$235,000 A Year Trucking???

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY -

What a way to start the day. This morning as I checked my e-mails, I found the below message (company name xxxx’d out). Wow, after 12 months of CDL driving I would have the opportunity to potentially make $200,000 plus as a truck driver and pick my own schedule. Seems to good to be true.

Why did I choose to post this? (I am researching and considering a career change into the trucking world. I am not a current CDL holder.). My personal feeling of the below e-mail is that this might provide a false hope to those looking to get into a trucking career. Or is it? The job alert is spelled out in pretty good detail and I see no * asterisks.

Many company’s advertising big money potential while pushing the lease option or being an owner operator. (Discussed in detail on the TT site).

QUESTION - False hope, unrealistic or obtainable?

“Home time: Pick your own schedule.

Pick your own freight and your own partner, with the potential to make $235,000 in annual revenue as an owner-operator team truck driver with XXXXXXX. With XXXXXX Van Choice, you'll be able to maximize your bottom line by choosing your own loads, routes and revenue. Spend more time hauling and less time unloading with 95% drop-and-hook freight.

Owner-Operator Team Truck Driver eligibility:

Current Owner-Operators Truck drivers with at least 12 months experience interested in leasing or purchasing a truck Owner-operator Team Truck Drivers are eligible for:

Up to $235,000 per year 65% of linehaul revenue and 100% of fuel surcharge and accessorial at load completion XXXXXX Purchase Power Program® - Leverage XXXXXX’s buying power to save thousands in business costs, such as fuel, tires, insurance and maintenance Paid lease on-boarding Drop-and-hook freight Free access to in-cab communications device Access to company facilities”

Unfortunately I don't have the time for a long winded response to this. Someone will be along shortly to give you a more detailed answer. The short version:

"Revenues" aren't the same as "profit". Sure, you can earn $235k in revenue, but your operating expenses will likely be in the range of $160k-$175k, leaving you a profit of $60k- $75k, the same as a good company driver.

Excellent response and hopefully others considering this type of endeavor understand this as well.

Unfortunately I don't have the time for a long winded response to this. Someone will be along shortly to give you a more detailed answer. The short version:

"Revenues" aren't the same as "profit". Sure, you can earn $235k in revenue, but your operating expenses will likely be in the range of $160k-$175k, leaving you a profit of $60k- $75k, the same as a good company driver.

A long winded response is really not neccessary...In a nutshell:

This is a scam. There are no good lease purchases. On the surface it seems like an inexpensive way to become your own boss but truth is unless you can afford to buy your truck outright and not from the carrier you will be workimg for this will never work.

I have been an Owner Operator since 1983 and it works for me. But today the market is brutal, the rates are depressed and unless you know what you are doing it will leave you broke and devestated.

If you are insistent drive for a company and learn the ropes before you take the plunge. I know of no one that makes $235,000 a year on a lease purchase deal or any other deal unless they are a hard driving team.

Dont take the bait...this kind of deal simply does not exist. Maybe this reply was long winded afterall.

I forgot to mention that this program is only for both drivers that have at least 12 months of experience so you would not be eligible for this program now. I mentioned that you do have to be a hard driving team. You will work hard for every penny to make this goal. How much do you value your home time?

Thanks Grandpa and Turtle for the replies. I should have been more clear in my original lengthy post to mention I am not interested in that type of position. It showed up in my daily job alerts I receive from many different trucking companies. The main focus of the post was to start a discussion about the things new prospective drivers don’t know about the industry, but see massive numbers for potential pay.

I forgot to mention that this program is only for both drivers that have at least 12 months of experience so you would not be eligible for this program now. I mentioned that you do have to be a hard driving team. You will work hard for every penny to make this goal. How much do you value your home time?

Like Turtle said you may bring in 235k but after all expenses you'll be right around what a decent company driver makes. The company driver wont have all the stress either, trust me as much as I like OD if I could double my income and have that much freedom I like most drivers would be all over it like grease on a 5th wheel.

I've made more than that every year, especially when I was in a company lease.

Bobcat Bob's zinger:

be all over it like grease on a 5th wheel.

Mind if I borrow that one?

BTW, I will be in Chicago again this weekend if you would like to meet up.

You really have morphed into quite the stalker-type, haven't you?