Truck drivers?

[danielhv]

Don't waste your time as an owner/op unless your moving big shit. That's where the money is, but it costs a lot to get into it.

[07Bluovl]

I'm a gin pole w/float operator in the oilfiled in south Texas. No way Id drive it for 40k a year. Then again I work a lot of hours. Its too much BS and having to deal with DOT for that lil pay. Shit you can make that selling beer. Much less responsibility.

[motoman]

Shit you can make that selling beer. Much less responsibility.

I worked in the service industry for 5 years, definitely not something I really want to go back to.

[Chili]

Don't waste your time as an owner/op unless your moving big shit. That's where the money is, but it costs a lot to get into it.

The movers were the real money makers when I was in it.. I used to finance some really kick-ass rigs for Allied / Atlas / United Van Lines O/O's. Those guys were pulling $250k plus. I financed several trucks with 100"+ sleepers that were like RV's. Truck and sleepers alone (no trailer) were like $180k - $200k. Those were usually husband and wife teams that didn't have permanent homes though. They pretty much lived out of their rigs.

Water trucks for the oil rigs were really doing well in Midland / Odessa last time I was out there (2008).

[Lone Sailor]

That may be, I am basing that information on what was provided to me by Swift, back when I was looking to hire on with them. Sorry if that was incorrect today. That said, for $50 a load, I would still rather not have to mess with wrapping and tarping a load.

That is sometimes true in regards to not wanting to mess with tarping some of the loads, but when I drove I really dug not having appointment times, lumper fees, etc, that you have to deal with when it comes to van and reefer carriers. It's a tradeoff, there are pro's and con's for each type, just depends on the mindset and preference of the individual. But yeah, for someone who is either afraid of heights or is overweight/out of shape, I wouldn't suggest flatbed, you really have to earn your money sometimes, but for me that was the fun part.

[SMKR]

Any truck drivers on the board (the kind that requires a CDL)? I'm ready for a change of scenery and have considered getting a truck driving job. I'm not necessarily planning to make a life long career out of it but have considered it for the next few years. As I look around at different companies, it looks like most will pay for your CDL training, with that being said, I have a few questions.

Can you make decent money off of it?
Are the jobs consistent?
Is the money better or worse with team driving?
Are there companies that just deliver to surrounding states?
What sort of schedule do you work during the week?

Cdl a holder here

Fuck OTR. You are gone 99% of the year to make maybe 50k to start.

Ltl and local p&d you work afternoons and evenings, off on weekends, starting pay is $20ish an hour.

Seriously the $$$$ is driving in the oilfield. OTR, LTL and local will make ends meet, 50-60k, food delivery out a few nights a week is 70-90k and oilfield is $100k+

[Lone Sailor]

Don't waste your time as an owner/op unless your moving big shit. That's where the money is, but it costs a lot to get into it.

It costs a lot to get started AND it takes a long time for your investment to really pay you the dividends you're looking for. Some people are looking for those big bucks right away and it just doesn't work that way. It takes years to build it up, after all it's a business in itself.

[Captain Crawfish]

its not worth the risk or the trouble your better off finding a different career. the wear and tear on your body heart hearing is alot more than you think. the general public has absolutely no respect for anyone who does this job. if you have a family definately stay away

[SMKR]

I appreciate the info. Like I said, it's something I've thought about and wanted to look into, and I've heard the money can be good. Just like any job I'm sure you have to work your way up and into the money. Since I'm single with no kids, I thought it might be worth a shot. Biggest thing I'm looking for a job where I'm not behind a desk all day with room for growth that'll pay me at least what I'm making now.

Check out Con-Way freight. They have had a lot of changes for the better over the last 2 years. Mon-fri schedule, at least 50 hours a week if you want hours, off on weekends, $20.25 an hour to start. Top drivers local are pulling 2k-2500 a week on linehaul.

[Chili]

That is sometimes true in regards to not wanting to mess with tarping some of the loads, but when I drove I really dug not having appointment times, lumper fees, etc, that you have to deal with when it comes to van and reefer carriers. It's a tradeoff, there are pro's and con's for each type, just depends on the mindset and preference of the individual. But yeah, for someone who is either afraid of heights or is overweight/out of shape, I wouldn't suggest flatbed, you really have to earn your money sometimes, but for me that was the fun part.

Yeah, I can see what you're saying. My dad has been doing flatbed stuff for the last 15 years or so, but mostly specialty hauling. He works out of Portland OR and hauls large steel structures from a manufacturer. He is often running 100,000lbs or more with Cozads and such. 6 or more axle trailers. Crazy stuff.

[SMKR]

The movers were the real money makers when I was in it.. I used to finance some really kick-ass rigs for Allied / Atlas / United Van Lines O/O's. Those guys were pulling $250k plus. I financed several trucks with 100"+ sleepers that were like RV's. Truck and sleepers alone (no trailer) were like $180k - $200k. Those were usually husband and wife teams that didn't have permanent homes though. They pretty much lived out of their rigs.

Water trucks for the oil rigs were really doing well in Midland / Odessa last time I was out there (2008).

Its still booming. $22-23 an hour with just 6 mos exp is the going rate. Hell Lofton Energy is paying $22/hr to start right now hauling crude and they pay 14 hours per day as well as your food and hotel.

[SMKR]

2 pieces of advice.

If you go long haul, stay in shape and eat well or you will pack on the pounds.


If you go local, take care of your body. Use pallet jacks, forklifts, etc as freight movement can tear up your body over time. I have seen it s hundred times.

[Chili]

Its still booming. $22-23 an hour with just 6 mos exp is the going rate. Hell Lofton Energy is paying $22/hr to start right now hauling crude and they pay 14 hours per day as well as your food and hotel.

I could never even get a hotel out there, could only stay in Lubbock.

[SMKR]

I could never even get a hotel out there, could only stay in Lubbock.

It is still that bad. The freaking sleep inn in midland is $279 a night!

[Craizie]

Try and get a dedicated run with a company like Forward air, an LTL carrier. You will leave on time, every time. Even if there is no freight. When I was at FA, the highest paid team made $350k a year. They ran a lot though,