is also pulling the rig in his avatar....and on his days off...he can't tell the difference between the men and the women...sometimes even when they are naked. :roll:

I had $250 dollar days even in my first year of driving. I drive Reefer, and some of my multiple pick and drop, with other fees...like driver load and unload, and east coast bonus...I'd make even $280 or better at times.

My average was still under his...even to this day, and I don't get as much time off. I'm not jealous. I just prefer to hate him... :lol: ...it's easier on me. :evil: :lol: