Realistic Expectations...

[Stahly93]

My husband is a 10 years CDL A veteran. He's got several years OTR Tractor exp. but is currently driving for a waste hauler. He's been thinking of getting a Cargo Van and hitting the road. He is claiming he can make $1500-$1800 a week and be home several days a week. Is this accurate? We live near Detroit. Thanks

 

[Tennesseahawk]

In a cargo van? Not likely. Sounds like someone blew him smoke. $1,500 to $1,800 are possible, but not consistant. That's more for a straight truck (and usually higher) than in a van. But the chances he'll be home most of the week in a straight truck is slim, at best. Unless he'll be running for a local company doing local runs. Then, that spanks the idea of that kind of cashflow.

There is nothing easy in this industry anymore. Ppl got into vans for the ease and hometime, and now it's swamped with them. It's an industry made for either ppl who want money OR hometime, not both... unless you're extremely lucky.

 

[Stahly93]

He ran for Tri-State in the past with a Tractor/Trailer his father owned. The guy who gave him these figures works for this same company doing regional runs MI/OH/IN. There's A LOT of auto-parts freight in this area, and we live only 15 mins from DTW airport- lots of shipping out of there too.

He's currently driving for a garbage company- 14 hour days of physical labor and not even close to these figures to show for it. Our current vehicle lease is up, it's something we're seriously considering.

Thanks for your input, it's greatly appreciated!

 

[LDB]

Taking into account he won't work all 52 weeks of the year (I don't imagine) I'd say about $1200 per week averaged over an entire year would be more realistic for a van. That's $62,400 and that would be gross. Fuel and other operating expenses would have to come out of that. As to several nights at home per week that isn't going to happen in expediting. Several a month, if you live right in the freight zones, is feasible but not weekly. Good luck to you.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 4958, 5447
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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[highway star]

LDB's numbers are a good basis to work from, even a bit more. But, forget about the being home 3 days a week part. He could easily get by the house several times a week. But to be home 3 days a week will adversely effect his earnings.