Paths To Making GOOD Money As A Truck Driver?

Hello all,

I've noticed that some people are making 6 figures as truck drivers while most aren't even close. What have the people that are making 6 figures done differently?

Hello all,

I've noticed that some people are making 6 figures as truck drivers while most aren't even close. What have the people that are making 6 figures done differently?

Some possibilities are that they started young and have a lot of experience. With that experience, they were able to get into a specialized area of trucking like heavy hauling . Or perhaps their experience allows them to be super efficient. I think the moderators on this site fit the super efficient category, which is why guys like me who are learning make it a point to read every word they post.

Hello all,

I've noticed that some people are making 6 figures as truck drivers while most aren't even close. What have the people that are making 6 figures done differently?

What's your source for these numbers?

Efficiency is certainly a part of it. One could argue that without being efficient, nothing else really matters.

When it comes to garnering those higher incomes, the whole package comes into play. Along with efficiency, you need to have a willingness to go above and beyond to get the job done. Read this article by Old School, it clearly explains the best path to a successful and lucrative trucking career.

Show me the money

Another thing to note: Keeping your safety/service record and license clean will make you more attractive to some higher paying or niche companies, should you wish to go that route somewhere down the road. Many of those companies require a spotless track record before even considering you for hire. Setting yourself up to take advantage of those opportunities as they arise is key in moving up the ranks, and moving up the pay scale.

You won't find too many OTR company drivers pulling 6 figures, how ever it is common with linehaul drivers.

The math here is simple. To gross 100k+ you need to make 2k+ every week. One can drive only a limited amount of miles, I would say that 3,000 miles is very good number. Going from there all you have to do is find a company that will pay you 0.70+ cpm. With all these conditions met you will be making your six digits with no problems. If this is your priority, if course.

A lot those jobs tend to be local. But you are going to being working your azz off to make that kind of money. Examples would be guys that run doubles for ltl companies like Old Dominion. Fuel haulers. I’ve heard of Trash haulers like MBI making about that much. Companies like US foods or pfg. There’s a grocery chain in the Chicagoland area where drivers are making those numbers. What’s the common theme of these jobs? All hands on work and 12 to 14 hours every day.

And you’ll probably be on nights starting out.

I make between 1800 and 2200 a week. I burn my 70 every week over 6 days. The 6th day is the hardest because I have to make sure I'm done in time to get my 34 hour reset in before my scheduled start time.

Not to hijack the thread but where you did you end up going Banks? Been curious since you left Pepsi.

I make between 1800 and 2200 a week. I burn my 70 every week over 6 days. The 6th day is the hardest because I have to make sure I'm done in time to get my 34 hour reset in before my scheduled start time.

Early on, I identified what I did and didn't like about the job. Fortunately, "driving a truck" is a large, inclusive job description. You want to be home every night? You want weekends off? You want to drive 70 hours a week? You want to drive days only? You want to bring your dog with you? There are jobs that can meet your needs but it's up to YOU to figure out what your needs are then find a job that's the best fit.

One of the things that really bothered me on my first job was all the unpaid time (waiting at a shipper/receiver, hunting for an empty, broke down in the middle of nowhere) so I looked for a job where I could sell 60+ hours a week and get paid for all my time. For me the answer was dedicated. I get paid by the hour (overtime over 40) and all the unpaid tasks either disappeared or are now paid.

The people making less are turning fewer miles or aren't getting paid for their time. That can because their gig just doesn't have the miles, but usually they chose another path because they wanted to bring their dog, work days, go home every night or made a choice that means they work less than 70 hours a week.