Hey guys. From what I've been told and read, it looks like someone first entering trucking fresh out of CDL school would expect a salary in the $30K range. How about years 2 and 3? I guess that's a loaded question but what can you expect for the averages in years 2 and 3

Thanks.

 

thats about right and add a grand per year after that.

 

If you play your cards right and do lots of research on companies, then there is no reason why you can't be making $40k your first year. Then if you stay with one company for an entire year and keep your driving record clean you can easily make $50k and up your second year. Be reliable and be safe and the sky's the limit.

 

If you're willing to work pretty much everyday (but stay within legal limits) and pull a Super-B flatbed, you're going to be looking at a fairly decent wage

 

Flatbed, 2 months outta school: 1st yr/ 43K, 2nd yr/52K. Gross, from W2s..
50yrs old, bustin a$$.
Do That Research!

Close Driver's door.
Keep door closed.

 

Alot of people go by what they make in a year. You only live life once, calculate all your hours and divided by the amount of hours spent in the company truck than ask your self how much per hour your are making than you will understand why there is over 100% turn over rate in trucking.

 

Like all jobs that you have no experience, you will start out on the low end of the salary scale and go up as you gain experience. Most start out around $30M/year. Depending on the company and your work habits, you could be in the $35-40M range in about 2-3 years.

This industry does have a high turnover rate. I think it comes from the dramatic lifestyle change than the money. No job pays you for all of your time. Some of the time you spend on the road is not work time. You are required to take at least 10 hours per day off. There are some who seem to feel that drivers should be paid for sleeper berth time as well as driving time while away. I don't see that happening. You will be fairly compensated for your effort. Quality drivers are in demand. If you put forth mediocre effort then that is what you will get back from the companies with whom you associate. You can earn an above average income in this business, regardless of your level of education. If you manage your time well and put forth the effort, you have the opportunity to do well. Most carriers pay either mileage or percentage of the load rate. Most pay percentage starting out. You should average somewhere between 2,500-3,000 miles per week. When you look at these carriers, you can take their pay rate and judge for yourself how much you can earn in an average week. Your pay will vary from one week to another but should average in the range I listed.

 

I just can't get over how low the salary is compared to the long hours and work performed. I really want to try driving sometime but I also need to support my family though. The NEED of the family outweighs the WANT to drive at this point in my life. I'm very business minded and I just can't handle those numbers.

You know what bugs the heck outta me, there are people out there that are making a killing off of various ideas and business ventures. I have met a few of these folks and they seem less than..um...intelligent. Not that I'm the brightest bulb on the tree but yeesh! So, I sit here thinking, why can't I figure out a way to make money without having to sit at this desk everyday working for someone else. Yeah, I'm ranting a bit.

 

I just can't get over how low the salary is compared to the long hours and work performed. I really want to try driving sometime but I also need to support my family though. The NEED of the family outweighs the WANT to drive at this point in my life. I'm very business minded and I just can't handle those numbers.

You know what bugs the heck outta me, there are people out there that are making a killing off of various ideas and business ventures. I have met a few of these folks and they seem less than..um...intelligent. Not that I'm the brightest bulb on the tree but yeesh! So, I sit here thinking, why can't I figure out a way to make money without having to sit at this desk everyday working for someone else. Yeah, I'm ranting a bit.

 

Maybe the missing part of the eqasion is paitence ...not intelegence

SHawn