Sorry, newguy!! Inside joke! You'll "get it" after you've been here awhile.
Quote:
What kind of pay and hrs. could you expect for otr. or local trucking the first 6 mo. or yr?
|
Don't know about local, so.... speaking of OTR.... Average starting pay is about $35k for first year. (But, depending on your situation, weekly EXPENSES might also increase.)
If you are rational, and believe that sleeping (even if in the truck) is NOT part of your workday and should NOT be figured into your hourly pay equivalent.... you can expect "average" workdays to be about 12-13 hours. (compare that to your current day INCLUDING commute time and all breaks.)
Quote:
What kind of freight would be easiest or best to get into?
|
Best... depends on what you want to do and how hard you want to work. flatbedding can be hard work. 5 Drop "dedicated" runs like Dollar General may require you to unload you own truck. Dry Van or Reefer (mostly produce) is much easier work, and easy to get "into."
Quote:
Would there be much of a chance of going by yourselve? not sure if would like team driving?
|
The trucking industry is about 80% GEARED toward the SOLO driver, especially the REGS. Although, you will usually be "teamed" during training, you will quckly wind up on your OWN in your own truck. Personally, I don't think this is ALL that good of an idea.... however, I certainly do LOVE it when I get to "solo."
Quote:
Are local positions much harder too get?
|
YES. MOST companies "SAY" they require 2 years of OTR experience to get hired on. This "can" be flexible... but in general.... you will probably need to start out OTR, learn your trade, and pay your dues.
Quote:
I make around 30k at my factory job now,
|
And in 10 years, you MIGHT be making a few thousand more. In trucking, you have the GOOD possibility of making $50k/yr within the same time period.
Quote:
Does the company pay any of the travel expense?
|
MOST companies will, yes. However, when you leave home, make SURE you have several hundred with you or at the other end of an ATM. This applies to orientation as well as each and every week of your career.
MOST of your questions have been discussed in MUCH more detail in MANY threads on this forum. Please do a search, of one sort or another, to find nearly EVERY answer you could possibly need.