How much money did you make your first year? The pay was probably not as good as you’d hoped, but the first year was crucial for getting your foot in the door. Truckers make about $45,000 in their first year, and as their experience increases they can earn anywhere from $88,000 to $110,000 per year. Specialty truck drivers, including ice road truckers and coal mine truckers, make more money because of their higher risk and technicality. To become a specialty trucker, you must have at least five years of driving experience.
In addition to good pay, truck drivers also get paid time off and sick leave, and most companies advertise higher pay for experienced drivers. The salary for your first year can range anywhere from $15,600 to $52,000. That is the minimum starting salary, and it does not include bonuses and benefits. You should also remember that truck driving is a high demand career, and if you can get a better salary somewhere else, that would be the best option.
Why Do Truck Drivers Get Paid So Little?
Michael H. Belzer argued in Sweatshops on Wheels that truck drivers were paid so little because they performed nearly half of their work for free, including waiting hours on end for people worth much more. The federal government stopped regulating trucking companies in 1980, part of a bipartisan effort to increase business competition and undermine unions. Since then, truck drivers’ compensation has fallen by about one-third or half.
In addition to deregulation, low shipping rates and low wages result in low pay for truck drivers. Regardless of the reason, truck drivers deserve to be paid fairly. Paying them less than their colleagues or peers in the industry will result in lower morale and a lower capacity. Truckers also care about other factors besides their wages. Here are some other factors that affect pay:
A shortage of truck drivers is one of the reasons for this crisis. Driver turnover is high – some companies have reported 90 percent turnover rates for some time. Many drivers quit due to underpayment or other problems. It’s hard to keep up with inflation and the costs of living. If you are an aspiring truck driver, consider the many other advantages of a career in trucking. With a higher salary, you’ll feel more confident in your decision to join the industry.
What is the Highest Truck Driver Salary?
While truck driver salaries vary, independent truckers can expect to make a lot more than employees. For example, a trucker who drives 500 miles per day can earn $156,000 versus $81,000 if he is working as an employee. Both types of truckers must deal with the same paperwork and manage employees and managers daily. In addition, these jobs have different priorities, and an independent trucker’s safety record is one of the most important factors in determining his salary.
Higher pay usually goes with more experience and specialized skill sets. However, this can also mean higher liabilities. As a truck driver, you must be willing to take higher risks, which may include increased liability. Often, companies require truck drivers to have at least five years of CDL experience and no driving history that reflects accidents or infractions. This is why the highest pay ranges are available for those with specialized skills.
Is Driving Trucks a Good Job?
If you’ve always wanted a unique career, truck driving might be the perfect choice. It provides a high level of financial stability and you get to see new places while working. In addition to all the perks of a truck driver job, it also offers greater flexibility than a desk job. This unconventional job is a great choice for those seeking a fresh start. However, before deciding whether driving trucks is right for you, consider some factors.
First and foremost, consider the financial aspect. While trucking offers great benefits, the job is far from easy. It requires a lot of time, schooling, and dedication. But it pays off in the long run. The money you spend on school and a truck will more than compensate for that investment. No one wants to be unemployed, so the investment is worthwhile. And if you’re considering becoming a truck driver, be sure to learn about the financial ramifications before making the decision.
Why Was Trucking Deregulated?
One of the reasons that trucking was deregulated was to increase revenue, and that is exactly what happened. The economists that supported trucking deregulation were in favor of deregulation, because they are the opposite of most working people. Most mainstream economists oppose labor, ecology, or sustainability, and they support deregulation of the trucking industry, as they do the financial elite. The establishment media, on the other hand, support the deregulation of trucking because they want it to keep costs down, but are in favor of corporate profits. The establishment media, however, does not like it, and often slams people who criticize the deregulation.
The retail mega-chains benefitted from trucking deregulation. The cost of truckload shipments fell 25% between 1977 and 1982, and logistics spent just 8% of the US economy’s annual budget. They no longer need local truck drivers to transport goods. Now, they rely on 53-foot trailers to carry goods from manufacturers and distribution centers. But for some, the costs of deregulation were not worth the savings.
How Much Do Walmart Truck Drivers Make?
The average pay for a truck driver at Walmart is approximately $110,000 in the first year. Walmart drivers can earn more depending on the length of their tenure, though the initial pay is typically quite modest. But the company is working to make the job more attractive to new drivers, with a focus on training programs and increasing pay. A Walmart spokesperson said that the average salary for new drivers is now between $95,000 and $110,000, though this number is subject to change.
While many other retailers have been increasing pay, Walmart is stepping up its efforts to lure new truck drivers to the company. To attract more truck drivers, the company has implemented a 12-week private fleet development program that covers the cost of CDL training. This program offers classes taught by established truckers. The program is available in Dover, Delaware, and Dallas, and graduates get hired in the company’s private fleet.
What State Pays Truck Drivers the Most?
It’s no secret that salary is the most important factor in finding a job in the trucking industry. Many states have averages for truck driver salaries by seniority, which are broken down by city and state. But what are the average salary levels for truckers in your state? You can find these out below. Then, you can compare them to the national average and make your decision.
The average first-year truck driver salary starts at about $40,000, and rises with experience. After two or three years, truckers can expect to earn anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000. Depending on the type of truck and company you’re driving for, you can earn even more. Specialized freight pays more than general freight, which is why it’s recommended to specialize in a particular type of trucking.
Oversized loads. Oversized loads are those that are over-dimensional in width, height, and weight. They require special attention from the driver, and sometimes require a pilot car. Some companies pay drivers extra for this kind of attention, and some will even offer sign-on bonuses of up to $6,000 for new hires. Aside from signing bonuses, trucking companies also offer life insurance packages, referral bonuses, and sign-on bonuses.
How Can a Truck Driver Make 6 Figures?
How much can a truck driver earn in their first year? In 2014, the average pay for truckers was $49,000. However, that amount could be much higher, depending on the type of trucking job you choose. If you are looking for the most lucrative job in trucking, you should aim for owner-operators jobs. You’ll earn more money this way, and you’ll be liable for all the associated costs.
You may also earn bonuses from your company based on how well you perform. Some companies award bonuses based on safety, miles traveled, and other factors. In addition to bonus payments, you may also receive a bonus if you deliver goods on time. If you have the drive to make extra money, you can always ask your company for an increase in pay – or you can take this as a bargaining chip to get a raise.
The pay structure of a truck driver depends on the type of driving he does. There are two basic types of pay structures: practical miles and hub miles. Practical miles are those that are the legally required routes. Hub miles, on the other hand, are the actual miles traveled. However, hub miles are not as popular as practical miles. Sliding pay scales pay drivers based on the length of a trip. Drivers who have a long haul to make, will receive more money than those who are paying by the hour.
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