Need Advice, Does This Offer Sound Normal?

So I received a phone call today from the company I've been trying to get on with. This is my first job as a driver. In my situation I have to be local, not thrilled about it, but I have obligations that require me home every night throughout the week. I understand that this isn't the best choice for a new driver, however its what I'm going to do.

I'm curious to see if the offer they made sounds fishy to any of you vets out there. I live in IL, and I'm 20 so I cant go out of state for another year. I was told I'd be running 55-60 hours a week Monday to Friday at 20 an hour. I asked him (The recruiter) if that was over time paid and he said no to my surprise. By no means a deal breaker, but still was wondering if that was normal. It's a smaller family owned company, and honestly 20 an hour is the most money I've ever made in my life. He also said once I turned 21 the pay would go up, to a number that sounded much better, and he claims home every weekend. .So It seems okay to me...any thoughts?

If I'm leaving out info I apologize, just ask and I'll do my best. Thank you!

Hello from Joliet!

Yes, it is semi normal. There are a lot of trucking companies that use a outdated law. It allows them not to pay overtime.

What sort of work will you be doing out of curiosity?

Hello from Joliet!

Yes, it is semi normal. There are a lot of trucking companies that use a outdated law. It allows them not to pay overtime.

What sort of work will you be doing out of curiosity?

Most likely normal dry van runs. Possibly some flatbed and box truck driving as well. Just all within the state. And in cities which I’m not thrilled about.

As Bob stated, it's semi normal, unfortunately. You will likely need to get some experience before being able to get an hourly driving job that offers time + 1/2 for OT.

I'd be most concerned about the city driving part of the job. I've been driving several years and I still get nervous when I have to go into a city. I'm sure most of our veteran drivers here would prefer to stay out of cities too.

It's tough to find opportunities at your age though. If you end up accepting this offer, don't hesitate to ask for help wherever you can get it. Whether it's from Trucking Truth, other drivers at your company, or people at the places you'll be delivering to. There is no shame in asking for assistance.

I agree with Bobcat_Bob that companies defiantly use outdated laws not to pay overtime. You are only 20 years old get some experience then come back for a higher wage. You have to make the decision yourself whether you want to take this job. Are you getting tons of other offers? If not maybe this is a safe bet considering the economy.

Have they outlined what your training would look like? I'd hate for you to jump the gun because your options are limited, then nobody hire you when you're 21 due to rookie mistakes from lack of training.

Many companies unfortunately take advantage of being not required to pay OT. Some WILL pay OT but only after 50 or 60 hours. The 2 driving jobs I've had I've been fortunate to get OT after 40. Where I'm working they actually give the driver a choice of their pay. Flat rate of $31 for all hours, or a slightly lower rate that DOES pay OT but starting out the break even point is about 67 hours. Then mile/stop pay is our other option. After you have a year of safe driving and at a minimum are 21 you'll have much more options that pay you much more. Even more doors will open at age 23 to 25.