5 Highest Paying Truck Driving Jobs (Where the $ is in 2020!)

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey there drivers. Hope you liked the video. Are you working in one of the lucrative niches in trucking? Or better yet, happy what you're doing where you are? Love to hear what's up with your driving gig.

[@SmartTrucking]

What did you find helpful from the video?

[@e-reptiledysfunction2243]

How can I get my CDL? I live nowhere near where I can go to schooling for it, is there any other way to get it?

[@jeffreyes1568]

I love where I'm working. As a matter of fact we are transitioning over to oversized and specialized.. I've done oversized before and I enjoyed the challenge involved

[@triptriplett4285]

I run under my own authority pulling a tank for a carrier. They broker me the loads & provide the trailer. I average $2.20 a mile without a trailer payment. Great channel 🙂👍

[@brianaustin6184]

Smart Trucking hope your doing great! I haul doubles driving to Fort Worth carriers,which is a subsidiary company of Dillard’s retailers,they sell $200+ shirts,$1,000 luggage sets ect. I run teams we make .73 cpm plus .16cpm per diem tax free money. We run 71mph kenworth T680 401k company paid free life insurance plus whatever you want for a small additional charge for what you get,short and long term disability.Busy season right now we are running 7,500-7,800 miles per week.on a slow week we run 5,700-6,400. At 5,700 just on miles not stores were get drop n hook pay, I’ll make 2,080 before tax.they add our per diem in after tax which is typically at least $450 a week. We do get paid bi-weekly. We get 1 week of vacation,1 week sick,and get 1 day for every month we work so another 12 their,the company also has a calendar with white weeks meaning(we can take vacation),red weeks which means (we can’t take off) and green weeks which( the company will add an additional 20% to our checks if we take off one of those weeks over s white or red week).So your first year You can essentially get a month off of paid leave. And during slow season you can either run and still get up. To 6,500+ miles per week or take in paid time we have teams that will take whole months off,while others are running hard. So you can kinda do what you want within reason during slow season. I’ll make ruffly $120,000 maybe more this year. it’s a hard company to get on with they only have I believe 183 trucks,and the nice thing is they are crazy about safety and keeping their trucks top notch,any small thing and they get it fixed ASAP! We get immediate detention pay starting at $18.50hr,and if we fix something ourselves even if it takes 5 minutes you let them know and they’ll pay you an hour worth of work,and tell you thanks for saving the company money,we also get a Christmas/New Years party for the drivers where they rent out a a fancy hotel,don’t remember the name of ours this year, 3 course meal,DJ ect.its a few hundred dollars a person and they pay for your immediate family to come as well.they appreciate their drivers and take care of us,we also get 20% discount on anything we buy at the store at any time of the year. If we buy something that that’s 75% off we still get the additional 20% and during sometimes of the year we we will get an additional 25% on our %20 we already get as an exclusive additional employee discount.

[@2600nano]

I'm a fuel hauler, pull a pair of wiggle wagons, work four days a week make over $80K. Enjoy it a lot.

[@georgejenkins9979]

143,000 last year Air Products hauling Liquid Hydrogen, Company driver, teamsters, team hauling, 5 days a week.

[@CJS-Adv]

I've been driving for a few years, last year I became a chemical tanker, I've never made this much money in my life. Best decision I've ever made. And you are right about having to be careful as a chemical tanker it is more dangerous. Thanks for the great videos.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you and take care Chris!

[@steveday2868]

I drove a cryogenic tanker for about 12 years. People waving at you cause your vent has white looking gas escapimg and they think your on fire. I was at a motel once and was woke up at 3 in the morning by a cop. I was parked in the truck parking area and my trailer was venting (venting is normal signs on trailer) . They had blocked off the state hiway in the town and had the fire chief out there to look at my trailer. We walked to the back, i pointed to the sign. He said, ok. They left.

[@ModMINI]

I'm not even a trucker or planning to become one. But love the education and the insight. Such good advice.

[@IaintTrynaGoOutLikeBIGnPAC]

That's why I'm here.

[@jcdahippie]

I do oversize. Nobody tells me anything but "have a safe trip".

[@berniesands6201]

The money is in local construction not o.t.r them days are over!!! I just came off the road and I'm making way more money and I'm much happier in this dump truck.

[@MeechYaboy]

First year into fuel hauling- looking at pulling in 70k with the option to negotiate for more each year and only working 5 days a week and home every night the futures bright

[@SmartTrucking]

Good to hear!

[@abpena50]

Great advice Dave, yes I was one of them Union Drivers for 37 years. When I was young I had the foresight to look ahead and start planning for retirement. I wanted something secure. I worked for an Anheuser Busch distributor, It is independent and family owned. I started off as a route driver in my younger days delivering to stores. As time went on I was able to work myself into what they called a short line operation. Basically you take an empty trailer to the Brewery drop it and pickup a full one. Three loads a day. Then InBev bought AB and they disbanded our department. The Brewery just wanted the major carriers to haul for them. So out of six of the guys that where working in the department, I was the only one they kept, because of seniority . Then all I did is go around and pickup from these craft beer breweries. I worked past my elegible retirement date, and added to my pension and social security. My monthly earnings now are almost as much as when I was working. So for me, the Union was the way to go. I'm enjoying retirement. Dave, enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work. Take care.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sounds like you made some smart choices early on Albert! Glad it all worked out for you! That's the type of outcome I wish for all drivers but too few seem to get there! Enjoy retirement sir, you've earned it!!! Dave

[@zackmacneill3307]

I work for coca-Cola and I do 100% agree with what you said about them there about their customer service. I'm 22 years old and I'm the youngest driver for Coke and a bunch of my coworkers said this is will be my first and last driving job which you never know they could be right they could be wrong

[@TheSix6un]

PLEASE!! make a video for someone that is wanting to starting a truck driving career in 2020.

[@raspberrydriplp4494]

Everyone's saying the industry went to shit, June 25th here, haven't missed a day of work last 4 months during COVID. I haul DEF, seems like the industry is doing just fine.

[@jimibarrett8362]

I run a chemical tanker hualin sulfuric acid. I do load the tanker completely suited in personal protective equipment. it is dangerous but rewarding.

[@MrPepper312]

I've already been in the military so I'm not driving for Walmart.

[@crazymothertrucker8193]

I drove 1 year OTR Now I just landed a local job at Coke I'm 29 I'm so happy!!! In for the long haul with coke Thanks for your videos and info I watched them when I first got my cdl a year ago and will continue to watch them Take care and thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

Nice work!

[@danlindeke4039]

Want to make small fortune in trucking? ..Start with a large fortune!

[@lukehowland6282]

I had a hiatus from driving, I was offered a job with a private fleet. Broker takes 10%, I take 33% after, my boss takes 66%. My broker keeps me very busy so I'm a happy trucker 👌👌 no cameras, no governor, boss doesn't breath down my neck. Just be on time and don't wreck the truck, $$$.

[@Wiseman478]

That’s so true about the private fleet. The do exactly everything you said. I’m local and I gross 2000 a week. And Get to have weekends off if I choose. They pay me hourly and overtime after 40hrs. They service amazon. All they care about is the service we provide for amazon. Private fleet is the way to go. 👍

[@mikewalls13]

MrMANOFGOD11 any insite on what fleet you are with?

[@andresalemany4572]

i'm getting my cdk to work for sysco. I'm trying to go local

[@ontheroadwiththetrinitruck745]

Where u locate i need to get on thanks

[@briandarazs6620]

2000 a week. I would post what I make in week running tanker truck in the Alberta patch, but you either wouldn't believe me or think I'm bragging.

[@pedrothegoodtwinlopez92]

MrMANOFGOD11 what private companies paying $2000

[@froglaps40]

I drove for Ryder, servicing CVS, until they asked me for access to my emails and social networking accounts... NO one owns me!

[@3fiddy2720]

froglaps40 WOW! The nerve how could anyone have the nerve to ask someone or that type of information. I don’t blame you.

[@younglove3362]

Create alternate ones that you'll never use and give that to them.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good move! What the hell? Unbelievable! Dave

[@froglaps40]

Yeah they are an asinine company to work for.. they paid by a mileage route pay. For instance 150-199 Google mile run would pay this, a. 200 -249 mile run would pay a bit more, etc etc... didn't matter if you had one pallet at a dock, or 22 pallets with 6 drops and hand unloaded it. Then they constantly had computer "safety" courses, weekly and monthly... they were always crawling up your rear end, the disclosure consent was the last straw. I really don't know how people tolerate it.

[@chrisbretney9068]

Does anyone no how to say "NO" ? I say it all the time ! the company I drive for now wants me to work over 12 hours a day ! "NO" and I go home !

[@williamcarey8529]

Great video and very informative!! I love talking to these drivers that work for the mega carriers (such as Useless Express, CR England) !! They try to tell me that they own their truck!! Then I will ask "if you are sitting and there are no loads for that day are you able to contact another carrier or broker for a load"??!! The generally say "no, we have to wait". As far as I am concerned if you cannot ask another broker or another freight forwarder for a load then you are NOT an owner/operator!! Thanks for this video!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Gotta agree! Thanks Carey!

[@TheColbles2009]

I was a teamster for 5 months. Worst equipment I ever drove, best pay I ever made.

[@glenncook]

I drove for 20 years, the best company I ever ran for, money, and the owners word was his bond, great equipment was Fleetway Transport. Flatbed, oversized and van work. They are in Brantford Ontario.

[@SmartTrucking]

I remember them. Are they still around? I don't get out the way I used to. Dave

[@sappy4happy448]

Keep putting out the videos Dave! It's always great to hear from someone who does their job with pride, puts forth a professional attitude and is willing to share with others. My understanding is the guys who transport high end cars still make a good wage. I talked with a O/O husband & wife team at the Concours D'Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA in 2018 and they were netting over $280K a year. It's specialized work for sure. You have to be meticulous in everything you do and pay close attention to the details. A sensitive foot on the brakes and accelerator and smooth shifting are a must. The scheduling can be tight when there are multiple pick ups and everything needs to be delivered on time. When the value of your load is in the millions there is no room for mistakes or carelessness.

[@jibregibson9744]

I am 22 and drive for united road I care haul I make 3200 a week gross net 2750 a week I do 4 weeks out and 4 days home great benefits amazing job thank god for car hauling 💪💪🙏

[@arturoc2c714]

You net 2750 a week? Is that as a owner operator?

[@elijahfogleiii6565]

Where are you all located at??? I'm in California

[@SanDzFit]

I’ll never pull for Walmart. I like to keep my phone records to myself and the cameras off me.

[@Jones22_]

A friend of mind drives for Swift and he mostly pulls for Walmart's.. ima ask him about this lol

[@Edsavage404]

They look at your phone records?

[@carneromathidavid]

Gemini87_ Swift wouldn't be considered a private fleet driving directly with Walmart would be considered a private fleet.

[@ladawnjones1605]

@@Edsavage404 most companies look at ur phone records lol, they think u dont know but the ones that pay attention knows.

[@lylelott4637]

@@Edsavage404 They sure do. My uncle drives for them and got written up for talking over his allotted minutes on the phone.

[@truckerpastorlou115]

I was a teamster for awhile. I retired from FedEx drove semi for them. I always recommend private carriers. With FedEx I was paired by the hour. Even was paid when I slept on layovers. I have been paid a good pension since I retired.

[@femio3617]

Most contractor do t even have benefits this day I work for Fedex contractor get paid by miles pay is right 75k a year on a dedicated local is only overnight driving

[@chriswellisley6163]

I know that I am in a special situation, but I am a lease owner for a mega carrier and pulled in $190,000 last year on a dedicated account.

[@gabe204]

I own my own truck and haul extreme oversize. Ridiculous money. Insane amounts of big money.

[@J.Panxer]

Insurance and fuel cartels are slowly murdering this industry. Good vid. Thanks.

[@AbcXyz-rn2lz]

Add automatic transmissions to that.. Took away the barrier of entry that kept slow thinkers out

[@95freakout]

@@AbcXyz-rn2lz manual vs automatic transmission discussion in trucking? Wtf are you on my guy? If you can't be as focused in a automatic than in a manual you shouldn't be driving in the first place! You kids need redo your entire driving license.

[@m4sherman4]

@@95freakout he is saying hat the idiots who couldn't learn to run a manual were idiots and allowing autos allows those idiots to enter

[@leehancock2782]

Fuel cartels??

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you and you're right, among other things like big carriers hauling cheap freight and never ending increases in operating costs. Dave

[@tariqcampbell5106]

Been watching u a few weeks now and I love how informative and well spoken you are. I'm starting CDL school in 2 months and ur videos are an absolute wealth of knowledge 💯👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@johnspangler9524]

As an older experienced driver, hauling hazmat tanker and doing all the unloading pays the best. I gross over 100k every year as a company driver. It's the easiest job ever. I call it easy money

[@lutherfiggs1866]

I unload some chemical loads. Flameables, and corrosives mostly. Most of my loads the customer handles, but some smaller plants need me to unload.

[@ERFitness]

I do linehaul for fedex freight. Its my first CDL job. Been there 5 months. Great company.

[@harmonicoutreach]

Aesthetic Eric same here man but i used to deliver food and beer, love fedex freight

[@enginesandoutdoors3238]

Now that I think of it you are 100% correct about company’s like Pepsi. Out of all the trucks on the road those guys seem to know what they are doing and I rarely see them broken down somewhere or in an accident. They seem to be trained well too because I’ve seen them pull off some pretty challenging moves into tight docks. I have more respect for those people now.

[@hard-wired-g3787]

Cryogenics, liquid nitrogen, oxygen, C02 etc. I've been doing it for 20+ years and enjoy it. $28-$34 an hour depending on company and relatively easy and clean. This industry is pretty much recession proof (hospitals will always need oxygen) and I almost always pull down $1,600 per week and I'm home every day. Another one that's really growing is LNG (liquified natural gas).

[@andresalemany4572]

can a rookie get into this? I get my cdl january next year im going to a technical college and currently learning how to drive properly, I also have my tankers and going to get my hazmat

[@ab_g2870]

Thank you so much for this information. I'm a 3 months new driver getting experience at swift taking home $700 average and looking forward to finding a better job

[@luketranter4279]

I'm an English truck driver and I earn in Canadian dollars $36000 a year in pound sterling that's £21000 a year. It really makes you think what the hell are we doing.

[@johndeweese9756]

Gonna make over 90k hauling gas as a local driver

[@TheBlackDog73]

Fuel haulers getting paid. Most guys i know breaking 100000 grand this year

[@jhmatthews76]

Who are you with and where.

[@kenstockman1770]

That's a lie

[@vincej4319]

Local Miller or Budweiser deliver driver is lucky to make $50k a year. Sysco delivery drivers will be aged fast from all those daily stops busting your back while keeping up pace so the micromanage loving office staff keeps happy. But $75k per year may be somewhat worth crippling yourself.

[@omn0053]

Thanks for your time, I did it all and I find out that car hauling is the top pay but it’s not for everyone

[@petercarmeci8317]

Great video! Very informative. Great mention of UPS. I am a Feeder Driver ( Tractor Trailer Driver) with UPS. It is a great job. Been working here for over two decades. I don’t wear the goofy shorts. 😂 I work in the North Atlantic District. ( Northern NJ). The hourly rate is better than any other job in the area. Not disparaging any other driver. I have respect for all my fellow truckers. Especially you over the road guys. I find most of the guys with a lot of time are really true gentlemen. God bless you all and stay safe, brothers.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for writing in Peter! Ups is a great company to work for, according to the research I've done. We're not lucky enough to see their presence much up where I live but were they to build a hub near here, we'd be all over applying for jobs there! Thanks for watching!

[@petercarmeci8317]

If they ever do build a hub out your way, and you want to apply, you can use me as a reference. I love your channel, and would be happy to help you out.

[@nicksmith8166]

Onboarding with Walmart now. They’re tough to get into but the pay and benefits are well worth it. And they don’t push their drivers. Private fleets are the way to go.

[@SmartTrucking]

Agreed!

[@codeymccuiston3631]

Owner operator rock hauler $1000 a day home every night off every weekend

[@SmartTrucking]

Good deal!

[@ritatruckinpreneur2912]

Driving teams with hubby under our authority, as super solo team ...this is our niche....making good money and time off when we choose it....Luv It!

[@SmartTrucking]

Good way to go!!

[@jessesager9460]

I started for a private fleet 10 years ago, for a company specializing in animal feed production here in central PA. I started out as a shop tech for the first 2 years there, then moved into hauling feed in a feed hopper tanker. Now present day we’ve moved into transporting some of our own ingredients, which I do now with hauling high calcium limestone with a pneumatic bulk tanker and delivering it to our mill facilities. What I like about this fleet is I can bounce into another ingredient truck, or into a finished feed delivery truck if my truck breaks down or work slows. I have no issue bringing in $80k a year, which I feel isn’t bad at all for a company driver.

[@SmartTrucking]

That sounds like a good gig to me! Dave

[@philosophyoftrucking]

Loving my career at Landstar. Flatbed conestoga looking into pulling a 30 ton RGN. Oversize, here I come!

[@Stoney2525]

Coming from a Chemical/Fluid hauler, you couldn't be anymore wrong on "backing up: and letting them unload it for you a majority of the time we load and unload our own trailer's. but there are some contract's we go to that do everything for us which is a nice change.

[@SmartTrucking]

I did that for over 4 years and rarely touched a hose. Maybe you should have a good look at your liability and at the carrier you're working for. Dave

[@ThatOddGarage]

I have to say, I enjoy your videos. But sadly, I’m getting out of the industry next month. Six years later. I have a family to raise and I’m constantly stressed being gone

[@jasondanner6630]

What part of the country do you live? What industry are you transferring into? I'm able to still drive truck, be home everyday to see my family and easily clear 100K per year. If you're still looking for options I'd be happy to share some potential opportunities depending on where in the country you call home? 😊

[@SmartTrucking]

I hear ya. Family is #1 priority! Dave

[@ThatOddGarage]

Smart Trucking thank you Dave. Maybe when I’m older and the kids are grown, I’ll take another crack at it.

[@Kenny-bp8ux]

@@jasondanner6630 I'm interested in knowing the opportunities, I live in Denton TX.

[@RebellionUnderground]

I drive for Old Dominion Freight Line. Great family oriented company. Good money with benefits and not hard work if you don’t mind working.

[@SmartTrucking]

Always hear good things about them. Dave

[@RD2564]

Great advice and I'm happy to see that a lot of young people are watching your videos and learning from your experiences.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching!

[@Nevermore-xf2sy]

Outlaw trucking, 120k as a company driver, only work 3 days a week but it's 3 days almost non stop.

[@JackDecker63]

I now work for Dr. Pepper. In talking to the drivers of the other soda companies, I was surprised to learn that Dr. Pepper pays the most, Coke second, and Pepsi a distant third. You start off at $69K at Dr. Pepper, $52K at Coke, and a lot less at Pepsi. In fact, I know of a Coke driver who has worked for them for two years and he's only making $55K a year presently. And the reason is Dr. Pepper lets you work up to 60 hours a week and Coke only up to 50. All hours past your first 40 is time and a half. Dr. Pepper does NOT want to pay you double time and thus why you're not to go past 60 in a week. In fact, unless you're in your first three months or there is some reason beyond your control (e.g., breakdown), you'll get a reprimand going beyond 60 in a week. What probably won't surprise anyone is Dr. Pepper sales reps make more than the drivers. What might surprise people is that ALL of Dr. Pepper sales reps are former Dr. Pepper drivers. But this isn't some charity for long-time drivers but simply the fact that these long-time drivers personally know everyone at most of their stops so selling them is relatively easy. Above the sales reps in hierarchy and pay are the Regional Managers (who were all former sales reps) and above them is the Branch Manager (who was a former regional manager). Us drivers are viewed as union but you don't have to join it and pay dues if you don't want to. As for the work, I can tell you it is FAR more physically demanding than OTR. I used to drive nearly 70 hours a week as an OTR driver and now I work "only" 60 hours a week for Dr. Pepper, but you really feel those 60 hours. As an OTR driver, I used to wake up, eat breakfast, drive for five hours while listening to audio books, break for lunch, drive another 5 hours while listening to books and talking to friends and family, and then park and camp for the night. You got to see the country and it was really quite enjoyable. I miss that at times now. As for "now", I do 11 to 20 stops in 12 hours. The frequent stops are not right for listening to an audio book and you can get fired if they catch you talking on the phone while driving. And, no, you cannot use a hand-free devise. And there's pressure to get all your stops done in 12 hours or less. In fact, they would like you to get all your stops done in 10 hours but you can milk it to 12 if you want. All but one of us drivers do and that one is trying to start up his own business in his off hours and thus why he doesn't. Speaking for myself, I'm driving to make money so 12 hours it is for me. And the pay is solid! While I was OTR, I had a week where I didn't clear $268! Now I clear over $950 EVERY WEEK. That is after taxes and all deductions! You also only work Monday through Friday and have, I think, eight holidays off. During peak seasons (mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas), you might have to work an occasional Saturday. Oh, and to have the eight holidays off, you either work the following Saturday or they send a merchandiser along with you to get five days of deliveries done in four. Last holiday, we did the latter. It was hectic and lost a day's pay but you got the holiday off and didn't have to come in Saturday. Worth the trade in my book. Another perk of the job is you get to know people at your stops. Many I am quite friendly with now. That never happened when I was doing OTR. I think in all the time I did OTR, I visited three stops twice. All the rest were once and never seen again. And the job does get easier the longer you do it. Your body gets used to the constantly lifting and pulling. You start remembering how to do each stop so when you're breaking down a pallet onto your carts, you know what to put on which cart. You also know how to stack it on your carts so it is easier and faster to stock the stop once you get inside. Presently, I can easily do 13 stops in 12 hours and on a good day, 14-15. I think with time I'll be able to do more stops easily as the other veteran drivers do. In case you're wondering what happens when you cannot get all your stops done in 12, you simply "DNS" them ("Did Not Service"). Dr. Pepper wants you to return to base by 12 hours FAR MORE than getting all your stops done. Others (your supervisor, sales reps, regional managers, and even branch manager) will then do the stops you didn't get done. Needless to say, none of them want you to not do stops. Pressure is put on you to get them all done BUT if the choice is doing one more stop or getting back to base before 12 hours is up, they HEAVILY stress the latter. Now I know some drivers will dislike having to wear a company uniform but it is required for being a driver for a soda company. And for good reason. You see you go where the public isn't to go. "Employees Only!" and "PRIVATE" doesn't apply to you. You go right on in. Your uniform makes that never a hassle. Their employees glance at you, see your uniform, and never bother you or ask if you want them to "check you in". As for other negatives... You better not be allergic to bees. During hot months, your truck (and thus you) are swarmed by bees, hornets, and wasps. I'm lucky in that they never bother me but I've watched other drivers get stung by them. You better like the cold for you'll be spending a lot time in refrigerators. Again, I'm lucky in that the cold doesn't bother me and I even like it. Right now it is snowing here and I'm still wearing my short-sleeve uniform shirt. You drive a "pup" truck. 32-foot trailer and a very weak engine. Coming from 53-foot trailers, it took a lot to getting used to. With a 53, I would do an action, count three seconds, do the counter action, and see where I'm at. With these pup trucks, they respond instantly. Initially you feel they're like ADHD kids. But eventually you get used to it. And their engines are pathetic. Any hill is a mountain to them. This really ticks off some drivers used to the powerful engines that OTR trucks have. I myself kind of laugh. I routinely chant "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." when going up a hill. ;-)

[@linozovich4840]

Retired at 51 from UPS with 4800 p/month pension and fantastic insurance for entire family costs me only $450 a month. Not great, but works for me. And those “funny uniforms”? All I will say is the ladies love them and what’s in them! There’s a reason the divorce rate among UPS drivers is over 77%.

[@JeffArnoldPhotography]

I make $2800 per week, company driver. Thank you Lord. And Teamsters. My uncle worked for Passport Transport too btw. 🙂

[@SmartTrucking]

Cool.

[@OneshotMovement]

Lie

[@brianaustin6184]

Oneshot Movement not really I can make over 2,800 a week driving during our busy season.im sorry you haven’t experienced the same,but it doesn’t mean he’s lying.I haul doubles driving to Fort Worth carriers,which is a subsidiary company of Dillard’s retailers,they sell $200+ shirts,$1,000 luggage sets ect. I run teams we make .73 cpm plus .16cpm per diem tax free money. We run 71mph kenworth T680 401k company paid free life insurance plus whatever you want for a small additional charge for what you get,short and long term disability.Busy season right now we are running 7,500-7,800 miles per week.on a slow week we run 5,700-6,400. At 5,700 just on miles not stores were get drop n hook pay, I’ll make 2,080 before tax.they add our per diem in after tax which is typically at least $450 a week. We do get paid bi-weekly. We get 1 week of vacation,1 week sick,and get 1 day for every month we work so another 12 their,the company also has a calendar with white weeks meaning(we can take vacation),red weeks which means (we can’t take off) and green weeks which( the company will add an additional 20% to our checks if we take off one of those weeks over s white or red week).So your first year You can essentially get a month off of paid leave. And during slow season you can either run and still get up. To 6,500+ miles per week or take in paid time we have teams that will take whole months off,while others are running hard. So you can kinda do what you want within reason during slow season. I’ll make ruffly $120,000 maybe more this year. it’s a hard company to get on with they only have I believe 183 trucks,and the nice thing is they are crazy about safety and keeping their trucks top notch,any small thing and they get it fixed ASAP! We get immediate detention pay starting at $18.50hr,and if we fix something ourselves even if it takes 5 minutes you let them know and they’ll pay you an hour worth of work,and tell you thanks for saving the company money,we also get a Christmas/New Years party for the drivers where they rent out a a fancy hotel,don’t remember the name of ours this year, 3 course meal,DJ ect.its a few hundred dollars a person and they pay for your immediate family to come as well.they appreciate their drivers and take care of us,we also get 20% discount on anything we buy at the store at any time of the year. If we buy something that that’s 75% off we still get the additional 20% and during sometimes of the year we we will get an additional 25% on our %20 we already get as an exclusive additional employee discount.

[@michaellee5399]

@@brianaustin6184 what company is this?

[@hansditt]

I drive for McLane grocery delivery driver 4 to 5 days worked. Home daily. 60/7 daily physical workout unloading. First 11 month 80k. Projected this year 115k. You work hard and smart you get paid. Benefits on day one. Great company and nanny cams dont drive unsafe and you have no worries.

[@brandonpeterman9964]

Propane is what i started with with my class B nobody would even give me a chance with anything else everyone wanted a year or more recent time behind the wheel except my current employer they gave me a shot and started me at more than the jobs that turned me down

[@SmartTrucking]

Pays not to give up easy! Good deal! Dave

[@davidcampos7243]

Rest in peace Sir. Thank you for all your knowledge. Much appreciated from a new truck driver here.

[@AntonPanteleev]

Great video Dave! With you on the AB oil patch. Just came down south and back home to ON last month to work a local job. Was up there for last 6 years hauling oil around Lloyd and sour stuff around Grand Prairie AB. Load rates dropped by CNRL to the point of no return for heavy crude. Making it almost impossible for truck owners to survive up there hauling fluid.☹️

[@SmartTrucking]

I know it's bad out there now. Thank Justin and his team. How bringing oil from Saudi is helping Canadians is beyond me! Dave

[@derail6996]

I've been driving for over 25 years and all has been flat bed and oversized equipment hauling and have done pretty darn good for myself!

[@brittnyhawk8633]

Livestock like horses pay crazy but you never be home.

[@brownbagz]

YAYYY! I have options because I just got my CDL here in Flint, MI last Thursday! Although I worked a gov't job & retired for 20yrs, I've always wanted to drive trucks & now I'm beginning a new journey beginning next month! I am soooo excited!

[@ladawnjones1605]

Congrats butter pecan!! Im glad ur well

[@yummiermussel5331]

Good luck! I will be getting mine after the holidays as well, very excited. Hope it all works out for you.

[@jeeprider9975]

Good luck ,Butter Pecan ...just be careful , the winter's around the corner and MI weather is very tricky !

[@SmartTrucking]

Congratulations!

[@jasondanner6630]

22 years in the LTL Freight industry has given me great first hand experience with the wide range of lucrative and not so lucrative ends of the Spectrum. Best I've encountered and current employment has been Old Dominion Freight Lines as a local Regional line driver. Home everyday. Virtually all of us in the Pacific Northwest clear 100K to 125k per year. Fair benefits. Excellent 401k contribution and generally new equipment. People like to poke fun at the wiggle wagons going down the road whether doubles or triples, yet as you said maximizing dollars for hours is the priority here and I have not been disappointed!

[@adamdawson9217]

My dad drove for a private fleet for 23 years of his 32 years of driving truck. And he got treated good and paid good and all ways got a new truck every 4 to 5 years

[@SmartTrucking]

Can't beat that! Dave

[@doesnotplaywellwithothers3455]

Chemical tanker is what I do, paid for everything including sleeping in the bunk 🙂

[@tim001ca]

Currently working in the feed market, we deliver to farms. I make around 90 to 100k a year, full benefits, boot allowance, 5 sets of uniforms, winter clothing, pension plan after a year, OT pay after 40hours, double time on Sundays, mon to Friday... I’d say I’m doing alright for a new driver....

[@SmartTrucking]

I'd say you're doing great! Dave

[@JimmyR83]

I just got my class A permit I’m gonna take a 2 week course soon to be able to pass the pre trip and driving portion. I’m really excited

[@cmo8182]

I am a CDL Trainer and Good Luck to you on passing like I tell my students

[@SmartTrucking]

Good luck Jimmy, I'm sure you'll do just fine!

[@DJPereira2012]

We haul our own loads here and staying in the niche markets is where its at. Get all you can for every mile you drive. Because you'll need it to pay your bills and maintain the truck is how I see it.

[@charlesbailey6538]

I work for a privite fleet union job home during the week and sat lowest paid man made 80000 last year plus 20000 in benefits paid by company haul our own products had one lay off in 50 years took company to court and won for illegal lay off no one quits they retire only hired 4 drivers in last 10 years best deal iv ever seen

[@336_longhaulalex8]

I’m 22 and I’ve decided this year to start a new career in truck driving. I’ve obtained both my Tanker/Hazmat endorsements. I’m currently attending driving school at the moment I graduate Dec 17th. I start with Schneider Tanker Division OTR.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good choice! Dave

[@johnmccourt6488]

Oilfields are good jobs But only if you are owner operator My truck grosses average monthly 50grand a month But also oilfield always is boom or bust Save your money 💴

[@Fvlse_God]

Just started running a 3 axle 379 18s lowboy with 0 experience in any truck besides my CDL class. Love it, and get paid great, with even more $ to come. It can be stressful but there’s nothing better than running a pete with straight pipes through nashville. 🥵

[@frankvanwiechen8853]

Dave. The owner (my big boss) of the largest private carrier in Canada makes good money, and the manager, and human resources manager, shop manager, etc, etc. Thats what I thought your video was going to about when I first started. Oh, driving jobs!

[@SmartTrucking]

Good point! You work for Bison? Dave

[@zardozqq]

I would never do owner operator, at our job we have a brand new international truck and wow its been more into the shop than on the road

[@DanMcD80]

Sunbelt Rentals is a good private fleet to run for. Safety is a top priority. Also hourly. Union in some areas

[@martinandelizabethgarninge1150]

Just got into oversized and military freight seems to be steady and reliable work, rgn and double drop step deck regular flatbed and dry van doing it all be versatile and learn them all..

[@SmartTrucking]

You're right! Versatility and that you can never learn too many skills! Dave

[@roctaviszellner1026]

You forgot about car hauling!

[@davevann2925]

Asphalt tankers, 50k plus a yr and 21-26 wks a year, work time, the rest in unemployment and do what ever you want!

[@kenwu7]

You get more than that hauling dry/fridge freight with a small company

[@RCRCustoms]

I’ve got a unique situation, where I’m a union Ironworker working for a private fleet as a heavy equipment mechanic but I also do the majority of the “hot loads” and the over sized ugly permitted stuff. Still making the union rates with all the benefits with the “let’s make a deal” flat rates on the long haul stuff.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sounds like a good deal to me!

[@RCRCustoms]

@@SmartTrucking it’s a great deal 👍

[@6speedmike41]

Organic grocery pays damn good for a owner operator

[@MrDaylow]

Chemical tankers are not worth a syit ! I haul hazmat for 13 years both as a o/o and company. They pay no more and will stiff YOU just as quick as any other company !

[@captainflatbed.7927]

I enjoy the oversized lol def have to have a good plan b&c, it’s “the other” guy that seems to cause the chaos lol

[@anthonydrummond3500]

At UPS your micromanage now. They dictate how much money they will allow you to make and most of the guys that been working there for years are chasing debt

[@arturoc2c714]

I don't know if you actually have some real actually knowledge or not but I see the problem with you and other people is. They just say UPS. There are different branches, locations and positions. Oh and also the amount seniority one has.

[@natemars9258]

Heavy Tow Operators. Depending on the state it pays $80k minimum.

[@MrKing-lx7il]

I want to haul cattle or drive local in Midwest .tired of pulling reefer out of California

[@kevinlesch9656]

Yard jockey ain't a bad gig either. I got a factory job from reference delivering but I have a friend that got in from being a jockey. Long story short the company that was jockeying went belly up, factory bought their own spoters and hired the old companies drivers. From there they could transfer into warehouse for better pay as forklift drivers.

[@TheADNnoticias]

$2300 weekly hauling flour and salt for bread factories. Home every night. Pneumatic tanks food grade.

[@BeastModeFitness11]

What prior experience did u have before landing that job? I have my class a and all endorsements with class b propane driver experience and dump truck. Not tractor trailer .

[@TheBlackbudda08]

Speaking of Niche Freight...In 1988, I got into Trade Shows, Displays, Exhibits, Concerts and Broadway Plays..."LOVED IT"...Not really a tight schedule most of the time...Must be willing to go into Large Cities (New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, ect)...But it was also Good Money...Then in 2006, I started Trucking in War Zones (Iraq, Afghanistan)...Its 2019-2020, and I'm still Overseas...So as you have stated..Find your Niche, and ENJOY it !!!

[@SmartTrucking]

That's one hell of a niche Tony! Stay safe!

[@raggytigger217]

I miss Canada, I used to do the Wal-Mart deliveries out of Calgary all over the place, loved delivering into BC, often think about how great that job was.😭😭😭

[@srjdogful]

Thanks for the vid. It confirmed I’m doing it right. Just got hired on with the largest private fleet and it’s changed my life financially. Keep on truckin.

[@SunnyIlha]

It's nearly a quarter of a century into the century. Amazing. The 2020 Class A CDL Tractor Trailer Driver Operator should, minimally, be compensated at 27.50 per hour. (At least). This would be minimum wage for a Class A Licensed Driver.

[@MindFlowAudio]

It's good to add Freight Brokerage to ones Trucking Career. Keep it Trucking Brothers and Sisters!

[@connorsmith713]

If you ask me a great way to make money trucking is to get in with a construction company rather than a trucking company. Driving a dump truck with a pup, or hauling bulk cement for a concrete factory, or moving equipment, or hauling rebar or iron on a flatbed, or moving counterweights for a crane company. But getting in with a construction company usually gets you in a real trade union rather than the teamsters and that's always a sweet gig. You're also more likely to get overtime, better benefits, and a good union pension. you might be expected to get out of the truck and actually work sometimes, but you'll be compensated handsomely for it. Although I haven't been driving too long, I've worked a couple of driving jobs all for construction companies or servicing the construction industry, and I don't know if there's a better way to make money than that. Not to mention the job security is great.

[@Wingman-yl3qq]

Manufacturing company private fleet is a fantastic option. Choose a company that takes pride in drivers knowledge of the product. Also choose a product that has a high profit margin.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly right! Dave

[@lonedct8r817]

Only been trucking 3.5 years and I am making a hefty sum working for a small company. Love the % pay and the owner is honest with me. I get the rate confirmation before I pick up the load so I can figure out how much I will make per load/mile. Sometimes it’s upward of $1 or more per mile. Sometimes it’s less than $0.50 per mile. They balance it out properly though.

[@themanwiththepan]

I got a union food service job. First year was 80,000$ I really wouldn't classify this as traditional truck driving; I love putting the trucks in residential places they don't belong and double parking angry people in for an hour

[@jmendozas197]

When you said mega carriers don’t care about you and want to make as much money as possible, I don’t think anyone would disagree with you. But you have to understand some of the better paying jobs require experience, and that’s why we have to start with a mega carrier sometime. Right now, I’m a company driver, but plan on driving for maybe a year or two before, eventually, buying my own truck and being an owner operator. Nothing wrong with starting with a mega carrier; just make sure not to stay there long term because you’re only a number to them.

[@moroyoqui27]

I’m 37 looking to get my cdl your videos give some much needed insight thank you

[@hplar1960]

33 years, hauled jet fuel, asphalt, groceries...spent 15 years as a Teamster carhauler (they got rid of us.. no union carhaulers domiciled west of Kansas City or Dallas since July 2008. I know, because I was #8 on the board when we got overtaken by the scabs. There may have been a few teams still based out of Long Beach or San Diego, but they disappeared soon after). Now I haul medical equipment. This is basically Special Products, and because we handle high dollar freight and have to undergo a lot of training as far as loading/unloading, we can make a LOT of money. This year, with all the Covid crap,I will make over 130,00 as a company driver (no ownership risk, no days off working on the truck). Lets be honest...its because I'm bumping my 70 every week and getting time and a half and double time. Still...make hay while the sun shines. Also...I'm getting at least one weekend day a week off!

[@SmartTrucking]

You've definitely got a good deal there!

[@ivangalindoramirez.6635]

Pretty accurate and interesting comments made for a experienced and honest guy like you. Congratulations!!! I'm learning how to drive this huge and beautiful trucks. Greetings from Mexico!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Greetings Ivan!