Comments By Chris

Most drivers will gross anywhere from 35 to 50k first year. I started in may but in 12 months I grossed 53. All depends on where you start.

I could make do om the bottom figure if i needed to, i kinda expect my first year to NOT be about helping my savings account but learning, learning, learning, settling into an irregular routine, and doing everything i can to have a positive mental outlook no matter what.

Thank you for your input CT.

I make a little more than that right now after taxes and insurance and all that. My w4 show single so I'm paying way more than I should in taxes right now. Anyway, it is doable to make that much, but early on probably not. Some companies will pay you during training but may require a contract. I believe prime pays the most at 700 a week during training but that's pretax and I think they require a year. One of the prime drivers can correct or confirm this. If you have a cushion like you mentioned you would be fine, but it's rough initially due to starting pay and inexperience.

I've don't remember how the w4 works, i've been using a 1099 for several years now, on the w4, can i claim my son, i am also head of household. Usually i pay all my taxes quarterly according to the head of house hold bracket with 1 dependent.

I paid cash for my CDL schooling, so that isn't even a factor in my finances now. I have a truck loan, paying off my credit card, only $500 left on it since I just paid $300 to pay it down. My horse in on my land so it only cost us $180 a month and that's factoring high to include vet visits when needed, farrier work every 6 weeks and monthly food for him.

When all is said and done between all my financial obligations plus my fuel, grocery and counting a few dollars high for fluctuating expendetures, I need to pay roughly $2500 a month. Is it realistic to make this with most companies, or do i need to be specific? Of course, my fiancee helps me with $200 a month as she can, she will help $300 after we finish paying a medical bill off. She currently puts $100 in and i put $100 in a month.

I have a safe gaurd of 4 months saved right now, i figured id need it while in the training period at just about any company.. melton, my main choice "cross my fingers" is orientation then 21 days with a trainer, so i'd still have a safe gaurd.

Is it realistic? The credit card at $100/month will be gobe soon, the horse, i'm looking for a home for him, but i'm very picky on that matter, the truck loan will be paid off in 12 months. So on those ill reduce my expenses by $400.

US Express is a really decent company I worked for them when I came off the road . I actually went through a school with a company they ended up buying out ( Victory Express) I have a close friend that works for them right now straight out of school doing their Proctor and Gamble run and he is paid damn well for it 175$ a day plus and he's home every day at 5

This is sounding good! Other than the being home every night, i don't really want to be, lol. Heck, I'd like to be out 5 to 6 weeks at a time.

Thank you!

Hey sorry for no response there Chris. I'm not sure what their starting pay is. We do have a ton of info on the company, though:

US Xpress Company Review

I worked there for about 6 years at one point and they're an excellent company. You can be sure their pay is competitive. I would just apply like crazy everywhere you can and see who offers you an opportunity. Not only will that give you an opportunity to speak with the recruiters and learn more about the company, but it will prevent you from wasting your time studying companies that might not offer you a position anyhow.

But I would certainly apply there and see where it leads. Apply to many others, too.

We have an excellent listing of truck driving jobs with options for applying to multiple companies with one application, or applying individually if you prefer:

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

Thank you brett, that is good to hear, i was told that if i'm willing to run, tbey will run me till i cant legally run anymore, which is a good problem! :)

A Schneider recruiter came to our class room to talk to us, he needs 40 drivers for a dedicated account here in VA. 6 days out 2 days home. Or 5 days and 1 day home, 6 is a better option, lol. It pays .48cpm and when he pulled the listing up it says under experience: ALL CDL Drivers.

Thank you for the link, i am going to jump on that today in a little while.

Bumping this...

I can't find much in the way of starting pay for US Xpress, one of my instructors said he drove for them 5 years ago and ge was very satusfied with them but he came in their with several years of experience so he couldn't advise me on the pay and miles as a rookie.

I have a pre-hire for Melton Truck Lines, but i've been advised to get pre-hires for a few companies to keep my open. Although it's not a flatbed company, as a box company, us xpress seems to be good, at least on the surface.

• What is the current starting .cpm? • Will they give me enough miles to run up to my maximum allowable clock? (I'm here to run miles, not sit.) • What brand of equipment is the company primarily running? • How much does health insurance run for family (Me & My son for now & eventually my fiancee when we marry.) • What kind of benefits overall does the company have? • Is there a 401k retirement plan? Is it fully vested after 5 years?

The questions I have asked above are questions i'm having a difficult time finding on the internet after a few days of research.

Thank you for taking your time to advise me.

I know this thread is old, but thank you! I'd like to also add, I found a portable pull up bar that just snaps together in a couple minutes and comes down the same, it can also be lowered and used as a dip bar, it can hold up to 350lbs.

Fitness is a big deal to me too, i'm currentlt in school amd got my pre-hire for Melton!

Thank you! My classes start on weekends on April 29, 2017! I'm quite excited that O can go to school and still continue to work.

Chris, I applied to Melton a year ago and talked to them before deciding to go to another company. I can't remember what the Melton recruiter told me their drivers were averaging, but I'm sure they do fine. Melton is a really solid company and you will be able to get as many miles as you can handle if you apply yourself and use the tips and tricks that are discussed here pretty regularly.

Congratulations on getting your permit!

What was your deciding factor for choosing another company? Thank you very much! I appreciate the input Bud A.!