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Viktore777@reddit

I did mega carriers for a year, perfect driving record. Then just got into a local/ line haul gig and in the 100k to 110k range. Great benefits and paid holidays/ pto👍

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Viktore777@reddit

I got it through a maga carrier. I won't even put their name out there because I really despise the company as they have unlawful practices in my opinion.

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More_Claim_82@reddit

I have reviewed some companies good and bad and i fully understand you. The worst thing that keeps bugling me is the contract to drive for them. What's your take on that?

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It sucks. But if it's your only option to get a license just get it out of the way. After a year you can get a better job, or quit and you can make payments. You might be able to do a class to get your license and get hired on with a company.
Ask if they have a placement.

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Watcher2@reddit

Hi, am interested in getting started by doing the whole mega carrier trains you then you drive for them for awhile.

I was told the mysterious rhyme company is better than the company that sounds like a pop stars last name?

Can you give me more insight into why you’d say it’s the opposite? Or what the best way to get a paid for CDL and get into the career would be?

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TheTrueace16@reddit

Go flatbed or fuel hauling....KAG and TMC hire right out of school

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Viktore777@reddit

I would just go with a mega carrier that can give you a dedicated/ regional route after getting your license. Or get on in on a dock that will give you a job there and training for cdl in an LTL line haul/P&D company. There isn't any money in OTR, especially for new recruits. And you have no life, it's just 24 hrs a day in a truck. Swift was great for a beginner company on the Walmart dedicated account. It was great experience, was only gone for a day or two at a time and made decent enough money before making a transition to a better paying gig.

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Viktore777@reddit

I'm not sure what's in your area, but here in Albuquerque, I wish I had just saved a little more and gone to the Phoenix truck driving school and then I would've been hired on with Swift directly and on the Walmart dedicated account. If I could have done it over. I know they have that school in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. But I actually did get a lot of really good training from Pr%@e in the flatbed division. I would never ever recommend going that route with them as they omitted the fact during recruitment and going to SLC for training that I would have to pay $6,000 for flatbed securement equipment. It wasn't until after I started driving in my own truck there that I realized they were making deductions from my check for an additional amount of 6k for the equipment used to secure their loads. I would recommend going to Swift or Knight as they have merged. There might be some others that are good starter companies, but doing the regional kind of dedicated route, I was home 2 to 3 nights a week and the pay wasn't horrible starting off. I would suggest finding something like that. I do recommend getting in with a mega carrier for your license if you can't get in with a school that will help you get a direct job with a carrier making decent money. I've heard of people having a hard time landing a job after getting a school license due to lack of experience. If you can find a mega carrier to get a license through, you will get good training on proper fundamentals, pre/post trip inspections that will help you land a better gig with a higher paying company. Guys who get their license and go with a small, not very professional company, say a moving company or similar, you will not get the experience that is required for a higher paying large company, like Walmart, UPS, XPO. I'm currently at one of these and I can tell you they turn guys away every single day that don't know enough about how their truck works and don't have a strong foundation or experience. I would also try and get all the endorsements like I did. It got me the job I was looking for. There are guys that have been driving over 20 yrs that don't have hazmat or doubles/ triples endorsement. Just get it done, put in a year somewhere on a dedicated route if you can find one, and then you can start looking for a better job. Hope this helps.

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TearStainedFacial@reddit

That's some prime information.

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ShoeStunning@reddit

lol yes. do your year and make 100k doing linehaul if you want buddy. get out and look, dont get tickets, dont hit stuff and the world is your oyster.

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Charlie_Hustler@reddit

Wish it were that easy 😪

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rigjiggles@reddit

I started as a part time dock worker and they asked if I wanted to drive within a few months. Got paid 25/hr while training for cdl. Then got a bid making over 100k. It was that easy.

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More_Claim_82@reddit

what company if i may ask? thanks

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ShoeStunning@reddit

dock to driver is the way to do it. i wish i had done it that way.

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Passion-Interesting@reddit

LTL is where it's as far as making a career in the trucking industry. Unless you're at a big terminal, it's hard to come in straight to linehaul, but it's a gravy gig. My terminal hired me as a combo driver, so P&D is a priority, but when my route is slow, I run linehaul; I'm fine with that until I am strictly linehaul, but still at bottom seniorty im making $7k/month plus, you definitely can make it a lifetime gig.I will say that P&D is not a good gig for a new driver, because they'll send you places you can tear some shit up if you're not super careful.😆

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rigjiggles@reddit

You sound like my buddy at work. Our p&d and linehaul is two separate things. He started city and had to transfer to road for those reasons. And our linehaul pays 40-50k more.

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Choice_Pop3111@reddit

OP, the CDL is a lifetime license (something that you can go back too when it makes sense in your life)

there is money in trucking definitely and it depends on how hard you are willing to work and where you are willing to work.

if you have good health to pass a physical... i would recommend getting a CDL those trucking schools are just going to get more expensive

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cCueBasE@reddit

Don’t be fooled into paying a lot for trucking school either.

The academy I teach at is completely free to the students.

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Tasty_Can_470@reddit

What school is that & are there multiple schools in different states?

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cCueBasE@reddit

Goodwill. And yes they have schools in different states.

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Tasty_Can_470@reddit

Bro I’m trying to look it up but really can’t find anything on it

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Tasty_Can_470@reddit

Is it touch freight or just drop and hook?

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cCueBasE@reddit

It’s a CDL school, not a job.

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Tasty_Can_470@reddit

Oh my bad clicked the wrong message

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ItsTheBreadman92@reddit

I’m sitting here district managing 4 stores and it sounds kinda nice to be alone all day. Been talking to our truck driver and man i have the same itch as you. 32 as well. I already work 10-12 hour days and the way food service is anymore, i know blue collar boys that honestly couldn’t pull the shifts i do.

I’m sure it’s goofy, but being a Sysco driver looks better than what I’ve been doing anymore lol

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rollon34@reddit

There's other food service/grocery/beverage delivery jobs that aren't as bad as sysco. I'm not saying sysco is bad, it's just alot. Like maybe the toughest job I've ever had. You can make the same just rolling pallets around instead running ramps and digging through a trailer for 14 hours with 15 stops and 1300 cases

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ItsTheBreadman92@reddit

For sure, i appreciate that. i guess my driver for my locations just makes it look easy. lol

That and Beelman is closest to me that seem to be close enough in pay for me.

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rollon34@reddit

The guy that trained me made it look easy too. Lol

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40TonBomb@reddit

My girlfriend is 45 and getting hers currently. I spend half my day browsing Reddit making 100k. Yes.

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nickv1155@reddit

Browsing and driving at the sametime??

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40TonBomb@reddit

Loading and unloading gas is a lot of standing around.

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nickv1155@reddit

That doesn't sound too bad. What is your work schedule like? How many hours do you work weekly?

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40TonBomb@reddit

I work Friday-Monday typically 6pm-4am. Nights make about 30% more than days so I’m doing them while I’m young and unmarried.

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nickv1155@reddit

That's great. It sounds like a sweet gig compared to doing OTR or food/beverage. I would like to get into that. I like the 4 day work week.

Would you say the day shifts are just as easy minus the traffic? What's your sleep like? Are you able to get seven hours per night?

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40TonBomb@reddit

I sleep 6am-2pm

We do load pay, not hourly, so the less money on days comes from waiting in lines at the terminals, mostly. Also far easier getting into shitty old gas stations when they’re closed.

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SolidEnigma@reddit

If you cant handle being away from ur family dont even think about it.

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OmarNubianKing@reddit

Local is the way of us family drivers

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stephenbmx1989@reddit

Over the road is shit I hear.

LTL and other stuff ain’t so bad. It depends on how much you’re willing to work for.

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GiantEnemaCrab@reddit

Do you have no hobbies, friendships, relationships, and life ambitions other than making money? Then trucking is for you.

Do you want to piss away 60 hours per week minimum but make 100k per year? You can do that local. Want less money but easier work and an average life expectancy of the low 60s? I guess OTR is there as well.

Trucking is better than retail and foodservice but not by much. Imo if you're considering trade school I suggest plumbing or being an electrician. Both have better pay, better hours, and an actually useful life skill that can be applied to your own house.

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mikiae86@reddit

I recommend trucking its not a perfect business but it is alot better then most , any job has its negatives , i did electrical for 5-7 yrs before i did trucking work is dangerous and i was out traveling more then trucking, staying in motels and eating fast food , i drive local now home Everyday packed lunch .

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Dense_Reputation_420@reddit

With ops age though trucking is better than trades. Other than that you're right on the money lol

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v2898@reddit

Perfectly said, I couldn’t agree more.

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ComStar6@reddit

The co workers who vote against overtime. These fucking right wing moron cucks. How the fuck are they thay easily convinced to fuck themselves over?

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Valuable-Chance5370@reddit

You do get a free home with trucking tho

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brsrafal@reddit

Yeah definitely going to Plumbing or electrical if you can or most trades are better than Trucking. You could be a 10-year trucker and make the same money as a 2-year trucker but if you're a 10-year Master Plumber just for you to come over and knock on the door is over $100 and owning having your own business is a lot less pricey and risky versus maintaining a ring and all the other complications that come with it.

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NeoAcario@reddit

If you live near one of my company terminals in the SE that hires new grads and has a seat open… you won the lottery. Haztank experience straight from school. So yes, it’s worth. So… what city/state you in?

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rajiii2002@reddit

You would need to expect to put a couple of years in OTR before getting a home most nights driving job. Right now it is mostly just the large carriers that are hiring new drivers. Pay per mile will not be that bad, but good miles are not there for most dry freight.

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jackinthecracker@reddit

Year 1 regional trucking -80,000 Year 2 otr 114,000 Year 3 otr 113,00

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dieBYTECHNOLOGY291@reddit

So what is the worst part of working 2 years otr?

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dziba191@reddit

Try to get on with a Union job…. Good pay and benefits.. and when you get old like me you’ll have a nice pension to add to your social security. Make your later years a lot easier.

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TEEx6@reddit

Trucking is not for everyone. It’s more of a life style. The first year is rough till you get some miles under your belt then it opens more opportunities.

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BeneficialBat362@reddit

I’m 10 years in with a CDL. get it 💯. I’m over 100k a year now full benefits Just stay away from buying your own truck for now Get with a good company

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Jocelyn_The_Red@reddit

I'm 34 and just got my CLP. Starting with a mega training thing in 4 days, 2 states away from home.

I'm nervous but excited. I know it's a step in the right direction for me. I love driving and just got demoted at my old job.

I played the system and am using my last bit of vacation to go get trained. Fuck private security.

I'm licensed to carry a firearm, have been through extensive training with SWAT and police and even some close personal training with a former Secret Service officer. Have a secret clearance and have spent the last 3 years guarding military aircraft.

Suddenly they decided to transfer me to Walmart as loss prevention at 15/hr.

Fuck. That.

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Imaginativested@reddit

Double fuck that when Walmart starts at almost $18 per hour for their lowest paying job.

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Jocelyn_The_Red@reddit

Yup. It's absurd. I'm done with em now tho. They think I'm on vacation but I'm just not coming back.

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Igottows_@reddit

As a wrecker driver, I have a real love/hate with security guards. Most are chill but holy fuck some take the cop cosplay to a whole other level. Literally have had one call me out to tow away a wheelchair van from a handicap parking spot for not displaying the placard. One guard I know insists on being referred to as “commander” by everyone. Too many wannabe cop clowns.

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Jocelyn_The_Red@reddit

There's a few like that, but they're in the minority in my experience. Most of us are just trying to make an easy paycheck. But they're definitely around. Very frustrating.

It's been 8 years and I have done some high level sites but it's just not worth it.

It just really chaps my ass that I am licensed for firearms, have a clearance but I'm supposed to walk around and catch shoplifters. Fuck. That.

Can't tell ya how many shoplifters I've made eye contact with then just kept pushing. That store makes enough money. Idgaf

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Maleficent_Rate2087@reddit

There is better options. Living in a truck 20 days or more a month is not worth averaging 1000 a week.

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Consistent_Start_301@reddit

No

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3picSeb@reddit

I got mine 8 years ago, I turned 29. I haul cars and am out on the road 4-5 days a week. Is the money great? Of course it is. But in the last 4 years I missed majority of my daughters growing up. You miss nearly everything happening. If you have no family etc then sure go for it. Everyone also says local is great since you’re home daily. Sure you are, but you still typically work 12-14hrs a day so only benefit is you sleep at home. Think about your personal daily life and how much of it you no longer want. I’m counting down my days of how much longer I want to be throwing my life away. Wishing you the best of luck whichever way you go!

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CHAOS-GOON@reddit

Yeah idk how my colleagues do it with kids. 12 hour shifts I'm home at 6 and have to be up at 4:30. I have enough time for my girlfriend and a bit of video games after work. Kids cannot fit into 4 or less hours of free time per day.

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Alone-Business4652@reddit

If he finds a union position 445 or 825 are our unions in Hudson Valley Ny, 8 hour days with great pay and benefits. Local is definitely where it’s at

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gettingsmarter75@reddit

Unions and teamsters will and can run you 8 to 12 hours a day benefits are better when LTL so keep it in mind... some benefits were dues so more money in your pocket... But like they said you miss a lot of stuff.... I'm doing p and d stuff and enjoy it... just drive safe

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ScottyCoastal@reddit

Your post says you’ve researched Reddit YouTube and read. wtf you want from us? Figure it out and try it. Your 32. Do something.

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Itchy_Psychology6678@reddit

you won’t start out making 100k w a new cdl. You will have to start out w a maga and earn your stripes. Depends on you, but maybe TMC or roehl to get your cdl. Trucking isn’t like normal life, like previous posters said….no family and basically no life and you can get paid. I’m in this boat and it’s not the end of the world…gl

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Johnthesniferr@reddit

If you’re going OTR for 50+ cents a mile and plan on living in the truck, yes. Regional is solid pay too. Local, don’t do it unless it’s ports or you have endorsements (Tanker, double, triple, heavy,)

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baltbum@reddit

Trucking right now is at an all time low. If you get on with a mega carrier, you will do a lot of sitting and not getting paid. I drove for 36 years. Divorce is a given. No time to watch your kids grow up. No life to speak of. It's what you make of it. Go with a trade job. Electrician, plumber, heating and air, welder. These are good paying jobs with benefits. Once you are good at it you can start your own business.

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mrsclausemenopause@reddit

I just did, and I regret it. I convinced myself that if I got all the endorsements, I could find a good local company and potentially haul fuel tanker and be home daily while making good pay. Truth is, I'm out 5 home 2, and the only decent paying locals still have your days so long, and the commute far enough from home that home would only really be a bed and shower before driving back to work. The pay also isn't as good as it seems once you break it down to hourly average even if you make 80K (probably not until your 2nd year at least) and work 50 weeks that's 1600 a week gross and you are likley averaging at least 13 hour days 5 days a week so only $22.62 a hour over your 65 hour work week with no overtime.

If you don't have a place to live, don't have wife/kids, don't have any other $25+/hr skills, I would 100% say it's worth it. But for me I'm looking to get back into a previous line of work where I'll make at least $25/hr and 8-10 hours of overtime every week a short drive away from home and have dinner with my wife every night.

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TimeMail9865@reddit

I’ve had my cdl since 1994, I drive locally. I make around $1600 a week take home, I haul dry van. I’m a local driver. Sleep in my own bed. Have decent benefits. My wife is in healthcare and pulls 120 k a year, we’re comfortable. It’s all about what you’re comfortable with.

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nosjitbro@reddit

The industry is different from when I started, so your first year may be a bit rough. Keep it clean that 1st year then shoot for either food service (Sysco, US Foods, PFG) if you're physically fit or LTL (Fed Ex Freight, Saia, Old Dominion) linehaul drivers generally make more than P&D but P&D do very well for easy work. Also, some grocery haulers like Penske Logistics Aldi account can get you to $100k as well. I'm basing this on my experiences which are in the northeast.

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Nervous_Yoghurt881@reddit

Can confirm food service is good in the Midwest. Average pay is about $85k-110k

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Some-Bag-1028@reddit

Better off getting into the trades. Trucking is a dead end job and every employer is looking into autonomous trucks.

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LongHaulinTruckwit@reddit

Local tanker driver here. I make $2,000-$2,400 per week. I'm on track to make roughly 110k this year.

I started driving trucks at 21. Got my Class A at 27. I'm 41 now.

Like any profession, you will start at the bottom.

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NoBandicoot8047@reddit

tbh not really, increasing regulation, liability and low/stagnant pay killed this industry. All we have now is old heads who are in denial and just trying to hang on while the smarter ones are making moves towards their exit like I am.

That being said if you want to get your CDL its worth it for a year or two just for the experience, or you can just get and keep your cdl just in case which is what I am doing after i leave the industry in April

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americandoom@reddit

40 here and just got my cdl last year.

Food service in the Northeast and many other places is $100k a year starting. Yes you’re gonna get out of the truck and do some manual labor but it’s good for body and not that bad.

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gettingsmarter75@reddit

110k plus and teamsters benefits and I think I might join

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GiantEnemaCrab@reddit

It isn't good for the body lmao. Ask any food service driver 45+ what part of their body is permanently broken and they will all show you something that bends in a way that it shouldn't.

Granted it's still infinitely better than OTR.

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americandoom@reddit

I work with a bunch of guys over 60 who have been in the game for 20-40 years. They’re all in great physical condition.

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Expert-Accountant780@reddit

You mean the guys that have a shitty diet, shitty exercise, and a poor overall health are having issues at 45+?

huh, go figure. We had a 60 some year old retire just last year, and only because he was offered a buy-out.

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Throwaway31702@reddit

Food service is for the youngins. Get your money for a few years then get out.

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Brave-Violinist@reddit

Food service for the money. I’m at 90k for the year and took 3 weeks of for vacation this year. Working about 50 hrs a week. Sleeping in my bed every night. And it’s wayyyyyyy better than OTR.

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barkusmuhl@reddit

Yes, you can make 100k per year!!!*

*70 hour work weeks required

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americandoom@reddit

My last paycheck was 108 hours for 2 weeks and I grossed $4750

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rigjiggles@reddit

I work around 52-56 and do over 100 home daily. Just have to keep looking and find the right places. Plenty of good ones out there.

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Mister_Meenor@reddit

Same here, avg around 53 hours a week. Made 91k so far this year home everyday. I might have a layover here and there but it's my choice. The company pays for the hotel so it's not half bad.

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Expert-Accountant780@reddit

Wrong, yet again. You are consistently having bad takes. Want to send me another "reddit cares" report again?

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Expert-Accountant780@reddit

Food service says hi.

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Federal-Math-7285@reddit

I’ve worked more than 70 hours in the military and barely made 30k that year. That shit ain’t bad.

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RayCramsalotInhisass@reddit

Blows my mind people still don’t understand that…

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joey7119@reddit

Yes...no need for a conplicated answer

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ThatOneHelldiver@reddit

Got mine at 36. I'm 38. It sucks so far. ngl. lol

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BitterSkill@reddit

Yeah probably. If you’ve got the time and will make more money than you sacrifice by getting it utilizing and the opportunity cost (if any at all) of being on the road is lower than the benefit of being on the road (assuming you aren’t a lucky(?) person who can go straight into local road).

For me, it’s been good. I’m gainfully employed and it’s supporting me in life an through school. Bonus points for getting me away on a regular basis from a pretty abusive situation (can’t afford to move out yet but trucking will allow that in time (been spending a lot of my training money on health, school stuff and truck stuff).

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Joeybowman@reddit

Absolutely, just make smart decisions. Dont job hop.

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ScaredPerformance733@reddit

I haul trash and make about $1600 a week driving a end dump.

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Zealousideal_Wave760@reddit

Yes, I got mine earlier this year. Went from making 30k a year and hating my job to 75k a year and loving my job.

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duhrun@reddit

No every time, be cautious listening to the ‘i make 200k’ stories. Reddit and Youtube is full of bs.

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Deebee707@reddit

First before anything make sure that you can pass a dot physical & a drug test.

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Deebee707@reddit

Got my CDL last month with the wioa grant. Look into that so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. I’ve been at my warehouse jobs 4 years now & the drivers was the ones that even told me about the wioa grant. Now my supervisor told me last week that my job is going to surprise me & hire me as a driver & train me.

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CommunicationUpper99@reddit

Tbh work for Amazon, get on TOM team. Pay is 25.60 just to yard jockey and do one local run a week. They pay for everything. No contract. No stipulations. Easy 60k a year.

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SymbolsOnYourScreen@reddit

TOM team pay can vary a lot depending on where you work. I’ve heard some places have pay caps around $26, which was pretty much what I was making starting out (summer of ‘23). I’ll be at $29.85 when this raise kicks in next month.

Time on the road will also vary pretty drastically from one building to the next. There’ve been times when I’ve gone weeks without getting a tour, meanwhile my partner, who works at another building in the same town, is normally on the road 2-3 days a week.

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BigBank83rd@reddit

If you okay with being alone for weeks . And getting your experience after a yr. It’s all up to you. It’s alot of he say she say but a job is a job and money is always there to be made . Remember they need you not you need them . When it comes to being a cdl holder . Weight out the good and bad for yur lifestyle and go from there . Good luck 👍🏾

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Unfair_Fisherman_605@reddit

Yes get on with the railroad or USPS. The post office pays TTOs pretty good and it’s easy work with good benefits.

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skeletons_asshole@reddit

Got mine about a year ago now. Also started pretty late after getting absolutely tired of another career. Money sucks at first, which is probably true for any career but important to note if you already have stuff like a family or house, or other expenses. Not minimum wage but not great, and you’re gone all the time (if you do OTR to get started like I have)

But, I did pay off what the CDL cost me, I’m making alright money, I love driving and I’m that crazy asshole that even enjoys OTR, and more doors are opening both in and out of the industry now that I have the license and some experience.

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whatever187ish@reddit

It's worth it but I was told this advice and it seems to ring true. Work for a company that has a trucking division in it, not a trucking company.

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allplay@reddit

I work for a mine and I'm the only truck.

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TearStainedFacial@reddit

Are you really a truck in real life?

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allplay@reddit

My dreams are seeing the open road with no traffic. So good chance, yes.

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TearStainedFacial@reddit

I used to work with Tow Mater, and he said the same.

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Mobius1995@reddit

I mean I’ve had mine for a year and so far am making less than when I was a forklift driver

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Mechanik_J@reddit

It's the same as a warehouse job, but you don't go home after you're done with work.

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ShackledColt@reddit

Yes and go in cryo.

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325trucking@reddit

Sure, beats the pants off a warehouse job

In reality? It's not as good as everyone makes it sound, but still a decent gig if you find your niche. I just got an email for a local fuel job starting at $37/hr and they even have a $2500 sign on bonus after 6 months. Me and my coworkers were sitting around weighing options and not one person at my job wanted to apply, because we have a better deal where we're at. At 32 years old I was working in customer service for $15 and I would've thought anybody turning that down was insane.

[-]

ChipChurp@reddit

Yes man it's gonna be with your forever don't lose it doesn't mean drive right away I got mine thru school the state paid for mine thru scholarships and sponsors. I work property management and my dad is a trucker so every now and then I'll go Saturdays to do some prep pulls at the rails get his containers ready staged for Monday's trips. Love intermodal drayage Trucking it's literally the best to me pays good just when the ships slowdown and the trains ain't moving you ain't moving. Id recommend get your CDL and Hazmat and get yourself a TWIC card and do loads out the California Oakland port to the Midwest pays not too bad. But yeah go get it and have it. And be sure to register for ClearingHouse too.and don't get scammed the CDL THEORY IS 25$ DO IT ONLINE AT ELDT.COM. this is Entry level driver training need to have it done in order to get your CDL as of 2022. ..ELDT COM ITS 25$ BRO

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ComStar6@reddit

The money can be good but the hours just drain your life away. Try to get a local job if you can. But if you are going to do this just atleast do something good with your money. Invest heavily in your retirement so you aren't doing 12 to 14 hour days at age 70.

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Lost-Astronaut-8280@reddit

Got my CDL with a small fleet carrier over the summer, started halfway through june, and started solo a week ago. They have a “sign on bonus” that equates to $600 for the first four weeks that they spend prepping you to get your CDL, and then the other $1800 is payed out over like 8 weeks. Not the best thing in the world but I was just happy that it was at least free, they said if used to cost about $4000-$5000. So far I’m liking it but Im brand new to this so I can’t give much insight beyond a literal weeks experience.

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J-Kensington@reddit

Yep.

I will admit that for the first time in my life I've been told "we're not hiring right now", but only by a couple of small (sub 50 drivers) companies.

I'm making well over 1500 a week at a lousy job right now, and interviewing with 3 companies who all pay over 2,000 a week. One of those hires rookies.

Freight IS slow right now, that's true, but that's all the more peoof that trucking is a viable career.

And few things have more job security than refrigerated trucks. It's basically all medical and food, and those industries can't afford downtime. (I'm not a reefer driver anymore; it's just a solid point.)

That said, trucking isn't an easy job. Part of the reason we make good money is that for most of us a 50-hour week is a luxury, and Solitude is a prerequisite even for team drivers.

But the short answer? Yes. A CDL remains a profitable investment in 2024.

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HighwayStar71@reddit

If you want to live like an animal in a tiny prison cell, go for it.

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gaseousogre@reddit

Im 37 and trucking has allowed me to buy a home and provide a life for my family. Knowing what i know now i wouldnt buy my own truck. Hauling fuel has been the most lucrative for me, i made 106k before taxes currently working a agribusiness doing fuel, grain and fertilizer for farms.

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ShockEnvironmental64@reddit

If you’re getting it to work for the city or as a lineman etc.

Broker and small carrier here, I would avoid trucking like the plague right now.

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Soberg1itch@reddit

Brokers ARE the cause of the plague right now. Luckily they aren’t a thing on my side of trucking so I definitely disagree with you on only getting a CDL to go into a skilled trade.

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ShockEnvironmental64@reddit

Yeah I agree. I did the old can’t beat em, join em method

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12dv8@reddit

As someone that makes 140,000 a year with free healthcare, I beg to differ

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SirGonzo99@reddit

If your warehouse jobs have delivery trucks like actual semi trucks w/ airbrakes. See if they will train you to drive and help get your CDL. I got mine in the oil patch in Eastern Montana. Never went to a "Trucking School" at all.

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Mediocre_Ice_8846@reddit

Trucking is like any other career path. You're going to have companies that treat their employees with respect and pay them a fair wage. But on the flip side of that, you're going to have employer with that treat their employees as disposable. They will run you hard, pay the bare minimum, and throw you away as soon as it's convenient for them.

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DonaldKey@reddit

The old saying is always true. “If you have a CDL, you have a job”

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Crypto_Stoozy@reddit

Yeah if you’re diligent in finding a good company you can make more then 70% of American men.

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Tilghmanboy@reddit

Yes …foodservice

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Soberg1itch@reddit

Owner/Operator here and I make a good living, even as a company driver I was consistently making 6 figures and I only drive locally. Get your license, don’t buy the lies that you have to work some shitty OTR mega carrier job to get experience, you can start off in a specialized local industry and make a good career.

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GiantEnemaCrab@reddit

I wonder what percentage of O/Os had to fail and fall into bankruptcy vs the percent that made it work and post about it.

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Soberg1itch@reddit

Honestly, I’d say an overwhelming majority fail. Definitely wouldn’t recommend being an owner to most people out there. Just noting my current ownership as maybe a dumb way to say I’m experienced in the industry and made a lifelong career out of it.

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inebriateddandhated@reddit

If you enjoy skirting the rules, know you're above the playing field, and learn fast.

It is still a lucrative career.

If you're a square rule follower with no initiative, you're gonna end up as a standard number in the industry.

Got a brain? You can expect 90k-120k easy.

Standard mouth breather? Expect 40k-70k.

Market is not friendly for O/O L/O currently unless you got dedicated or special contracts.

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Naborsx21@reddit

Haha if you have a young body and are indecent shape and don't mind labor and endless hours you can be dumb as bricks and clear $100k.

If you have a truck that's paid for you can make 100k if you're a mouth breather with no expenses by just swinging doors

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halfcow@reddit

...indecent shape

Thank God I'm in indecent shape.

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Naborsx21@reddit

Which half is a cow? Top or bottom?

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halfcow@reddit

Why do you assume it's top or bottom? Could be left or right.

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Naborsx21@reddit

...... You have my attention.

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illdoitlaterokay@reddit

Youll get out what you put in while a multitude of hands try to take a slice of your pie. Learn which ones to avoid and which ones to tolerate.

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bdgreen113@reddit

I keep it as a back up plan but I wouldn't do it for a living. I've tried twice and it just isn't for me

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CoolTemperature1602@reddit

Sure but depends on how active freight is in your region. We're busy as hell right now. I'm 63 of 65 on seniority and I've been doing steady 11's. I can't imagine the cheddar our high seniority guys are bringing in. Some definitely run their 14hrs a day.

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Imaginativested@reddit

OP in 2025:

I shoulda come here 10 years ago. I'd have been a millionaire by this time. By this time, I'd have had my own boat, my own car, my own golf course.

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