Truck drivers?

[BradM]

Watch out for lot lizards. They'll give you the drip.

[Adam]

I know the screen name, can't think if I've actually met him. I'll shoot him a PM.

I started with Schneider. They put me through training and made me sign an 18 month contract. It wasn't that bad. My miles were consistent for the most part. I've done team driving. The pay was better but a word of advice. You're trapped in a 6x8 cubicle with that person 24/7. You better really like them. I wanted to murder my ex gf after 2 weeks.

As for the local driving most require experience. I believe Conway and maybe 1 or 2 others will train you. When you go to get your license get every endorsement you can. Never know what job oppurtunity will pop up that might require hazmat, doubles&triples, and tankers.

As for the pay I made 42k in my only full year otr. But I had to hustle to do it.
I've been doing local for the past 4 years now and my best is 46k? I think lol. I'd have to look. Any other questions just pm me.

[BttleFedC10]

I work for a lumber company called conner industries and we haul all over the place. But we have our local plant drivers and they make trips depending on 100 miles to sometimes 600miles. Look at our website and see if your interested. Our haslet plant is looking for drivers i think. ConnerIndustries.com

[Lone Sailor]

Starting out you will likely be stuck on long haul, unless you have a connection. Plan on being home 1 day a week at best.

As a driver for large transit companies you will be bringing in something like $30 - $40k a year. But are usually paid by the mile.

Choose van trailers over flatbed, since you are not getting paid while securing and tarping flatbeds, since you are being paid by the mile.

If you can get an intermediate route, or pay by the hour, jump on it and count yourself as lucky.

Most large trucking companies will pay for your training but you will have to pay them back over the first 12 - 24 months.

I just want to clarify, that information is incorrect. All flatbed companies pay tarp fee to the driver when the customer requests the load to be tarped.

[BttleFedC10]

I just want to clarify, that information is incorrect. All flatbed companies pay tarp fee to the driver when the customer requests the load to be tarped.

Your correct. Everytime when our loads need to be tarped we add $50 on top of with the load pays.

[motoman]

Is tarping a load that difficult or time consuming?

[Mike]

Is tarping a load that difficult or time consuming?

It can be.

[Unicorn Jeff]

Is tarping a load that difficult or time consuming?

If you don't know how to do it and if it's really fucking windy yes. Also with a flatbed you gotta check your straps and make sure everything is strapped down everytime you get out of the truck. With a Van, you don't need to really worry about it, unless it's hazmat. Then you gotta make sure everything is good.

[diablo rojo]

I'm a Class-B driver doing bi-weekly "shuttles" from Arlington to all the major markets.....New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.

1. I'll clear 70-75k this year. That's been consistent for 4 years.

2. We are team drivers, but we're only out for 5-6 days at a time and we rotate quarterly.

3. My company also runs regional and exclusives (hot shot).

4. Mileage, stop pay, hourly, and per diem on each shuttle.

5. You have to pass drug/alcohol tests, pass a federal background check, and be deamed "not a terrorist" by the gubment.

6. We don't currently have any positions available.

[BttleFedC10]

Is tarping a load that difficult or time consuming?

It really all depends what kinda load it is.

We also have hot shot drivers to.

[mstng86]

.

6. We don't currently have any positions available.

Dreams crushed.

[diablo rojo]

Dreams crushed.

It's what I do

[Adam]

Is tarping a load that difficult or time consuming?

When you're walking around on top of an unstable load like Iso board or plywood double stacked on your trailer you seriously question your sanity. Lol.

[Chili]

I just want to clarify, that information is incorrect. All flatbed companies pay tarp fee to the driver when the customer requests the load to be tarped.

Your correct. Everytime when our loads need to be tarped we add $50 on top of with the load pays.

That may be, I am basing that information on what was provided to me by Swift, back when I was looking to hire on with them. Sorry if that was incorrect today. That said, for $50 a load, I would still rather not have to mess with wrapping and tarping a load.

[bigmuskie]

When I first started, flatbeds were fun. I loved the challenge of figuring out how to strap and chain different loads. Bit of advice, if you max out your 10ft. spread axle, you will have to subtract the GVWR from your drives. I made that mistake and had no choice but to leave Escondido CA headed to Houston TX weighing just under 84k gross.

I drove in the intermodal rail for Schneider and I liked it. Made great money and home every night. Might be something to consider since they will help you obtain a CDL. After a year of OTR, ask to transfer to their local rail division located in Haslet.

Good luck.