JUST GOT MY CDL-B, HAVE QUESTIONS NOW

chuckwagon · Sep 6, 2006

9/6/05 - Holy cow! I know that by not having hazmat that puts me in a somewhat limited area. I also understand of not knowing what company I am going with will make a difference and the owner operator, etc etc. ALL I am asking under normal cases how much money does a TYPICAL driver in a straight truck make before expenses and tax deductions, etc. Sorry to get so pushy - but I thought I asked a simple question which is getting way to confusing with all the this and that response.

Ok, I have just got my class-b cdl with air brake endorsement, however I did not wish to get my hazmat at this time, no reason just did not want to.
Ok, now here is my question. I will be driving a straight truck. I have not selected what o/o or expediting company I will be going with. The o/o all check out good with current and past drivers as I know that is something I need to know. My question is - what kind of money can I expect to make (before on the road expenses) in general while driving a straight truck. I know it depends on how hard I want to work, how long I stay out, etc etc.....I am just trying to get a feel of what I can expect to make or what......I hope this gives you a base on what I am looking for here. Thanks for an input.

targuard86 · Sep 6, 2006

Without your hazmat you limit your options to only a very few smaller carriers. Even if I had trucks on with carriers that didn't require hazmat I would prefer my drivers to have it just incase I had to move my trucks in a hurry I'd already have a driver no matter where we decided to go.

greg334 · Sep 6, 2006

I agree, the Hazmat endorsment seems like an standard now for many drivers. It is an rather easy test and one extra thing to do on the road test.

As for you other questions, I can't answer the gross you would make but normally you would stay out for 2 weeks at a time, maybe 3 unless you are like some who decide to make it thier life calling and stay out permently. The work can be frustrating at times but overall it can be rewarding.

Just remember it is all about attitude and a company that fits your requirments.

2millionplus · Sep 6, 2006

Chuckwagon

I currently recruit for a copany that does not require hazmat, nor do they expect you to go to the Northeast. O/O's still run great money, but you must be a team. So there is always something.

Another option, is that you can sign on with P2, but will have to get hazmat.

2millionplus

"The Old Man":'(

Tennesseahawk · Sep 6, 2006

If you aren't sure which company you'll be driving for, I'd say get your hazmat endorsement. Most companies want you to be able to haul hazardous. The company I run for doesn't do hazmat, so I got rid of mine. If I change companies, however, I can always get it back. I don't see that happening though, as hazmat loads don't pay the truck any more than a regular load.

"If I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know." - Kansas

ATeam · Sep 6, 2006

Contact a FedEx Custom Critcial recruiter and request a copy of the revenue sheet. It shows fleet average revenues for solo and team drivers in various truck types. While FedEx will not accept you without a HAZMAT endorsement, they will send you a revenue sheet that will help answer your "how much money?" question.

highway star · Sep 7, 2006

The problem is, the is no standard "typical" example. You mention some of the variables in the oringinal part of your post. The company chosen and the deal you agree to with the truck owner are also significant. It's nice to go check on a job and be told it will be $xx an hour and 50 hours a week. This is just different.