Money and Miles | How much I made my first month driving for Werner Enterprises out of Lake City

[@DS-sh2lo]

i hear you. i’m 90 seconds in and i’ll say, even at 900 a week for 4 weeks right now would change my life. i’m homeless, i lost everything my car my furniture and possessions my job and even my dog. werner contacted me and i’ve been thinking about taking that route soon (had to tie up some loose ends at home), but even if i get out and go to another company after a year, this seems like the move for me. i greatly appreciate your advice and i wish you the best success!! will report back on my success journey.

[@WishlockPSN]

@@DS-sh2lo tie up lose ends at home? You said homeless.

[@Link1603]

@@WishlockPSN You understand homeless are not just want to bean a-.

[@hectorv.trucking]

I have been telling you Kevin.. You have the experience already.. It’s time

[@truckingwithj7202]

Werner used to have a thing called relay runs. You would drive 300 miles, meet another driver and swap loads, then drive back 300 miles to the terminal. Home every night. Don't know if they still have that, but that sounds like what that load was.

[@btfoaccounting2902]

“Net Ops” is what they call it now.

[@lilben4588]

As soon as I got one year under my belt I was out of there

[@luissepulveda7780]

More money in Werner dedicated accounts. I run Dollar Tree out of Marietta, ok. Last year I almost broke 6 figures.

[@Quentenius]

Hey Luis, I'm starting CDL school with Katlaw and graduate in mid July. Due to proximity to Cartersville, Warner is a top consideration. How many miles and hours would you say you average weekly?

[@luissepulveda7780]

@@Quentenius Through dedicated route, I average 2200 miles a week and average about 65 hours on duty time. Keep in mind, the dedicated route I work is all touch freight.

[@Quentenius]

@@luissepulveda7780 Gotcha. Thanks for the reply. Am I able to do this as a newbie?

[@luissepulveda7780]

Yes

[@o.z8113]

Great video. Marten transport has guaranteed weekly pay and a terminal in florida. Good luck.

[@bonniegardner1154]

Got a lot of advice from everyone.....just remember sometimes the grass isn't always greener

[@jonni1023]

I feel you on those 200 mile loads I hate them really wish werner would give us more incentives on those type of loads...and what's worst is the zip code to zip code driving

[@donniecole3472]

Probably not a good time to get your own tractor, but I sense change is coming to your driving career. Take us along for the ride.

[@markw6867]

yep...same here..drove 100 miles to pickup split that was 40 miles from destination..live unload..by hand..took 4 hours..missed next appt..now waiting another day for next live load and 300 mile trip..also all east runs, nothing west of st.louis

[@richardeckert6130]

I have been following you since your beginning I know you could do better than Warner you have the ability to skill in the knowledge you just have to look for it Good luck buddy I spent 35 years on the road Not running down Warner but I know you could do a lot better Be safe

[@donnadickey5420]

I'm looking forward to knowing where you land next. I know it has to be coming soon.

[@apuertorican1773]

Werner is a mega carrier. They pay peanuts. They’re more for newbies to get experience, because other companies that pay better wont hire without experience. When u crunch the number of hours to pay working for mega carriers your making less than a warehouse worker who does overtime and goes home every night

[@cotjocky466]

Do your research. Ton of good small to mid size companies that could be a good fit with a significant pay increase. Cant wait to find out your next move!

[@michaelsmith8064]

Just come over to cfi Kevin, U know want too!! Lol, stay safe and keep on truckin

[@cwc8979]

Hi Kevin, always good to hear from you on your experience 👍

[@arkhamknife5736]

I had a Werner recruiter come out today at my cdl school and he said that there’s a lot of hook and go so we won’t wait that much and if you are waiting after an hour let dispatch know and they’ll hit the customer with a fine that was agreed to so that should stop the waiting. Idk if that’s a new thing or him just spouting bs, but I definitely want my miles when I start trucking.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

When Kevin worked for Werner they didn’t pay detention. So if you sit you won’t get paid unless you bug your fleet manager and he’s in a good mood and throws you some money from his discretionary fund. It will happen that you sit for free. But that’s probably the case at a lot of ‘starter’ companies. Kevin is now with Crete. Drivers get paid any amount of time over 2 hours of waiting. Hope that helps! Best of luck! Let us know where you end up and how it’s going! Thanks for watching!

[@arkhamknife5736]

@@TheJoyofTruckingwill do! I’m excited for 3 more weeks of school! I just know I’m ready to work, I’m a hard worker, and I sacrificed a lot to get to this point. I figure recruiters will tell you anything. So at the end of the day I just gotta figure who I like through trial and error and limited information.

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@arkhamknife5736 Yes. Most starter companies will have shortcomings that make a lot of people quit. Kevin learned a lot at Werner but it had a lot of stress. Tough it out, get experience and then get yourself to a good company. After a year driving you’ll have a lot more opportunities. Check out Clydesdale’s channel. He started with Leonard’s Express and is very happy with them. It’s reefer. After 8 months with most standard starting companies you can come to Crete…a very good company. You can ask recruiting for the qualifying schools and companies. Look forward to hearing your update!!!

[@yolovegas1499]

big companies don't care. i was with one and was same ish. was OTR and all i had was was southwest triangle and CA which kills hours.

[@farrukhisrar]

I was in Werner till August , not making any good money, now driving for the owner operator and making decent money now .

[@MrSilverandlead]

Try to get on pods account more miles also tcu

[@tamariodumas6895]

I'm not knocking down on Werner, but they are still a great starter company for rookies that want to get some experience under their belts, not perfect. You Kevin, had alot of experience now since you started with Werner, and now you want to get paid for your worth. There are other companies that pay really well for experience otr drivers. I'm glad you are considering a change. Can't wait to see what in store for you. Good luck!

[@hildegardesgoat6776]

Hey buddy, glad you are well. Glad to hear about the change coming. A heads up...I am averaging 9-10 hours daily, .65 cpm. Bringing home $1,200-$1,600 weekly after taxes. You can do this. Rooting for you to find a great job. Stay safe. All best

[@apuertorican1773]

What u said means nothing if u dont mention the company so he can apply🥴

[@offroadvehiclelover]

Probably OTR aswell out for many weeks at a time. Not very much when you think about it

[@hildegardesgoat6776]

I have mentioned my company's name in here multiple times. I am not mentioning it now because I don't think Kevin is interested in running solely in the Midwest. He has expressed this to me. Just trying to illustrate what is possible at a nice, small company. It is McFarland out of Austin, Minesota. And I will add that In 22 years, I have never earned close to the amount I am earning now, not OTR, not ltl, not locally. I will surpass 95k this year. :)

[@BOBkerTheBilder]

Certain types of loads will allow one person to work just 1/2 a year and make good money.🤫🤫🤫🤫

[@John-sm5hm]

Where you at werner?

[@dave.lawrence.3894]

Talk to your fleet manager, you need more miles, you have bills to pay, $900.00 don't cut it...... 🙂👍🙏🤞

[@DS-sh2lo]

for you lol

[@calieboy1509]

@@DS-sh2lo900 bucks ain’t shit in this economy unless your going to be living in the truck with no bills then idk

[@tylernimmo2080]

@@dave.lawrence.3894 man trust me talking to them doesn’t even do anything, I worked for them for 6 months and ended up leaving and becoming a garbage man making 3 times what I did for Werner in 1 weeks

[@mjackson4900]

Hey Kevin I think I can do better to. I have that same feeling

[@jfoley1968jf]

Good luck Kevin 👍

[@justindykes7130]

When you tired of being gone 3 weeks at a time call super t transport in Hyrum ut home every week love it

[@natedog01able]

Let me guess JBS? I have been to hyrum and that's the only business except the gas station they built going to the beef plant. I enjoy JBS pay was not worth the time being otr

[@natedog01able]

That's why I worked net ops with Werner only drop and hook to Walmart and Lowe's. Home daily and no traffic. Would I go otr with Werner? Yes and no if I could do the Denver to Sacramento California I would do that run because I really enjoyed going I 80

[@Hobo4Life]

You’re the reason why OTR hates net ops they feed you all with the miles, and screw everyone else that’s why I left..OTR did all the hard work while net ops did the gravy train..and when the load was late they put it on the owner ops to get it done lol

[@natedog01able]

Well that's your fault for driving for Werner owner operator. I noticed Werner is the only company to do this drop and hook

[@johnmcdonald323]

Hey Kevin, just giving you a heads up!!! FYI, I would hang tight with Werner. It may not be perfect with them, but they will be steady even in hard times. The economy is about to take a nose dive. Werner is a large carrier its been around for a long time. It may struggle but they will keep on truck'in and they will keep you going as well. I would wait a few years until this next recession passes and we enter a new phase of economic expansion. Once that happens, then it will be a good time to decide whether to switch carriers for higher pay or become an owner operator. Of which do not try to be an owner operator right now!! Owner operators are getting clobbered!!! Very bad time right now to be an owner operator!!! Anyway, you're doing pretty well with Werner, hang tight with them and you'll be doing a lot better than many Americans!!! Wish you the best!! Stay safe!!!

[@bonniegardner1154]

Very very good advice...I agree 100 %

[@FPVace]

I think you're right, our freight is slowing down. Just had a hiring freeze. I'm lucky I got in when I did. Don't know about working and not getting compensated. Don't wait till you're ready for the next load to make them aware or you'll be the one waiting.

[@abathens]

Wishing you guys the best for your next chapter.

[@coffeewithmike3916]

Here is the cold reality of trucking. If you are hauling general Freight. The company driver is only gonna make 1300-1800 Gross a week that is between 900 and $1400 a week take home in pocket. You are working 70 hours a week away from home the cost of the road is very expensive. it is simply not worth it in my opinion and make $900 a week and working 70 hours is $13 an hour. I personally like driving but this is just the reality of the industry

[@offroadvehiclelover]

This is true i just buy a ton of snacks from dollar store and also bring a week's worth of food, so i spend 0$ on that EVERY week, it adds up substantially. I'm also back every Friday, love it. Also get paid practical miles and weekly minimum of 1.1k

[@cwc8979]

@@offroadvehiclelover That’s good money for me because I’m single no kids no bills except for my cellphone, I’m happy with that. I plan to live in my Truck run hard stack my money then travel to Southeast Asia in Thailand….. What’s your thoughts on my plans and that money you quoted seems about right because I have been researching company pay with 2000-3000 miles per week

[@cwc8979]

That’s good money for me because I’m single no kids no bills except for my cellphone, I’m happy with that. I plan to live in my Truck run hard stack my money then travel to Southeast Asia in Thailand….. What’s your thoughts on my plans and that money you quoted seems about right because I have been researching company pay with 2000-3000 miles per week

[@offroadvehiclelover]

@@cwc8979 Great plan man! Trucking can be very challenging your first year, after that assuming no tickets, preventables, accidents, serious violations. Your backing will be substantially better and you guessed it you're now worth more to the right company, don't sit around and be complacent, always look for ways to improve or make more money in this industry the sky is the limit. Peace and best wishes too you.

[@cwc8979]

@@offroadvehiclelover Thanks for the reply and encouragement 👍 I’m excited to get started

[@thedale2112]

Bye Werner! You can go somewhere else now AND get a $5,000 sign-on bonus!

[@apuertorican1773]

They dont pay the whole sign on bonus up front. Thats a fishing hook to lure u in. They will pay, for example: 500 first monthly, or some after 90 days, etc.

[@thedale2112]

@@apuertorican1773 Right. It helps with those zip to zip 25-mile shags though for a minute. But, Brother Kevin has a lot of miles under his belt and can drive pretty much anywhere now...

[@counterflow5719]

I worked for a national fleet for a year out OF PHX, never got good miles so I quit. It occurred to after I quit that I could have given the managers a "gift" and maybe that would've gotten me some good miles.

[@tmo.48]

What kind of gift? I am curious

[@counterflow5719]

@@tmo.48 a bribe, a kickback. Cash or a good bottle of whiskey, or just about anything to curry favor for good miles.

[@mindless7408]

@@counterflow5719 so youre telling me I can throw 100-200 bucks a week to some managers to get good loads lmao shit I might have to do that lol

[@counterflow5719]

@@mindless7408 no, I didn't say that. I would think you only have to do it once in a while to get their attention.

[@bengruver4719]

Typical solo runs are usually always under 500 miles especially with Werner. I'm currently driving teams and we have also been getting ping pong loads back and forth under 100miles. We grabbed a load in carlise and split it after driving 9 miles. So yeah I'm looking for something else

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

Yup. That used to happen all the time at Werner. 😡We are happy to report it doesn’t happen at Crete. Been here a year and a half. Never had a load split unless Kevin asked for it himself. Check out some other videos on our channel. We are very happy at Crete. See if it might be a good fit for you. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Bendigo1]

That comes out to about $12/hr if you average 10hrs/day 7 days/week. 😒 makes you think huh.

[@Robroto64]

What’s up with Werner? Good luck going forward!

[@billlayman3332]

Kevin Check this company out Sierra INC They are out of Ohio small family own company pays is Good and I know they can probably run you out of Florida My son has Driving for them for a while and I drive part time for them

[@dave-kp1vy]

come to Swift transportation, click on Each Terminal Location to see how many Million-mile drivers there are at each location and Trucks at Eash location

[@johnaxell3750]

The problem with shortage of miles is too many terminals. Too many training miles. Just a suggestion is check out Holland Enterprises and Great Plains out of Mapleton, ND. One terminal no dropping of trailers, lots of miles. I would pickup ice cream in Vermont and take it to Henderson, NV. Great people to work with. You'll average 3000 mi. a week. All new equipment all new trailers.

[@jimb3541]

Good advice. Advised him of that about six months ago. Also look into Magnum too. Shafer as well.

[@CaptainCave-t3n]

You deserve more money man. I'm where you are at like 13 months experience. Check out Flatbed companies I have been averaging 1800 a week. 1 week got 2150. I think you should get away from that company. It sounds exactly like my old company had to kill myself for 900. Good luck brother.

[@cwc8979]

Is flatbed hard to do? I’m in Great shape young but not sure if I want to tarp and strap in cold rainy weather in the winter. I don’t mind the heat lol

[@CaptainCave-t3n]

@@cwc8979 It's really not that bad I'm not in great shape and I do it no problem. The best part is no more backing into tight docks. You get paid per stop and tarping and untarping. It adds up really quick. I get weekends off as well. I don't like being out longer than that. Good luck 👍

[@michaeldavenport5034]

@@cwc8979 I follow 2 Maverick drivers that flatbed. Big Trucking and Paperboy. No BS from them. They really like Maverick. Alot of driving options with them. They also have a boat and glass division.

[@cwc8979]

@@CaptainCave-t3n Do you have any trouble when you get like drywall loads, lumber loads, plastic pipe loads? Basically any load that is really high and you have to strap and tarp by yourself being that high up? Those are the loads that scare me even though I’m young and in Great physical shape. Especially those loads when the wind is blowing can be a pain in the ass.

[@cwc8979]

@@michaeldavenport5034 Thanks I will check them out 👍

[@javierdejesusramos420]

$900 a week? What a joke, I make $1000 on uber every week. So glad I am not driving trucks anymore. Werner is more for newbies straight out of trucking school.

[@TheMattdavison]

What made you choose werner?

[@redviper259classic9]

Sir, please answer if u can....im new CDL A..and i also have all my Endorsements and my TWIC...i need to (NET) After taxes take home $1,500 + a week .....whats going to be the best trucking companies or company for that????

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@redviper259classic9 That’s hard to say. A lot of starter companies will not pay that. After a year experience that should be doable. But you need that experience first. Unless you luck out at some small outfit. Those we don’t know. Sorry. Good luck! Let us know how it goes. And congratulations on your CDL!!

[@SaltyOldSailor70]

The only thing is, you dont have alot of OTR experiance for alot of other companies. Explore your options before you put yourself out there. Sometime the grass isnt always greener. More money may get you somwhere you dont wanna be. Watch out for the "home on weekends" grift. And always remember this, even small companies have dispatchers that worked for big companies in the past. And they will treat you the same. Do your research first.

[@jamieseal7862]

Any driver that is a otr driver should be paid a minimum of 1400 a week i left the trucking industry because of all the hidden tricks companies hide either they short you on your miles ran or give you lower mile runs while they make it sound like your gonna make a bunch of money the reason there is a driver shortage is because of the greed of companies they are in it to make as much money as they can off of you and could care less about your pay or hometime all they care about is getting the load to the customer on time regardless of any situation i already know your future you will jump around like i did until you realize its not worth it get out while you can and find a hourly paying cdl job but good luck

[@sharky4635]

How long was it from cdl graduation till you had to go to werner orientation?

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

You can go immediately. We needed a couple weeks for personal reasons.

[@johnwolf1475]

stick it out two years-- then get local

[@JaJa-yj3fs]

Man that's free labor

[@hectorv.trucking]

Yes You can do better

[@jarvisjones9530]

It says in the Title Description, "How Much I Made My First Month Driving For Werner Enterprises out of Lake City." Well with all do respect, that was never discussed in the Video. What Gives With That Drivers? Just Curious.

[@boyddean8447]

He said he averaged $900 a week for the first four weeks. There is approximately 4 weeks in a month if every month was February . So that would be 4 times 900. That would be $3600 a month minimum…. If you multiply that by 12 you can figure out his yearly minimum.

[@jarvisjones9530]

@@boyddean8447 ...I Don't know how I missed that part; And I did listen to the video Twice before posting my Inquiry about that. Strange. Thanks, Boyd!!!

[@boyddean8447]

He still isn’t making enough… I started with Werner also but I was making $1600 to $2000 a week. Then became a trainer for them. (I think they call them leaders, now. ). I made less as a trainer than as a solo driver. Team driving is where I made the most. Team members were hard to keep though. Now I am an owner operator and the money for the past 2 years has been great. ($15,000 to 20,000 a month net). But, I am not with Werner. I had to have heart surgery and am still recovering. I have not worked since mid-March but had made $35,000 by early March…. Before the fuel skyrocketed..

[@jarvisjones9530]

@@boyddean8447 ...Thanks again for the response, Boyd. I agree, most Truckers Aren't Earning Enough These Days. But that's with most Major Carriers. I wish you a safe and successful recovery with respect to your health. Take it slow and easy a day at a time. Have a great day and God Bless.

[@John-sm5hm]

How long is home time?

[@Ambers-Adventures]

Yeah that's why after a year you should look for another company.

[@sadequeahmed702]

What your net income in one month.

[@jimb3541]

Ok Kevin. We know first will suck. Documented all over the place and just not Werner. You are starting a new year under your belt and they still treat you like this. You are tech savvy. Do your research. There are better companies. The only problem is dry freight, ie the type you are a hauling is dropping in volume and price. If you can take reefer it will be more stable and you will make more money. Holland out of ND states avg run is 1100. There drivers stay out awhile. Same with Magnum out of ND. O the dry side look at Crete and FCC. Take a look at Cheeseman. They are out of Ohio. They pay for just about everything and great benefits. Have a good and do better.

[@btfoaccounting2902]

Werner doesn’t care about retaining good drivers, like Kevin, because they have an endless supply of fresh, eager rookies from Roadmaster. Which is why the only drivers who actually stick around long enough to be “Million Miler” drivers are the bottom of the barrel and lack the ambition and courage to move on to a better company or owner op position

[@bonniegardner1154]

Yeah btfo....I'm a million miler with werner....how many miles you got ? Werner has always treated me excellent...yes it has its faults as do all companies but my only wish is that I grow up and get ambition and become a God like you....stick your phone up your ass

[@tomjones3113]

Sad on how little you are receiving on your runs. Hopefully you stay with them to get the experience and move over to a private company to get paid more.

[@edisoncarteresq9111]

You will be spoiled by that Peterbuilt! If you stay in trucking, you may drive other crap trucks, but you will ALWAYS want your Pete back!!!

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

You are right! Kevin only had one week with the Pete and he still talks about how great it was! Though we are very happy in our KW as well.

[@brianellinger6622]

When I hear the voice of those lying thieves even through software I get enraged

[@familyadventures5314]

You have one year experience, look for small company. More money and every week coming home!

[@joycharles1055]

Can you just tell us how much u made in the month?

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

We do.

[@joycharles1055]

@@TheJoyofTrucking what

[@TheJoyofTrucking]

@@joycharles1055 $900x4= $3,600 net for the month.

[@PIANOBARN]

Thats not good pay for that work and time away from home.

[@JBudHand-nc7nq]

Don't want to be a killjoy, but --- you'll never make a decent living at those kinds of companies. $1500.00 per week minimum to drive somebody's truck for 5 days, no truck stop monkey BS. Average wages are $80,000 today. For example .. Old Dominion IS top of the line pay. Just below UPS on line haul. Drivers average 80 to 110K per year. I own my own,... made $324,000 in revenue last year. Which is nearly $200,000K in my pocket. Get away from Van and Reefer freight as fast as you can.