Do truckers really make a living wage? I've heard their on-the-road expenses eat up their salary. Anyone a trucker? Would you recommend the driving career?
2007-06-28 11:14:23 · 7 answers · asked by Margaret H 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Also, can you recommend a good company to work for? Thanks.
2007-06-28 11:22:56 · update #1
Also, do you think there is an upper age limit? Like, would 60 be too old to re-career and begin trucking? Thanks again.
2007-06-28 11:24:08 · update #2
you can make good money. BUT all the experts missed a crucial element...yes it's expensive to live on the road BUT your giving a per diem (there's a MAX amount you can claim) and any expesne you incur while drivng HOLD the reciept. Truck wash, windex, paper towels, gloves, hotel reciepts, tolls, tips for the wiatress, bed sheets, go to Newbie Driver.com...lot's of good information for you to decide. Every year i filed, I made over 70,000 between my retirement check (military) and 49,000.00 in one year as a driver-trainer...and i got back over 3,500.00 back for all my expenses.
2007-06-30 17:34:32 · answer #1 · answered by Adam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what kind of trucking you want to do. Local, short haul, regional, long haul otr? Freight, reefer, tank, specialized, hazmat? In each of those categories some companies will pay better than others. O/Os usually make more than company drivers, but not always. In trucking, you just need to get the training and jump in where you think you might like to be and then see what opportunities exist in other areas. I was otr, regional, local, pulled reefer/drybox. flats, end/belly dump, tanks, specialized overweight/over dimension, oilfield, freight, ...................... I settled in pulling hazmat tanks with fertilizer locally (300 to 400 out from terminal), home most every night and was making 60g when I quit in 05. Did that for 20 years.
As far as otr expenses, those can be managed quite well, and most everything is deductible. If you're not reimbursed, from your cell phone to gloves to the kleenix you blow your nose with can be deducted. If an O/O, your new pick up every 3 years can be depreciated.
It takes a special type of person to be a driver, specially otr or O/O. Independent, disciplined, resourceful and a problem solver. Long hours, lonliness, stressfull situations and time away from home can be the downside. It's not easy.
I have known O/Os who make between 180 to 200 g a year, and get to keep about 1/2 to 2/3 of that. Not bad for a high school grad.
Good Luck if you decide to try it!
2007-07-01 17:28:43 · answer #2 · answered by gone 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a living, but it is not going to make anyone rich. For some, it's a great income, far beyond what their potential would be considering their education level or skill level, but as you pointed out, the expenses can take a heavy toll on that income.
Expect just under $50K a year, a little more as an owner operator, but subtract that right back out because of the expense of buying your equipment. There is a driver shortage and the salaries and commissions are rising, that's for sure, but fuel prices and other expenses are, too. It's a tough decision to make but there is nothing wrong with having your CDL and making a hustle on the road when you need to.
2007-06-28 11:20:54 · answer #3 · answered by gailforce_wind 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are funny though clowns are even more funnier / that is a decision you are going to have to make on your own though if it was me i wouldn't become a truck driver as it's a dangerous job and you have to think about also what you are hauling along in the back
2016-05-22 01:11:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have several friends who tried to make a go of trucking but with all the interstate commerce laws, it makes it very difficult to keep your head above financial waters. the ones that did make it for a while, got on with big companies that helped with some of their expenses on the road or provided them with a truck / trailer and lined up their loads ... but the hourly wage is very low if you calculate all the hours you have to put in to make enough money to live... and virtually no home life to speak of since you are out on the road 7 days a week...
so, no I would not recommend it
2007-06-28 11:36:18 · answer #5 · answered by pmk 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes i would they get paid well.........one thing is finding the right company to work for
2007-06-28 11:20:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's the life of hemorrhoids, red bull, and you wife cheating on you when you outta town.
2007-06-28 12:37:37 · answer #7 · answered by Dr Phil 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋