New To Trucking

First month as solo driver first week I earn only $8 dollars one week I'm just waiting to see my 2nd week check hopefully it has one zero on it. My mentor was not helpful at all which put me in a worst situation. I feel like I just want to turn off the truck and leave. My Qualcomm send me to close roads dangerous in many ways my DM does not answer the phone. After hours service is horrible they take 2 to 3 hours to answer. I don't know if is the company I work for or is part of the job. Any advice that you can give will be very appreciated

I can understand your frustration being brand new solo. Take a deep breath. First off if your solo your trainer has no more bearing on your situation. First week only making 8 dollars, did you take any cash advances. Even with a horrible cpm you should make more than that. Did you have any other expenses deducted???

Pay is based on the miles you turn each week.

It sounds like you are being routed by the qualcom. Is that suggested or is it mandatory routing. Either way it is up too you during your trip planning to look at the route and weather reports this time of year. Also every state has road conditions. Usually it is 511. Why were roads closed? was it weather related, accident related, or closed for construction???

DM’s can have alot going on at any given time. Phone calls can only be handled one at a time. Send messages to your DM on the qualcom. They can juggle messages while on the phone with someone, espically if it is a minor issue. You only know your end, not what your DM has going on.

You are at a very frustrating part of your career. When you start to feel frustrated slow down breath deep and regroup your thoughts. As long as you don’t hit anything the rest can be dealt with fairly easy.

If you post more specific information by situation we may be able to help you with more specific advise.

First, what company do you drive for now? There may be other Trucking Truth members from the same Company that will understand better how they work.

PJ points out that if you had cash advances the week before, you'll be paying them back in this paycheck.

You need to look on the "stub" part of your paycheck. (you may have to go online to get it). It has many details to help you understand what your final take-home pay is. How many miles did you go last week? Did you have to wait over one day to get a dispatch at any time? This often happens for your first few weeks. Your DM might be trying to take it easy on you as you learn about the business.

Also, don't try calling your DM. They are mostly very busy. Use the Qualcomm to send messages. First, your DM can answer when they have time, and second, a message is a written record of what you two talk about.

I'm a newer driver but whatever you do ONE answer is not to " abandon " your truck unless you run out of fuel because your fuel card is not honored! That will pretty much be a great reason for any trucking company not to hire you again elsewhere..... Secondly, if you're trying to communicate any confusion you have, many other drivers have wisdom to see objectively. I'd ask another driver in the company about a few questions you have, but ultimately it sounds like you need to make a list of priorities. Contact payroll so you make sure what's being deducted, or it might be an actual mistake. In these days, smaller companies are going bankrupt at an alarming rate....it's possible other drivers are experiencing the same IF THAT IS THE CASE.... Then, next question should be to please ask for another Dispatcher to be assigned to you, preferably on a Monday I've heard sometimes drivers conflict with their initial Dispatchers, it's common to get assigned to another one maybe who speaks your native tongue. I've been able to understand Spanish as I had to take it for 10 years but I still prefer English.... I hope this helps and prayer will always return an answer not necessarily right away but He has plans for us.

I'm a newer driver but whatever you do ONE answer is not to " abandon " your truck unless you run out of fuel because your fuel card is not honored! That will pretty much be a great reason for any trucking company not to hire you again elsewhere..... Secondly, if you're trying to communicate any confusion you have, many other drivers have wisdom to see objectively. I'd ask another driver in the company about a few questions you have, but ultimately it sounds like you need to make a list of priorities. Contact payroll so you make sure what's being deducted, or it might be an actual mistake. In these days, smaller companies are going bankrupt at an alarming rate....it's possible other drivers are experiencing the same IF THAT IS THE CASE.... Then, next question should be to please ask for another Dispatcher to be assigned to you, preferably on a Monday I've heard sometimes drivers conflict with their initial Dispatchers, it's common to get assigned to another one maybe who speaks your native tongue. I've been able to understand Spanish as I had to take it for 10 years but I still prefer English.... I hope this helps and prayer will always return an answer not necessarily right away but He has plans for us.

Why ask ask for a new dispatcher after only a month, and we don't even know a cause of the supposed problem yet after her one post?

Wow! I know how u feel. My first night 30 miles from my pickup my navigation went off. I turned on a road with weight limit had to back out of it. Went back to a truckstop that was full pulled to side of road. It was -7 and my heat won’t work. Next morning got to shipper trailer was froze fell on handle bruised my ribs up. That night couldn’t find any where to park, stopped and asked police officer he gave me his spot! I know u are trying to call your support group and they aren’t there for u . They busy doing their jobs. I had a friend here on tt, Kearsey, and believe me I had her on speed dial. I probably would never had made it without her. There are several of us here that would be glad for u to call us, just to say I’m scared, I’m lost, I don’t know what the heck to do! Believe me, I’ve been there!

Wow! I know how u feel. My first night 30 miles from my pickup my navigation went off. I turned on a road with weight limit had to back out of it. Went back to a truckstop that was full pulled to side of road. It was -7 and my heat won’t work. Next morning got to shipper trailer was froze fell on handle bruised my ribs up. That night couldn’t find any where to park, stopped and asked police officer he gave me his spot! I know u are trying to call your support group and they aren’t there for u . They busy doing their jobs. I had a friend here on tt, Kearsey, and believe me I had her on speed dial. I probably would never had made it without her. There are several of us here that would be glad for u to call us, just to say I’m scared, I’m lost, I don’t know what the heck to do! Believe me, I’ve been there!

hahahaaha

Thanks Donna... I havent heard my phone rining in a while though....she nevers calls anymore... just trucks along! hahhaha

I have been hoping we would get a response. When i see things like this i wonder if this is a "i had pay advances, went home, and my insurances kicked in".

Everyone wants to quit a few times in the beginning. Get through it and wonderful things can happen.

Please respond.