That might be true.

Butterworth's around town pay is by the hour. $17.00

I wouldn't have wasted my time getting my license if I knew I would be making that little but maybe I should take it to get the experience?

After 1 year then maybe I could land a real job and salary?

Problem is I have an indoor job that I don't like but it pays $25.00 an hr.

Ladynorthstar, how much is Arrow paying inexperienced drivers?

Thanks All.

I should have mentioned also that Butterworth's also offered me a flatdeck run into Wash. or Oregon for .48 cents per mile.

A driver that was there at the time told me all flat decks have to be tarped. He also said it gets you into shape if you haven't done it before. That made me start thinking, maybe flatdeck is the last thing I want to do. Is it really heavy and hard work tarping?

It was $20 and change when I was there.

To Steverb1 - I just checked all these other comments for the first time, and I agree, at 53 (I'm a little older and a recent CDL), the Alberta Oil Patch does not seem appealing.

However, what I hear about flat beds is that even little itty bitty ladies can swing those tarp chains IF they attach a nylon rope at the end. Get the picture? Swing THAT over the truck, then pull the chains up!

Flat beds pay very well. Brains beat out brawn every time.

Sadly, some truckers on this board haven't had to search the job market out for themselves as new drivers for many-many-many a year. Their information is outdated.

Yes you are right. Having driven a truck for many years and 'paid my dues'. I have never had a problem finding a job. After talking to a number of 'newbies' I can appreciate just how hard it is to start out in this industry. Everyone asks for experience, and how do you get that when no one will hire you? But there are companies, (and usually the family run, one or two truck companies), that will give you the chance. Just have to find them.

One of the other problems is the insurance companies will not put insurance on a driver that does not have the two years experience.

So then how do the small companies do it? The insurance that is.

So then how do the small companies do it? The insurance that is.[/quote]

I'm going to assume that if a company wanted to hire a driver with less than 2 years experience or under 25, the premiums would be higher.

After graduating from Ontario School of Trucking, through their co-op program I have 3 companies that want to hire me. $500/week training pay and then .36 cents km.

I guess it all depends on how well your school is connected. One school here in Ottawa has an absolutely dismal track record for training and job placement. They train you on empty 48ft trailers while I learned with a loaded 53ft trailer.

So most of these companies will send you out with a T.E for your "finishing" and then you are out on your own.

Are you sure?
Did you open the back doors and see what it was loaded with?

Nope I took the instructors word for it (sarcasm on) Of course I did, I also learned how to scale the truck and adjust for load distribution.