Pay

I've been scouring YouTube for information, along with this site. It seems most people go to YouTube to complain, I've noticed. But it has been helpful in a lot of ways, when you look for the right thing.

A lot of guys complain about not making much money in their first year. They say, "only expect like 40, grand your first year" Are you kidding me? I just quit my last job of 5 years (to go to CDL school) delivering truck tires in a straight truck. Delivering virgins and caps, picking up casings for capping and a lot (a lot!!) of junk, doing all of the labor myself by hand, stacking these things up (I could fit about 100-120 in one load) and I was only bringing home about 30 grand every year. I loved the driving part of my job, but the back breaking labor was getting too much for me. 40 grand a year, and soon to be rent free to me sounds fantastic. Is there a down side here that I am missing?

Cory, I'd set my sights on something like 35 grand for that rookie year. I think realistically that will be doable. You may have a little advantage with your straight truck experience, but there's a world of difference running OTR in a seventy plus foot monster that bends in the middle.

Some folks make more their rookie year, but there are so many variables that will affect you. Remember, your main goal that first year should be "Don't Hit Anything." Take care of that goal, and worry about making that "big money" next year.

One of the most important and main factors that is going to effect this would be your family. Are you married?...Does your spouse work?...Do you have kids???...How many???...$40,000 for a single person living rent free would be worth alot more than a family with kids paying for a house.

One of the most important and main factors that is going to effect this would be your family. Are you married?...Does your spouse work?...Do you have kids???...How many???...$40,000 for a single person living rent free would be worth alot more than a family with kids paying for a house.

No kids, No house, separated from the wife. Nothing going for me at home lol. looking to get out on the road as it's something I've always wanted to do.

Some folks make more their rookie year, but there are so many variables that will affect you. Remember, your main goal that first year should be "Don't Hit Anything." Take care of that goal, and worry about making that "big money" next year.

Thanks for the advice :) Not just interested in making big bucks, however that would be nice doing something I loved! I've always had a passion for driving so to me the money isn't much of an issue. I would have kept that straight truck job if it was only driving and not the labor lol

No kids, No house, separated from the wife. Nothing going for me at home lol. looking to get out on the road as it's something I've always wanted to do.

Your the poster child for what trucking companies are looking for. I would suppose you will not be looking to get home very often. You also do not have many responsibilities that would distract you from the job. As long as you work hard, give it your all, and show your willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, you should do pretty well.

Too me 40k sounds like a good amount I worked corrections for 15 years and barley made 30k a year

Wait a minute! ??!?!?!? We're supposed to get paid for this? ????

I guess my wife wasn't crazy after all.

It's always funny to me when people complain they're making 40k a year for a job that you don't need a 4 year degree for. Is it easy work? No, but it isn't brain surgery either. I've worked my ass off for 12 years in management and never made more than 35k. I test this week for my CDL , then off to the Pumpkin Patch in Green Bay for 3 weeks and I'm excited for the opportunity and the chance to make 40k and seeing the country.

My wife and I combine at 34000 which is why we have been looking at going this route out of school got hired doing for a mom and pop shop then ever since the economy went bad they just have not been able to afford to give raised.

So **** I'd be happy at 30k as long as there was opportunity to make more.