Comments By Big White

Brett,

Let me first say that by my offering a thank you, is just not enough. That goes for all the others who have posted responses to my seemingly lost in the woods cry for help. Normally I do not concern myself with all the what if's, or the digging for intel on an outfit before I knock on their office door. If you were to look at my own past life, you would learn that I found employment, or self employment, on my own without spending hundreds of hours gluing my eyes to a computer screen, while looking for the best approach. I am very self driven and motivated, and I guess a lot of that came from my raising, as well as the Marine Corps. I remember when I was a cop, and building a business of my own on the side, I went to a Sears store and bought a shirt that read "Nike...Just do it." I went on to build a $6.2M business later on. That shirt I still have today, because it reminds me of where I was, and what I accomplished.

This particular industry, which without a doubt, is the supply backbone of our country. Without those drivers, you don't get that coffee maker you ordered, or purchased at a local store. Of course the entirety of the Logistics world goes much deeper. Once I began looking into these companies, I immediately found "hundreds" of sites that easily kept my eyes peeled to the screen, because I would continue to read an indifferent story about a company, or perhaps, it was feedback from employees of that company. One can easily be misled if you keep digging for the diamond in the rough as you conveyed. Given my particular scenario that I have never experienced before, I unfortunately let the computer screen take over my logic, as well as a sense of urgency for the truth. Based on my past experiences, when I wanted a "valid" answer, I tend to direct those questions to those who are actually engaged in the area of inquiry. For this post, it was being directed to the experienced driver, which has central knowledge in the industry, and would give me a no BS answer. This you have done sir, and very well I might add.

I have made my decision in this career change, to move towards building an asset based 3PL provider business model. The path could possibly lead to a different direction in the industry, but that seems to be the most interesting to me. I wanted to learn from the driver's perspective, while at the same time taking in all professional training that is out there to obtain. Your site is a GREAT place for some of that. I do have a strong background in Logistics from the military, as well as several overseas adventures I have had the honor and pleasure in managing. If my plans work, by the time I am 75 years young, I would have something to pass on to my family.

When I mentioned that I have somewhat paid my dues in life, that comment was not to imply that I was better than the average Joe out there. What I was implying, was that I am a seasoned professional, and I am a bit less naive than I was 30 years ago. I have never put myself on a pedestal, and in those high level positions I have held in the past, I would always be seen helping those in the lower ranks. With the numerous calls I have made to these recruiters, it was quite obvious that most of them were young, inexperienced, and enjoyed speaking over you. They could care less if you were the President. Having slipped off into a very bad situation in life unfortunately, I am in fight mode to rebuild. As such, it is extremely important to me that I take the best step forward. I was looking for "honesty" and concrete numbers, so I could apply these numbers to my budget. I would (if lucky) receive generic numbers from these recruiters, but never a concrete conveyance. Again, this industry is entirely different than what I am accustomed to. In the past, when I wanted answers that I needed, I always got them. Because of the wide array, and inconsistent feedback on compensation, benefits, etc., I was reaching out in this post, for help in clarifying. My apologies for coming across as someone who was lacking in the ability to decipher the information overload I have encountered in my search. Speaking militarily, rather than listening to the privates, I was wishing to hear from the Staff NCO's or Officer level on my quest for the best approach. As for the consultant objective, I was in fact seeking someone (mentor) that could help in the path forward, as for entering the 3PL provider business model. I do have a friend who I have yet to reach out to, as it has been years since we have spoken. He owns Pearce Worldwide Loigistics. Kevin was born and raised in this industry, so I may reach out to him eventually. He was actually a client of mine in the 90's. For now, it is getting behind the wheel so I can learn.

You have taken the time to lay out the facts in this industry, and if you haven't already written a book, or a guide that sells on Amazon, I strongly suggest you do so. Your writing, and well thought out message, was truly a master piece to read, especially for those who are new to this industry. From a man who has great admiration for those who like to help others, I am thankful to you sir. My thanks extends to the other members on this topic as well. If I can ever be of assistance, I ask that you reach out. Thank you!

I'm not entirely certain on the 39 cpm, I'm basing that off a Qualcomm message we received back around May that increased the pay for solo and team drivers. I'm a team driver and it's possible my memory is wrong, as 39 cpm Is the rate I was making before the pay raise. Maybe a solo can chime in and clarify which it is. At 37 cpm, you'd have to run 121k to gross 45k, or an average of 2300 a week. Still entirely doable in my opinion, but don't plan on taking a ton of time off.

No problems C.S., I will get a confirmation today with them. I plan on being a road warrior in the first year. I just don't want to be with a carrier that sells you on the cpm, and then you find out that you are painting stripes at the terminal because loads are reduced. I know that is negative thinking, but I think I read too much in all these forums where you hear these other drivers complaining about not getting miles. I definitely need the miles, unless I win the lottery. Thanks again C.S., and God Speed. Drive safe.

I simply wish to earn a minimum of $45K to start, and I could care less if it is flatbed, van, reefer , or what have you. They could send me to Siberia, and that is fine also. Just not on a team. I just know this number is out there, but to get someone (experienced driver who works there, or has worked there), to tell me that is doable, is like pulling teeth.

This is doable depending on which company you go with and how strong your work ethic is. For example, at Swift your pay would be 39 cpm to start. To make 45k gross your first year (after school and training) you would need to run a little over 115k miles. This is an average of 2200 miles a week. To pull it off you'd need to work hard, prove yourself, sacrifice some hometime and develop a good relationship with your DM. If you're willing to do that I don't see why it couldn't happen. Keep in mind if you go through a company school they'll also usually be deducting tuition payments from your checks.

Thanks CS. I may need to speak with Swift again, as last week's conversation, they conveyed .37 CPM. The recruiter said $500/wk average for the first 4-6 weeks. After training, they give you a truck and send you on your way at .37 cpm. If they are .39, that is obviously better! Your 115K miles is on target for the .39 cpm. I realize any rookie needs to prove themselves to the DM or dispatcher, and I am confident in this area. I am extremely mission oriented, so I am hopeful that shows with them, and I can earn the extra miles.

Overall, I am concerned about three areas; Compensation being enough to pull myself out of the hole, running solo and not team, and a carrier with a pet policy, which Swift actually allows. The only other concern, was on the CDL school I will be attending. This course will be funded through a grant, which is for Veterans. The Veteran Representative told me that the last Veteran that went through it, had 16 job offers after graduation. Never in my life have I ever heard of someone getting that many at a time, but that's what he said. I see on so many carriers websites, where they say (if you have gone to an approved school of theirs), or some other verbiage. I certainly can't be too selective on which school at this juncture, as it's free. I just hope they approve of this school I will be attending. Their name is (Advance Trucking Institute) if you have ever heard of them. Class starts on the 4th of January, so I have a few weeks to prepare.

Thanks for reaching out C.S., I do appreciate it.

Hmm...wonder what ever happened to this guy.

If you are referring to me, it's called unemployment, and a host of other variables, that have landed me here. I am not some druggy or otherwise that has lost contact with society, and has no life. I happen to be a good man, and have had a professional background for the most part of my adult life. Life has just thrown me a curve, and I am reaching out for help where I can. Drive safe

I noticed your original post was over a month old and thought maybe you'd dropped off. It had nothing to do with you personally.

Brett can certainly delete this post, but I am genuinely interested in helping you. I'm 54yrs old and came to truck driving after military service, corporate work, owning my own businesses and needing to get into a steady income. And no, I'm not retired military so I had no income to fall back on. I have a family to provide for and a very nice house we want to keep.

Sounds like you've got a chip on your shoulder. No problem here, but if you're living in a homeless vet center do you really want to be so picky about your prospects? I paid $5,000 of borrowed money to go to truck driving school. If you're able to go for free, take that opportunity and lower your requirements a little. Recruiters aren't gonna guarantee you $45k/yr for your first year. I took a position that looked to pay $30-35k for the first year and it looks like I'm going to come in closer to $40k.

I completely get that your experience should be valued, but these companies owe us nothing when we're starting out. They might be getting a great employee, but they're putting up a truck worth over $100k, letting us drive it and they're entrusting their customers' goods with us. Those loads can be worth a lot of money. Also, their reputation is on the line. Do they care about me? Probably not, but how much do we care about them, beyond our earnings? In addition, if you get into training/orientation with 20 people, there's a good chance only one or two of you will last more than a year. That's a lot of money the company has wasted on finding out who will perform and who won't.

You are welcome to private message me and I will certainly understand if you don't want my input. This is a job. Much like many others, it comes with benefits and requirements. If you're the performer you appear to be, there may be great success in this for you and I wish you well.

Good luck.

Steve, am unsure where you see the chip on the shoulder. I simply answered your curiosity. Also, I am not picky. Picky is not what got me here today for sure. I am concerned, not picky. As I have seen these numbers advertised, but then to listen to the recruiter tell a different story, just wasn't adding up. Therefore, I started this topic to see if (any) driver would have any positive input. I realize there are numerous links that I could click on that might reveal the same topic or inquiries, but this is mine. You have 3 yrs on me, and your story is close to mine. I appreciate your help, but please know, I have no chip, and learned a "long" time ago, that doesn't work well. Take care, and drive safe

Oops, forgot to separate the links.

How To Choose A School

How To Choose A Company

Brett's Book

And one I forgot

Truck Driver's Career Guide

Thanks Dan. I have looked at pretty much all of this site, and I still continue to do so, as Brett and his team have done a wonderful job on this site. I may not have worded my story all that well, but overall, I have contacted roughly 20-25 carriers, and I can't recall one that wished to be honest about various questions I had. This industry is a bit different than what I am accustomed to. Normally, I would speak with a recruiter (after they have reviewed my credentials), and "if" they liked the resume, they would spend time on the phone, or in person with you, to go over their high points, and to answer (any) questions that you may have. That would include your precise earnings, benefits, policies, growth potential, etc.

In this industry, they don't seem to care about your resume or what your accomplishments are. I get it. They only look at your driver, criminal, or other required record, and tell you the roses smell great with them. My record is spotless. I simply wish to earn a minimum of $45K to start, and I could care less if it is flatbed, van, reefer, or what have you. They could send me to Siberia, and that is fine also. Just not on a team. I just know this number is out there, but to get someone (experienced driver who works there, or has worked there), to tell me that is doable, is like pulling teeth. So all I am doing is reaching out for this information. After all the inquiries I have seen on this forum, as well as many others, I don't think that my request is out of reason. But....I am not even a CDL holder, so my knowledge base is far far away from those who are already behind the wheel.

Hmm...wonder what ever happened to this guy.

If you are referring to me, it's called unemployment, and a host of other variables, that have landed me here. I am not some druggy or otherwise that has lost contact with society, and has no life. I happen to be a good man, and have had a professional background for the most part of my adult life. Life has just thrown me a curve, and I am reaching out for help where I can. Drive safe

I have scoured the Internet in search of the right path to take. I have a lot to offer the industry, and this is a career change for me. My objective is like most of you, to earn a decent living, and enjoy doing it. As a rookie that is about to go to a CDL course, I have quickly learned that MOST carriers have a meat hook waiting for you, as it is all about getting a piece of meat behind that wheel. They do not care about your goals, etc., as there are thousands of drivers to take your place. As with most of us in the mid life term, we have paid our dues so to speak, not that this "really" matters to the employers, or your competitive drivers out there.

Realizing that I will probably see a lot of negative reponses to this, such as "welcome to the real world, or welcome to the truckers world", etc., please know that I am not looking for that. But....all feedback is better than none. I have various alternate routes to take in this new career, which is why I am shooting a shotgun approach in asking if there are consultants that exist out there, for the serious minded professional who wants to get started on the right footing.

As with anything in life, most goals start with the amount of cash flow you would like to see, or better yet, NEED, on an annual basis. Even though I have enough management in my background to achieve the title of Operations Manager, Project Manager, or perhaps Terminal Mgr., I do not know enough about this industry to just dive right in those positions, and nor would I believe that a carrier or other Logistics related company would bring me onboard unless I had the right experience. So I am looking at driving first. Following the driver's experience (which may take some time), I might be looking at becoming an O/O, or perhaps starting an asset based 3PL provider with brokerage offered.

There are several routes to take, but because I am just starting out as a "rookie", I don't want to end up being in a sling with the wrong carrier in the beginning! The carrier recruiters seem to be mostly car salesman with a direct aim in obtaining their commissions, and will tell you anything you like to hear. They ARE the Front Line in this industry, and for a guy like me, with high ambitions to succeed, they sure make the industry look bad, while giving me a negative impression of the overall industry.

I really should have titled this, "Which is the best carrier to start with", but my goals are more in depth than that. I am not 21 years old anymore, so my current path needs to aim a little more direct, with faster results. This is why I am asking if there are consultants that exist out there for the rookie. I know they exist for the larger firms, but I haven't reached out to them as of yet. Thought I would get feedback here first.

Outside of my thinking of acquiring a consultant, I have the same OLD question of "WHICH IS THE BEST CARRIER TO START WITH??" I have assembled a MS Excel spreadsheet, which some of you might find useful in your carrier comparisons, and in this spreadsheet, I have included the conveyed (CPM, Bonuses, Accessorials, etc.) from the recruiter, or perhaps the carrier website. Then I add in my expenses, state and federal taxes, insurance, etc., and I can see the end results a bit more clearly. It may not be perfect, as there are always factors that will change. I cover just the basics, which somewhat levels the playing field. As for mileage, most will tell you anywhere between 1200-2500 weekly, so all I did, to keep the results fair, is I used 1700 miles weekly in my CPM calculator. Boy is there a HUGE spread between these guys!

I get the feeling that because this industry is so competitive, nobody or their brother wants to tell you where the money is. I would rather not head the direction of earning .23 CPM for a year. Swift conveys .37 right after your training with them. Then there are some carriers with a higher CPM offering, but then you learn that they are only Team Driver oriented. I AM a Team player, but don't really think that Team Driving is my thing. I happen to have a cat, and giving her up is hard to do, even for this Marine, lol. She helped me through some tough times, and for those who have been in High Tempo environments, you might relate. So if anyone is willing to help me find the highest available CPM offering out there, and don't wish to express that here, please feel free in contacting me. I have not read the terms on this site, and Brett, if I am doing wrong, my apologies sir. You can reach out to me at colarguns at hot mail dot com.

I am just tired of hearing all the lies from recruiters, and would like to hear from the "experienced" drivers out there. Why is this so important? I will tell you. I am about to be homeless due to losing pretty much everything I had, long story. Next month I will be living in a Veteran Homeless Center. Part of their offering is free CDL training, and not really sure if the carriers will work with this school or not. Their name is "Advanced Trucking Institute", and are located in Asheville, NC. I need to crawl out of this hole I am in, and I am simply reaching out for the best direction to take, with the highest "rookie" year compensation. Thanks!

Brett,

Thanks man. I will definitely take a tour of the high road, and as for the GI Bill, I was given the shaft on that deal. I wanted to exit the program in the first 6 months of active duty, only so I could better afford to pay off a loan. The corporal who allowed this for me, "totally" understood that I wanted to come back to the program once I had the loan paid off. He said, no problem. When loan was paid, I came back to the admin center, and that corporal was no longer in the Corps. The Warrant Officer told me that once I was out, I was out. I could be 99 years old, and if I saw that Corporal Johnson, he would get his head knocked off. As for the cat, I have seen the companies you have listed that allow pets. I am still trying to narrow down however, if the cat can be there during the carrier training period. Common sense says no. I live alone, so if I am out on the road, there is no solution except for a cat hotel, and that can be really expensive for sure. So just looking at options. Maybe the carrier would have a pet hotel for their drivers, lol. Thanks again for your help sir.

More on Schneider Starting out at 28 cpm + 3 cpm safety paid quarterly and then by the end of the first year you should be at 38cpm. The key word is SHOULD be!! Every driver has to prove them selves to what ever company they start with. I'm 58 years old and the minute I new what day I was finally retiring from law enforcement I started researching what company I wanted to work for. I took 2 years researching and it was worth taking that amount of time to gain the knowledge that I now have in starting my driving career.

Blessed, I too am a former LEO, and not far from your own age. Having recently departed from the Federal Government, due to family relocation to Franklin, NC, I am about to embark on the Trucker's journey as a new career. So with your two years of research, compared to my two months, would you have any pointers for a carrier in my area? With respect to income, I haven't earned less than $70K in many years, and looking at $40K starting out will be pretty difficult, when considering budget. I will be going to Trans Tech for the CDL, and will ask that I train and obtain any endorsements they will offer. Plus, I am a sole caretaker of a cat, which means I am shopping for pet friendly carriers. Also a 8 year Marine Corps Veteran, with Infantry and Logistics as MOS, so maybe that will help me along in the resume. Overall, just trying to get any good scoop on the best carrier to start out with. Recently spoke with JB Hunt somewhere near Atlanta, and the recruiter (Andy) said that they required a minimum of 3 months, and they would start you at $55K. So thoughts were to go to Werner first, which is starting around $45K, and then after I get my 3 months, head onto JB Junt. I am not much for job hopping, but in order to meet the budget, I have to get onboard with someone who is willing to meet that obligation. Any helpful advice or input would be appreciated, thanks!

Big White, if you are a disabled vet you should qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E). This is actually a very good program that will pay for all tuition and fees and pays you a monthly check.

Thanks Robby! Mighty nice of you. As for disability, I never believed in using that. Now if I had missing limbs, I might have. This is just a human reaction to several experiences that I wasn't accustomed to. When those things happen, you are simply focused on the mission, your training, and nothing more. Then when the high settles, it slowly sneaks up on you. It's all good now, so don't you guys think that I will be hanging an AK out my door going down the road! See you out there soon!