Anything to look out for, or just advice in general. Also, what is a good 'per mile' payrate?
2006-07-03 18:28:30 · 8 answers · asked by Adam's Dad 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
don't be a truck driver if you don't have a lot more patience than you think you need. or fall asleep easily(while driving for long periods of time). i deal with truck drivers all the time. the impatient ones get on everyone's nerves, including their own.
as for the pay rate, i have no clue. i just ship trucks.
2006-07-03 18:32:46 · answer #1 · answered by Boba Fett 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best paying truck driver jobs will probably be union based. I don't know what you field you are interested in, but I can tell that driving a log truck requires more hours for less pay than most jobs on the market. The UPS delivery truck drivers get 20 plus dollars an hour, but you would nearly have to know someone in the union to get this type of job. I know someone who was getting 47 cents per mile plus a 3 cent a mile bonus at the end of the year for not having any accidents. I would say 47-50 cents a mile is probably a good per mile pay rate. I have heard union based car haulers get more than 50 cents mile plus so much an hour when the truck is broke down, but ever body does not want to join a union.
You should also consider what happens if you have to wait say 2 days to get unloaded. Are you willing to set in the truck 2 days for free? I doubt this will happen often, but you need also know what happens if the truck breaks down. Will the company pay for a Hotel etc.? A few companies give cell phones to drives so they call their wife or whoever, but the minutes are limited. The most important of all is that you are driving a truck that you like.
2006-07-03 19:20:01 · answer #2 · answered by Johnny D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where you live there may be a truck driving school in your area. I would do a yahoo or google search for truck driving schools. Obviously you have to enjoy being on the road (no matter the condition) and driving long distances.
You'll also have to have a good driving record. I'm sure any company that uses trucks will require that. You may want to check out UPS, Fedex or any other nationwide trucking company. You could contact them and let them know you'd like some information. It's best to get information from a variety of sources and then narrow your choices.
On a very personal note truck driving is a very solitary career and may be better for a single person then a married. The time away from home tends to put an unwanted strain on the most commited relationship.
2006-07-03 18:51:14 · answer #3 · answered by mloessel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you married? Is your spouse/gf ready for you to be gone weeks at a time? It is a great way to see the country. 33 to 40 is a good rate for company drivers. what do u want to pull? reffer? flatbed? doubles? tanker? How does steering 80,000 lbs down the freeway sound?
2006-07-03 18:34:47 · answer #4 · answered by late_sleeper35 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, their is a great demand out their right now, I suggest you first go to truck driving school then find a girlfriend or wife....and drive as a team, I have some friends that are doing it and their making in excess of $200.000 a year
2006-07-03 18:35:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a reputable drivers school and get your cdl and sign on with whatever company offers the best $$$$.
2006-07-03 18:35:55 · answer #6 · answered by homerunhitter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put the pedal to the medal and keep the rubber side down.
2006-07-03 18:30:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ha ha ha move to Nashville!!!!!
2006-07-03 18:30:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋