Comments By Dan E.

Thanks CT that is helpful info. I can survive on that kind of pay while I learn the job. I am going to put in my application with Maverick and see what happens.

Dan. I graduated back in May so things might be different now. You don't get paid until you pass orientation. That's 4 maybe 5 days of physical, drug tests, paperwork, map reading, log books, safety etc. Once you've been offered a job, you'll make 550 a week gross. That's your salary until you get your own truck. 3 weeks is the minimum. My trainer wanted 5 so I stayed 5 weeks. U have the option to go home for a few days or get straight to work if money is tight. You also get a graduation bonus of 400 after your 1st load and 400 when you graduate.

Keep in mind, where ever you decide to go, you won't start making decent money until you figure out how to run your truck. There are a lot of factors, but you can do well here and at other companies.

Did you get our CDL thru Maverick? I am just curious about the upfront costs and at what point in training do you start getting paid? From what I have gathered it seems you have one week of orientation and then 4 weeks of training before you start making any money. I am worried about how far behind I will get with my bills if it actually takes 5 weeks to start making some income. Thanks

Hey. Sorry didn't see this earlier as I've been on home time since friday. Which us definitely a pro lol. I drive for maverick so any questions you may have I can probably answer. Almost at 6 months already. So here's a few pros and cons..

Pros: Like I said earlier, most outfits will get you home on weekends and business holidays. I've had a few 4 day weekends this year. Like Bud said, loading and unloading is typically faster because a lot of times it depends on you. Typically you start out with a decent cpm as well.

Cons: When you start out, the sheer terror of making a mistake. I was so scared the 1st time I did a coil I watched my mirrors very closely. And with that, the danger of the job is concerning at times. Tarping can be a pain when you're new as you only learn with experience. Also the spread axle trailer backs differently than boxes so it's a challenge at 1st.

That's all for now anyway lol

Thanks for the response. I feel like I would be happiest with flatbed from what I have learned from the site.

I will say this driving flatbed is a lot more fun for me then driving box or reeffer. I know other drives thought that can't stand it.

Thanks for responding old school. I had already reviewed that thread but want to hear it in your words. Is flatbed worth it? You are the best on this board from what I have seen so give me your advice please.

Dan, follow This Link for all kinds of interesting reading about flat-bedding.

Just curious about the glass division. What is it? I want to drive flatbed but is there any advantage to going glass?

If so I would love to ask a few questions. Thanks

Go ahead and ask your questions. Could be a Mav driver can catch them, or another experienced driver can explain it all for you.

Askin' a question don't hurt nothin'

I think this is what interests me most. The added responsibility of securing the load and checking it regularly seems right up my alley. Also from the research I have done (mostly on this site) Maverick seems like the best fit for me and they have a glass division. Any info on what that is exactly or what differences could be expected would be appreciated. Thanks

I have 0 experience but this is something that I have thought about as well. If I had to drive team I would have to feel comfortable around my teammate and trust that he was a safe driver. Seems it would be easier learning the job your first year with a partner but if you didn't connect with him or her it would be a nightmare. I hope you get some good replies to this question.

So have been wondering for a while what type of driving job is the best? I would like to do otr but once I get my cdl is solo or team driving best? I've been kind of leaning towards solo, but I wanted to get some advice from guys that have actually done both. Thank you so much for your help.

Rob I want to do what you do. At the same time I don't want to lose my home because of my blood pressure. It is a stressful situation for me. Thanks for your response

"Never recover financially " That's pretty extreme. I don't want to get into your business but if you really believe that's true, you're already putting enormous pressure on yourself. As for the physical, you can get your own done. (The school might want you to take another though.) That way you'll know before school starts that you can pass the physical. Mine cost $75 and I did not take a second one for Swift Academy.

"Never recover financially " That's pretty extreme. I don't want to get into your business but if you really believe that's true, you're already putting enormous pressure on yourself. As for the physical, you can get your own done. (The school might want you to take another though.) That way you'll know before school starts that you can pass the physical. Mine cost $75 and I did not take a second one for Swift Academy.

brother I want to do this. I have driven vehicles with trailers underground in a coal mine. Not the same but equally as difficult I feel. I just don't want to lose my home because I have high blood pressure when I take my physical.

Great post. What breed of dogs? Dogs are family so how could you travel without them :)