Beginning Truck Driver Pay

Like Woody said, LTL is an exception. I would not be surprised if I hit 70-80k my rookie year.

Man thats good money but I dont wanna work that hard LOL.

although we bid today and I lost my cushy 320 mile run. There was still a bid available when it got to me but I've decided to try the extra board for a while.

Woody

average 2400 miles per week, starting at .35 with raises at 3,6,9 & 12 months, plus fuel, safety & productivity bonus.....without raises and bonus still comes in at over 43,500 - but training is less for up to 275 hours

I hadn't considered raises and bonuses.....excellent!

500 miles a day, 5 days a week isn't that tough is it? Its all drop & hook according to recruiters.....

No, it isn't tough at all, especially considering you're doing nothing but drop & hook. Excellent again!

I know the recruiters are trying to get new drivers, but if the pay is in writing, then it must be correct?

Yes, the pay is correct.

If they put the miles on you consistently, you hit your bonuses, and you get those raises you can hit $48,000 for the year. That would be an excellent division to be in and a great paycheck. You obviously have to be careful trying to calculate what you'll make based on 52 weeks a year though because you're going to have breakdowns and possibly some slow weeks. Unfortunately it will be difficult trying to make up for lost mileage because you're already running pretty hard and you're limited to a 5 day schedule each week.

But regardless of exactly how the numbers turn out I think you have an excellent job offer right there. That is what we'd call a "gravy run" - all drop & hook, home on weekends - great stuff!

Have you spoken with any drivers in that division by chance just to see what they're saying about it?

Like Woody said, LTL is an exception. I would not be surprised if I hit 70-80k my rookie year.

Man thats good money but I dont wanna work that hard LOL.

although we bid today and I lost my cushy 320 mile run. There was still a bid available when it got to me but I've decided to try the extra board for a while.

Woody

Honestly, I'd take a schedule with a 400 mile daily run over a 500+. I'd rather work a little less and be at home a little more than work hard and make the money ;)

In the spirit of this thread, I'd say that typically you'll have to work hard to make that top tier pay - whether in truckload or LTL. I'm thankful for the pay that my company gives, but for me, home time and being with my family is more important than making that extra dough.