Profile For Tazzy

From the IRS Website For Travel Expenses:

Well.................... I do like bologna & cheese..................

Thanks for taking the time and providing the very detailed answer.

Ok, I found some info, maybe someone can help me dicipher what exactly this means:

IRS Publication 463 Cat. No. 11081L Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses For use in preparing 2014 Returns

Page 5

Meals You can deduct the cost of meals in either of the following situations. It is necessary for you to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your duties while traveling away from home on business.

DOT requires us to take a 30 minute break during or at 8 hours of driving time, could this be considered "substantial"?

Page 12

Individuals subject to “hours of service” limits.

You can deduct a higher percentage of your meal expenses while traveling away from your tax home if the meals take place during or incident to any period subject to the Department of Transportation's “hours of service” limits. The percentage is 80%. Individuals subject to the Department of Transportation's “hours of service” limits include the following persons.

Interstate truck operators and bus drivers who are under Department of Transporta- tion regulations.

Because we are all subject to HOS limits, even without spending a night away from home, does this apply?

OK, I've switched jobs and now I am home every evening. I understand the tax rules for OTR drivers, but I am confused with what the tax laws are for drivers who are home every evening.

From what I understand, because I am not away from home I will not be able to take the standard meal deduction of $59.00/day or whatever the current amount is. What I don't understand, is what if any deductions I will be allowed to take for my meals while on the road. I am assuming since I can not take the standard deduction, I must save all my meal receipts.

Am I correct in assuming this, or do I not get to claim my meals at all because I am not on the road overnight?

I have searched the IRS website and I can not find where this is defined. If somebody knows where it is at, I would appreciate a link if possible. I really don't want to go by "he said/ she said", I would really like to see it in print from the IRS or other reputable source.

Thanks and happy trucking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just started phase 2 of training. Most of what I hear is positive. I believe after the company went employee owned, there was a big push on improving equipment. All the new tractors are automatics. I am not a recruiter, but will try to answer questions from my observations. A recruiter can give you the sanctioned answers and have access to more info.

Hi Txs, are you still with Paschall? I don't really have any specific questions just wanting to get a feel of what I am getting into. I go to orientation for them on 8/17/2015. Anything you could tell me would be great!!

In my opinion PTL is a good company. Like all others they are full of promises, some I didn't see come through. But I only stayed 2 weeks into my Phase 2 of training.

Tractors: I got a new one 2015 Freightliner. More new ones coming in November both Freightliners and Internationals from what I heard. They don't reserve them by seniority. If your ready to get a truck and the only thing available is a new one, you get it.

Trailers...... Some new, some junk. Luck of the draw there.

Dispatchers: I can only assume it's the same with all companies, some good and some bad.

Trainers: much the same as dispatchers. I just happened to get a great one. Ask for him: Walter Stevens.

Miles: they claim during phase 2 the truck should average 6000/week. At .17/mile = $1020/week during training. Sounds too good? It is, we only were getting about 3000 per week, and if you talk to others they are about the same. You have to do 40000 truck miles during phase two of training. Do the math......... More than 3 months.

Home time: Can't really tell you much about that. I came home after two weeks, which is very abnormal, put my P2 partner had an emergency. Honestly, she just didn't like it and wanted out. After sitting two weekends in a row not making a penny, I wanted out as well.

You will see a lot of trainers, they seem to be the only ones that are making a good paycheck. Most of the solo drivers I got a chance to talk to (which are all now trainers), were only getting about 1800 - 2000 miles per week at .35/mile. Again do the math.

But it's coming into the holiday season and PTL says they have more loads than drivers............ They claimed that b4 my P2 started, we didn't see that many loads.

When I started my adventure I wanted to haul cars. Unfortunately, they wanted a lot more experience than I had. While on my home time I checked out a huge car auction house nearby. He just happened to have a guy quit the day before, and gave me a chance. This was my 3rd day driving for him, home nightly and have already made more in 3 days than I did in any 7 day period with PTL.

I got lucky!!! In my opinion you should stick with them through P2, you'll have 45000 - 50000 miles experience. Most of your better paying jobs want that experience.

Overall though, I would say they are a good company to work for, or at least to start with. I doubt you will be given a brand new truck anywhere else as a rookie.

There's a few others in here that drive for PTL, or did drive for them the last time I was here, hopefully they can give you a truthful insight of their experiences. Some in here are very negative, try to ignore them. It's just their opinions and experiences and based on their negativity, they probably brought on whatever bad experiences they had on themselves.

Good Luck. Let us know how you make out!!!!!!!

Are they training in automatics

There's not much training needed in the automatics. Put in gear and depress accelerator. Getting the truck to move in reverse takes a little getting used to. Not bad though, couple times backing and you get it.

Hi Zachary

Your right, the choice is yours when it's all said and done.

Like you, I'm a college grad as well and I am positive there are more on this site who are Professional Truck Drivers. Some thirty plus years ago, but a college grad. I just recently got my CDL A, 8/7/2015 and start orientation with my company tomorrow, a new chapter in life and I am as excited about it as I have ever been about starting any job.

There's money to be made in trucking, but from what I understand it's not an easy life and it's not for everyone. Take your time with your decision, talk to your loved ones that this will effect most, as your life is going to change. It's easy to say have your finances in order as the first few months you may not be making the money as you would in 6 months. Having your finances in order may not always be possible and having lived paycheck to paycheck you already understand what it takes to live and be broke. But don't fool yourself thinking you are going to become rich (although I am sure there are many who have become rich, probably not by driving but by owning and owning more than 1 truck).

Once you made your decision and you want to join the industry, do your research!!!! There are thousands of trucking company's, find the ones that you think fits your needs and wants. Talk to them and see what they are all about, but remember you will be talking to a recruiter and not every recruiter is a snake in the grass, but there are a few who will promise you things that just aren't true.

This site has many members and some are true professional drivers who have been driving for a long time who are more than happy to give you advice. Ask questions, search your question (it's probably already been asked), find a driver on here who drives for the company you may be interested in and pick their minds.

You have already made a great choice by joining this forum looking for answers. If you decide to join the trucking profession, this forum also offers all the training documents you will need to study in order to get your CDL.

But most importantly do your homework, talk with your loved ones!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish you the best of luck with whatever decision you make, keep us posted.

Hey guys headed to PRIME to begin orientation and training on 8/25!! Will be driving in the flatbed division out the the texas regional area. Bus ticket already purchased and confirmation number in hand! PHEW there are alot of hoops to jump thru and paperwork to gather to get hired in this business. Im ready to go!

Amen

Good Luck to you, keep us up to date!!!!!!!!!

Click the URL below, it appears to be around 100 trucking companies in Florida, not sure what they are about, but seems a good starting point.

http://www.fleetdirectory.com/ByLocation/Florida.htm

Swift has a terminal in Ocala, I know that's way North of you, but......... you wouldn't be at your terminal much

Swift also reimburses for tuition, but I believe it's only $3900, reimbursement is $150/mo until it's paid off = 26 months. They also have a program for veterans.

Their starting pay once you go solo, after your done with your mentor of .36/mile, one of the higher starts for someone who has just acquired their CDL's.

Good Luck and keep us posted, it's nice to read other's experiences as I am a newbie myself.

Congrats Brian!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck in orientation!!