$230 A Week? Is That Possible?

FWIW - I started with Roehl and stayed about 15 months, half of which was in a regional fleet generally running a five day week. I had a couple of weeks with only 1200 miles during that time with a starting pay of .30 cpm (you can do the math). However, my overall average was 1850 miles a week and when I left my pay rate was at .37 cpm. I had a few weeks (very few) with around 3500 miles. During my last 6 months, I was on their 7/7 home time option and would generally get about 3000 miles during the 7 days out. I agree with previous comments that only making $230 a week indicates something very unusual about that situation.

The day before i graduated school 2 weeks ago a gentleman showed up who had graduated from my same school a few months before and he was doing dry van for Roehl. He loved it and said nothing but good things about the company. like has been said in this thread and literally thousands of times on this site you get out what you put into trucking.

like has been said in this thread and literally thousands of times on this site you get out what you put into trucking

That's very true. And remember, that first year is all about learning. We'd all like to make as much money as we can but don't get caught up in worrying about that in the beginning. Worry about learning to handle that rig, life on the road, and yourself as a professional. Believe me....that's a tall order in itself!

So don't obsess over money that first year. Obsess over learning all you can, being safe at all times, and establishing a solid reputation for yourself as a true professional. If you'll do that your first year you'll have the perfect foundation to go after higher paying jobs and different types of freight if you'd like. But the turnover in the trucking industry is around 100% nationwide. A lot of people never get to that one year point. Many of them went in thinking they were going to light the world on fire with some serious driving skills and never even made it out of training. Never drove a truck solo on the highway one single time.

The only way I could see something like that being possible without the guy being a complete screwup would be if he had a bunch of ex-wives and associated kids, and his wages were being garnished for child support and alimony. I got more than that in training, for God's sake.

August 5 will be my one year anniversary in the industry and let me tell you, everything being said by Brett, Guyjax and the others is absolutely dead on. Don't look for the big money the first year. I have been tested to the point (especially in the beginning) where I had to dig real deep into myself and decide if this is the life for me. Obviously, it is. I have gone through divorce, my two little ones moving to Colorado, a close member of my family being diagnosed with cancer... and more. That is on top of all the trucking responsibilities. It takes a very head strong and independent individual to do this for a living. Oh, and I don't drive for Roehl, but I have yet to have a check anywhere near that low.

Thanks guys! I guess I'm just too gullible. Every time I'm on another forum and hear so much negative talk about this company and that company it makes me second guess my decision. You guys/gals on here are so much more positive and motivating than other trucking websites and I appreciate that very much!

Thanks guys! I guess I'm just too gullible. Every time I'm on another forum and hear so much negative talk about this company and that company it makes me second guess my decision. You guys/gals on here are so much more positive and motivating than other trucking websites and I appreciate that very much!

Josh, Trucking Truth is one of the best forums out there. In regard to the sheer amount of positive support, not many come even close. I know the negative forums you speak of, and I know it can be convincing. Here's something to chew on. If you're gonna go by what other people say, and what trucking forums say, until you can establish your own opinion, lean heavily towards Trucking Truth. However, there's a reason why some companies are really scrutinized and lambasted on those other forums, and it's not ENTIRELY disgruntled drivers just moaning and trying to get some cyber retribution. There will be some morsels of truth in there. Trucking Truth is heavily moderated - and that's part of what makes it attractive. While the other forums can be breeding grounds for slander, negativity, and complainers, don't just brush everything off as a bunch of cranky, lazy drivers that don't have anything better to do than spread lies.

I've gained some friends already in this industry, and I don't start my first job till this Monday. I've gone out of my way to seek the positive, experienced drivers - here and in other forums. In fact, I've already met for breakfast with one husband and wife driving team at a local truck stop, and I met them on a different forum. I have a few drivers in my contacts list on my cell phone.

It's easy to become disillusioned with all the rampant negativity - it's discouraging to get excited about being a truck driver only to have it seem like there aren't ANY good companies out there! I've been there! What I'm trying to say is, above all, maintain a positive attitude and go into this industry with respect toward your peers and those in authority (like your dispatcher). Don't be a doormat, but don't shoot your mouth off and feel entitled. Tuck away what you've heard from other forums in regard to some of the complaints, i.e. don't completely disregard them. But have the strength and discernment to chew up the meat and spit out the bones. Again, there's some truth to some of what these disgruntled drivers say, you just don't know to what extent. From what I've learned on this forum, nothing wrong w/ being overly positive, and if you work hard enough and maintain a positive attitude, you can do well at any company. Be as wise as a serpent, and innocent as a dove.

That's not so bad. During my research, I came across people who complained that they only made $50 a week. Lol.

That's not so bad. During my research, I came across people who complained that they only made $50 a week. Lol.

Either they suck at their job or are exaggerating haha. You can make more than that delivering pizzas!

Thanks guys! I guess I'm just too gullible. Every time I'm on another forum and hear so much negative talk about this company and that company it makes me second guess my decision. You guys/gals on here are so much more positive and motivating than other trucking websites and I appreciate that very much!

-Josh

You're not gullible. I'm glad you asked the question, so we can all hear from the more experienced guys who know the deal and can tell the truth. The Trucking Truth! (ha-ha. Almost sounds like I'm swearing. LOL) This has been a good thread. Go where the luuuv is, Man. Leave the rest behind.

-mountain girl