Finally got my cdl yesterday
Posted by Individual-Level8925@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 10 comments
I got my CDL yesterday after 6 weeks of waking up early and grinding to be perfect. Only missed 8 points on my road test. I’m being hired by Werner. Not a bad company to start with, they want me on their 3M account. Since long distance runs are only for team drivers unfortunately. But as a beginner rookie trucker, what should I expect in my first year?
NoRelation1491@reddit
Like others have said, you will be a slave for the first 6mo-1yr. Try to avoid job hopping if you can. Get all your endorsements NOW. Protect your CDL, thats your golden ticket, dont let know one put that in jeopardy.
A LOT of doors open up after 1yr, even MORE after 2yrs and if you are fully endorsed with no manual restriction....the world is your and the possibilities are endless.
Find something you like and get real fucking good at it, specialize in SOMETHING that makes you stand out, any ape can pull a dry-van or refer trailer.
East_Indication_7816@reddit
Expect to slave it out for $500/week. You wished you just drove delivering doordash.
hgrrrtt@reddit
I was getting 1000-1600 while I was there
Individual-Level8925@reddit (OP)
Well they tell me I’ll be making 53 cents a mile with the account they are putting me on. Unless they are lying
tubingan@reddit
I’m sure they will pay you that CPM, but will you GET the miles? That’s what people usually mean when they say you’ll make peanuts.
HolyOrangeJuice@reddit
Wish more people took the time to find a non Mega, medium sized company that trains rookies with a fresh CDL. I get going the Mega route if you need someone to pay your way but if you get your CDL in hand then there is better options. I'm glad I was recruited with my company before I went with Knight.
Twiz-CM@reddit
Expect to get 1800 miles one week and 3000 the next. Roll over miles are a thing they don't tell you about. Load dropped at 12:00 midnight on a 1200 mile run that shit goes on next week's paycheck when you expected it for that week. All cuz you stopped to water a tire in Kansas.
Adventurous_Shock338@reddit
I started out making 41 cpm OTR last March. Now I do teams with my sister and we both make 62 cpm. Kinda low but it's more than our last job when we add it up. We call it paying our dues to be able to get the good stuff later on.
bizzywhipped@reddit
Prepare your mindset for dealing with the suck for the next 12 months. Pay will feel insulting sometimes.
Just know it gets better, we all go through it, it’s like a right of passage.
RoamingNomadSoul@reddit
Expect not to get paid as much, expect low miles, expect to get the bad part of the stick. When I first started they gave me the garbage loads and had me sitting for long periods. With that being said, having this expectation, you shouldn’t feel surprised. Try to stick with them at least a year, because most companies want experience. So if you want to make it as a trucker, just roll with the punches.