Truck Driver Income Expectations

Reasons why large trucking companies make you sit…

As a new company driver, it may well come as a shock how little money you will earn the first year. Many new truck drivers, seduced by the “pitch” of making $50,000 a year with no college degree, will eagerly enter the industry. Many of these new drivers will leave young families and loved ones all for the hope of “big paychecks” and job security.

Trucking company recruiters are paid very well for only having to get you “in the door” for orientation, sometimes as much as a thousand dollars a “head”. Because of this many will “stretch” the truth as to what you will be getting into, and the kind of money you will earn.

Once in orientation, the managers there will say “if your not rolling, we’re not making any money”. While this is true, the reality is a little more complicated.

Since fuel is the largest expense for any trucking company, they cannot afford to run freight that will not cover their operating costs. Deadhead miles also are a consideration, because whenever you roll empty, no profit is being generated.

Some parts of the country command much higher freight rates, because of this, you may find yourself primarily in the Midwest and northeast. Regardless of where you may live, many companies will run you to these areas in order to maximize freight “coverage” there.

For most of the large trucking companies, their most profitable loads will be in the north and northeast. Because of this, they will consistently move as many power units as possible into these areas.

When a truck driver sits, the driver is not being paid, so it is a small loss when this happens. Even with “idle hours” added in, the cost of running you out of the prime freight areas will be substantially more.

This can greatly affect deep southern and western based drivers, as loads running in these directions are in higher demand, and can pay much less.

Allowing a driver to sit for a day or two, especially on long deliveries over the weekend, is more cost efficient for the company. This is because, if you drop the load, it will need to be “repowered”, resulting in additional logistics costs.

As a new driver, expect to run some of the toughest areas. This will be places such as the New York/New Jersey/New England areas, Washington DC, and Chicago inner city. freight running into these areas is plentiful. However, freight running back out may be harder to find.

According to trucking company research, drivers tend to quit more when routed near or through their homes. This usually applies to rookie drivers who have not yet become accustomed to the rigorous lifestyle. Because of this, some will run you far from your home and keep you away for the entire tour.

In closing, I hope they don’t keep you sitting too long. Remember, if that job just isn’t working out, pack your gear and move on. It’s all about the money in this business, and if your not making it, safely and legally, go where the money is!

Have a great ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page: Zen Trucking
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