Question:
Hello Trucknet, I am back again. I used to post as Coleman, now I use this name. I want to thank you drivers once again for helping me start a new career in the industry. I have my year behind me and I want a whole lot more to come.
Things have not been easy and I have must of quit about 20 times during the year, but that was just for the moment. I guess my way of dealing with things. I really love driving and this is what I want to do. I started out running cars, then running northeast region, now I run a Costco dedicated account.
I have been lost. I have blown tires 50 miles from the house on my way home. I have arrived 30 mins late for appts and had to wait until the next morning. I have even had appts schedule for Sat morning when the place will not be open until Monday(this was one of the times that I quit). These are some bad moments and there were more, but for the bad moments there were some good ones also.
I am working for Swift and they have really pushed me to my limits, and me and dispatch has got to arguing on a few occasions. Some I have lost some I have won. A lot of drivers out there have really been a lot of help, and any new driver starting out. get a god C.B. and don't be afraid to ask questions. You are gonna run into a lot of smarta** drivers to steer you wrong, but you will be able to tell who they are. In my situation a veteran driver came to help and while doing so, made that driver feel kind of small.
Thank the Lord, I am accident free. So whatever Swift truck you have seen rolled or has backed into you at Petro it has not been me...LOL. Also to all the Drivers that do not like us. About 75% of you. I am just trying to feed Mama and the kids just like you. Can't no man or woman tell you how to run your truck. I can't tell the Swift CEO how to run his.
I wanted to ask you drivers what is a good direction to go in now that I have my year. With Swift I am making about $1100 a week and taking home about $800 and I am back in Richmond, VA by Sat morning 0500 and leave about 2400 on Sun. The money is good, but I want to make more. I know there is better out there and I want to know were at. Do I just need to stop whining and sit back and be patient, or since I have that year things are better out there right now.
I wanted to write this because in the past I have read a driver say that newbies do not come back to tell how they are doing. Also I wanted to thank Trucknet again and LIL RED if you still tune in. Thank You.

Answer:

Frankly, I think that you're going to be hard pressed to top that as a company driver with one years experience.
In the long run, a union job would most likely pay more, as well as having better benefits, but you would probably take a pay cut to start.
You might think about getting into auto hauling with one of the specialized companies. I believe that we have a fairly satisfied stick hauler on board who is well compensated as well. Just a couple of suggestions.

Answer:
Just like you should, and may have done, when you were looking for your first company to drive for, you should sit down and make a list of what you want and then prioritize it.
Once you know exactly what it is you want then you can start looking for companies to fulfill it.
One thing to keep in mind though If you are bringing home 1100 a week gross you may be hard pressed to beat that, especially enjoying the hometime you do.
At 2500 miles per week you would need to earn 44 cpm just to tie it.
At 3000 miles per week you would need to earn 37 cpm
Answer:
Right...and more work; pulling doubles in daycabs, in worse conditions, and with worse equipment.
The grass is not always greener...
Sounds like you've got a good gig. I'd keep it.
Answer:
I will wholeheartedly agree with my esteemed colleagues.
I'd take your job in a second.