Returning To The Open Road

Ladies and gentlemen, I have been off the open road for near 16 years. I currently work at a State transportation agency, in a supervisory position. I make in the mid $40k range, but with medical and all other deducts am clearing around $750 weekly. Have contacted numerous companies (trucking) and have nine offers at this time. They are all promising pay weekly in the $1200-$1500 range. I don't want to take a stabbing, if this is alot of bull. Last company I ran with was NORTHSTAR out of Egan MN. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. I value your opinions and advice over anyone I may talk to in a truck stop or on the street.

There's a lot of information you've left out. E.g. your opportunity for increased pay @ your current job.

I don't wanna discourage you and the amounts promised you might be accurate if they are considering you an experienced driver and, of course, we don't know whether those job offers are tanker, LTL , flatbed, etc.

I'll just say that my first year gross pay in dry van and straight out of CDL school, was right at $40k. This year (my second) is on track for about a 15% increase. This is above what was promised by my recruiter, but I can't say mine is or is not the norm.

Also, please consider all the deductions you currently have, that put you at your "clearing" amount. If money is the motivation, maybe look at adjusting those deductions.

I hope this helps.

Not much of a chance for pay increases, DOT here runs on a 5 year plan. Five years between increment increases. Can't do much with the deductions. BCBS med, vision, dental for me and family. Have 32 year old handicapped daughter (must have coverage). Have offers from FB, Reefer , and van. Companies offering: Schneider, Western Express, Swift, TransAm, SRT, CRST, Stevens, Melton, WEL. Other Co's have stated they will allow me into a refresher. Money not the key factor, but don't want to be away for pennies. Have a Military (USMC) and a Law Enforcement stipen to fall back on. Just tired of the idle time and Political redderick that comes with a State Government job. Don't want to throw away 15+ years here for nothing but heartache and time away from the family, if it isn't going to show an advancement.

SRT has a terminal in Texarkana. TheIr lot is full of tractors and trailers and they are parking equipment in the adjacent pasture. I'm not suggesting anything. I'm just telling you what I saw. I'm sure there are several reasons this could happen.

Not much of a chance for pay increases, DOT here runs on a 5 year plan. Five years between increment increases. Can't do much with the deductions. BCBS med, vision, dental for me and family. Have 32 year old handicapped daughter (must have coverage). Have offers from FB, Reefer , and van. Companies offering: Schneider, Western Express, Swift, TransAm, SRT, CRST, Stevens, Melton, WEL. Other Co's have stated they will allow me into a refresher. Money not the key factor, but don't want to be away for pennies. Have a Military (USMC) and a Law Enforcement stipen to fall back on. Just tired of the idle time and Political redderick that comes with a State Government job. Don't want to throw away 15+ years here for nothing but heartache and time away from the family, if it isn't going to show an advancement.

Understood. In that case, I'll tell you I drive OTR van truckload for Schneider. Everything they promised has held up. I've been with them since December, 2014.

I average 10,000 miles per month and they give me 5 days off each month. Normally I split those and go home two times per month.

I hope this helps. Good luck wherever you land and thanks for your service.