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Looking to optimize my money going towards retirement.

Comments

Clayton

05.10.2024

I’d say 15% is a solid number, but it’s all about what you’re comfortable with

0

Duke

12.01.2023

Aiming for that 20% mark myself.

0

Tamsin

08.25.2023

I put a good 10-15% of my paycheck into retirement. Gotta think about those golden years on the open road.

1

Josef

03.13.2023

I don’t have a fixed percentage, but I try to save at least $500 a month for retirement.

3

Iqra

02.26.2023

I put 10% of my paychecks into a 401k and another 5% into a Roth IRA. I also have a pension plan from my company that matches 50% of my contributions up to 6% of my salary. I think it’s important to diversify your retirement savings and take advantage of any employer benefits.

1

Alastair Glover

02.19.2023

I invest in my 401 (k) plan offered by my trucking company. They match up to 6% of my contributions, so I try to put at least that much every month

1

Lepe

02.06.2023

I invest in my 401 (k) plan offered by my trucking company. They match up to 6% of my contributions, so I try to put at least that much every month

2

Max

01.24.2023

20 percent, that keeps my income livable but my future bright.

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Grayson

01.23.2023

+ Roughly 12%. You can play now and pay later or you can pay now and play sooner.

5

Benito

01.23.2023

Current children makes a huge offset. Especially if you are the earner.

2

Mike

01.18.2023

My retirement plan is gonna be the business end of a .45 to my head.

2

Hello

01.18.2023

Right now I’m at 4% with a 3% company match.

0

Marta

01.17.2023

7% to get the full company match but it isnt vested until 3yrs so who knows where ill be but its still a good weekly savings account

1

Thomas D.

01.15.2023

75%. 10% in 401K, max out my own IRAs and the rest goes in a cash brokerage account.

2

Mark

01.13.2023

14% last year but its bumped to 18% this year. Combo of my company paid & self paid.

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What’s everybody’s go to website or app when looking for tow companies when you’re broken down on the side of the road?

Comments

Daniels

02.26.2023

I use Truckers Helper. It has a list of tow companies and repair shops near me. Plus it helps me keep track of my expenses and mileage.

4

Josef

02.17.2023

I just call my dispatcher and let them deal with it. They usually have a contract with a towing service in the area. Saves me the hassle of finding one myself.

1

Marni

01.21.2023

Google/maps

1

RoadMan

01.20.2023

I use Google maps too, and find a tow/repair place near me then start calling.

3

Keanu

01.20.2023

+ I call the company garage and they find someone for me

4

Krueger

01.19.2023

I call our garage and they take care of everything.

2

Barney

01.18.2023

I call our owner usually.

0

Alastair Glover

01.18.2023

As an owner/op, Google maps, search for tow company

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According to a statement from the agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Tecate Cargo Facility in San Diego found the cocaine Jan.11. Officers encountered a 36-year-old driver of a tractor-trailer with a shipment manifested as decorative stone. During the inspection, a CBP officer referred the driver along with the tractor-trailer for a more intensive examination.

Comments

Hello

01.21.2023

Homeland Security will probably send him back to Mexico for another load

4

Benito

01.21.2023

The trucker did that do you think maybe the cartel did that?

1

Barney

01.20.2023

+ How much was he getting per mile? 😂

6

Alastair Glover

01.20.2023

Raise the rates and lower the diesel ⛽️ 😅

2

Milo

01.19.2023

Just legalize it

0

Mulder

01.19.2023

So the Mexican driver was turned over to customs that will most likely be deported and most likely come back again with a different type of shipment.

2

Keanu

01.18.2023

Stupidity at it finest!

2

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Hey. Company just Offered to put me in a brand new t680. I’ve spend my career in a Volvo and a freight liner. What are the ups and downs with the new t680s.

Comments

Fergus

05.28.2024

You’ll find the T680’s got a quieter cab than the Freightliner

1

Orlando

10.12.2023

Just make sure you’re comfortable with the tech before you hit the road.

1

Daniels

06.02.2023

That’s a smooth ride with a nice cab setup. But check the mirrors, they’re a bit different from what you’re used to.

1

Haroon

03.01.2023

I’ve driven both the t680 and the freight liner, and they both have their pros and cons. The t680 is more modern and sleek, with a lot of features that make driving easier and safer. The freight liner is more rugged and durable, with a simpler design that’s easier to fix. It really depends on your personal preference and what kind of routes you’re doing.

2

Declan

02.27.2023

I would stick with the freight liner if I were you

0

Duncan

02.16.2023

Congrats on the offer! I’ve been driving a t680 for a year now and I love it. It’s spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient.

3

Lepe

02.15.2023

Of course KW T680, because it's larger cab area, more powerful engine options

0

Magnus

02.01.2023

Freightliner Cascadia because of its more spacious sleeper area, better fuel efficiency, advanced technology and navigation system, and lower maintenance cost

2

Thomas D.

01.20.2023

+ If they have had the recall done on the digital dash take it. I have never had a Volvo, but have driven plenty of Freightshakers. Go with the KW.

3

Eddie

01.20.2023

I don't like the T680, numerous lighting issues in the new ones I've driven, and the cab vibrates and resonates like crazy at certain RPM

0

Mike

01.18.2023

KW. The Cascadias feel like toys.

2

Grayson

01.16.2023

KW for sure! After being in a Freightliner and a Peterbilt 579. KW is definitely the way to go.

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Hi guys, I have a friend of mine based out of So. Cal who pulls reefers under his own authority and is thinking about switching over to a flatbed to start out in the winter to see if he can make some more money. Questions he has:

1. Would it be beneficial to start out under his own authority or run under a company like Landstar or Mercer
2. How much would the equipment be for someone starting out
3. Which type and length of trailer would you run if you were based out of So. Cal
4. If he were to go under his own authority, would company offer flatbed securement classes

Comments

Elias

03.02.2023

If he’s new to flatbedding, I would recommend running under a company like Landstar or Mercer. They have good training and support for flatbed drivers and they pay decent rates.

6

Haroon

02.20.2023

I run a 48’ step deck out of So. Cal and I do pretty well. I have my own authority and I use load boards to find loads. I think it’s better than running under a company because you have more control and flexibility.

2

Magnus

02.13.2023

A new truck can cost anywhere from $100k to $200k or more, while a used one can be as low as $20k to $50k or more. A new flatbed trailer can cost around $30k to $40k or more, while a used one can be around $10k to $20k or more.

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Fred

01.30.2023

Running under his own authority may give him more freedom and control over his rates and loads, but it also comes with more responsibilities and expenses such as insurance, permits, taxes and compliance.

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Pascal

01.21.2023

I have a couple friends running flats, not stepdecks, for mercer. The consensus I get from them is that loads going into Cali pay decent, but they get raped trying to get out. Usually containers paying barely passable rates.

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Jordan

01.20.2023

Mercer has a west coast board or something like that I think. Dont know what kind of money they make though. I would talk to alot of people if I was him.

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Jago

01.20.2023

+ Unless he has some contacts that will provide him with loads, he would probably be better to lease on somewhere, but maintain his authority.

4

Lepe

01.20.2023

So if reloaction is not an option, maybe running Western 11 is an option. Just a thought... I really don't know enough about the Left Coast.

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I wanna get serious about weight loss, I know plenty of exercises I can do on the road but I stay out for a month at a time and wanna work on a better diet

Comments

Declan

06.05.2024

Hydration is key

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Ayden

08.11.2023

Keep a cooler in the cab with fresh fruits and veggies. They’re better than truck stop grub.

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Tamsin

07.03.2023

Stock up on those protein-packed snacks and ditch the sugary stuff

1

Denzel

03.03.2023

One thing that helped me a lot was using a cooler and a portable stove in my truck. I can cook some simple meals like eggs, oatmeal, soup, etc. and store some fresh food like salad, yogurt, cheese, etc. in the cooler. It saves me money and calories.

1

Elias

02.26.2023

I hear you, man. It’s hard to eat healthy on the road. I try to pack some snacks like nuts, fruits, granola bars, etc. and avoid fast food as much as possible. I also drink a lot of water and limit soda and alcohol. It’s not easy but it helps

3

Fred

02.17.2023

Choosing smarter options at truck stops and restaurants. I look for salads, soups, grilled chicken, fish, and other low-fat dishes.

1

Josef

02.09.2023

I try to eat healthy on the road by planning ahead and packing my own meals and snacks. I use a power inverter and a mini fridge to store and heat up my food.

0

Grayson

01.31.2023

By eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. I don’t skip breakfast or wait until I’m starving to eat. I keep some healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, dried fruits, and yogurt in my cab.

2

Marni

01.20.2023

I was 216lbs in October. Today I’m under 190lbs.

1

Leroy

01.19.2023

+ It’s just something you have to prioritize and that means making an investment in yourself. Buy an air fryer, and an electric skillet.

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Fleur

01.19.2023

I lost 63 LBS

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Barney

01.19.2023

No snacking.

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Milo

01.19.2023

Been using a meal replacement shake recently from GNC. I've probably dropped about 1000 calories

1

Benito

01.18.2023

trail mix and one full meal

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Krueger

01.18.2023

Eat more protein than carbs each day.

1

Eddie

01.17.2023

I kept to a strict diet of yoghurt and fruit for breakfast

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More Comments

what pay rate wouldnt/didnt you accept coming into trucking?

Comments

Daniels

01.18.2024

Coming into trucking, I set my floor at $50k a year

0

Josef

06.11.2023

If it doesn’t cover my bills, I’m not signing

1

Fred

04.06.2023

I wouldn’t touch anything less than 40 cents per mile starting out.

1

Magnus

02.26.2023

It depends on the company and the benefits. I accepted 45 cents per mile with a good health insurance plan and a 401k match. I think that’s fair for a rookie driver.

0

Denzel

02.17.2023

less than 50 cents per mile is garbage. That’s the minimum I need to cover my expenses and make a decent living.

2

Eddie

02.03.2023

I wouldn’t accept anything below $0.40 per mile as a new driver.

0

Aidan

01.28.2023

$0.50 per mile as a new driver. That’s a decent pay rate for truck drivers that allows me to make a good living and save some money. Anything lower than that would be too low and not competitive with other companies.

2

Grayson

01.19.2023

+ You should be able to make $50k your first year or $1000 per week.

4

Strickland

01.19.2023

Little over 4 years in the game. Started at .38, went to .45 after a month.

2

James R.

01.18.2023

I didn't do much research and was tight on cash so .35 cpm sounded like a lot.

1

Moon

01.17.2023

$25hr was my minimum when I first started.

1

Epic

01.17.2023

Anything under .60 CPM I wouldn’t except

0

Rory

01.17.2023

I'm just a local boy but $24/hr when I started was the floor. A year in the game now I've been bumped up too $29/hr, so nothing less than $29/hr.

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Trying to deciede on a new company and curious what companies in this section allow pets (dogs or cats). I like what I've heard about Roehl but they have a no pets policy 😡 I heard Werner allows pets but I'm leary of them. What other companies?

Comments

Tamsin

04.25.2024

I’ve heard good things about Werner Enterprises

0

Clayton

02.14.2024

Check out Halvor Lines or Hogan Trucking, they’re known to be pet-friendly

4

Declan

08.12.2023

You might wanna look into J.B. Hunt or Prime, Inc

1

Aidan

02.10.2023

I work for May Trucking and they allow pets of any breed and size. They don’t charge any deposit or fee for having a pet on board.

0

Grayson

02.01.2023

Wilson Transportation and they allow up to two pets per driver. They charge a $500 deposit per pet that is refundable if there is no damage to the truck.

0

Pascal

01.20.2023

I think we should ask the pets if they will allow flat bedders in the truck

3

Mulder

01.19.2023

+ Do a search here, plus you can find out what they charge.

5

Benito

01.19.2023

Con-Way Truckload allows pets. They charge $.01 per mile as well.

1

Milo

01.16.2023

FFE does. Charge $.01 cpm that the pet is on the truck. You can deduct that charge from your taxes, according to my accountant.

3

Krueger

01.16.2023

TMC does NOT allow pets of any kind. Probably a good thing tho. Flat bedders ain't got time for pets; unless it's a pet rock.

1

Keanu

01.15.2023

do ;ike i do put the pet on the truck and claim that its your security system

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Is this a good offer? It’s OTR and it’ll be my first trucking job. Would like a little more insight from some truckers before accepting.

Comments

Orlando

05.26.2024

Check the fine print for any catch like unpaid layovers or something

1

Elias

09.23.2023

That rate’s pretty decent to start.

1

Gordon

07.01.2023

That’s not too shabby, especially for OTR. Just make sure you’re clear on the miles you’ll be guaranteed.

1

Daniels

02.27.2023

That’s a good offer for a starter job. OTR is not easy, but it’s a good way to gain experience and learn the ropes.

14

Magnus

02.15.2023

That sounds like a decent offer for a rookie. Just make sure you read the fine print and know what you’re getting into. OTR can be tough on your family and personal life. Good luck and stay safe out there.

2

Pascal

02.09.2023

The average CPM for truck drivers is not a good indicator of how much you will actually make because it depends on many factors like your experience, region, company, type of freight, etc

0

Eddie

02.06.2023

That sounds like a good offer for a new driver.

0

Barney

01.29.2023

Some companies pay lower CPM but have more consistent miles and better benefits.

1

Benito

01.19.2023

you need either $.80 per mile NET or more.. if you’re not driving over 2000 miles a week you’re going to need $50 an hour.

3

Krueger

01.18.2023

+ Cpm isn't the only thing that determines whether a job is good or not.

5

Marni

01.16.2023

Depends how many miles you’re gonna be driving. They can offer you a $1.50 a mile. That’s great unless you’re only driving 300 miles a week.

1

Keanu

01.16.2023

Need more info before saying either way. I mean, yes, 60 cpm is pretty good for starting out, but how many miles do you expect to get?

0

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How many hours do you work per week, and how much do you make per week?

Comments

Denzel

01.10.2024

I’m bringing home about $2,000 a week before taxes

0

Mari

11.08.2023

Paychecks are looking good, hauling in around $1,500 weekly.

2

Gordon

10.11.2023

I’m clocking in about 50-60 hours a week

1

Grayson

02.26.2023

$1200 a week. I’m a regional driver so I stay within a few states. I don’t sweat being away from home for a few days at a time.

1

Addie

02.14.2023

40 hours a week and make $1000 a week. I’m a local driver so I get to go home every night. I like my job and the company I work for.

2

Barney

02.09.2023

I work about 50 hours per week as a local driver for a food delivery company. I make around $20 per hour plus tips and bonuses.

1

Magnus

01.25.2023

60 hours per week as a regional driver for a freight company. I make around $0.50 per mile plus extra pay for stops, layovers, and detention.

0

Rory

01.19.2023

I clock about 45 hours usually, am out of the house 2-3 nights a week. No overtime

0

Moon

01.18.2023

+ Local hourly is the best way to go for this reason. You sleep in your own bed every night.

4

Artur Ishch

01.16.2023

Yeah agreed. I used to think OTR paid the best

0

Epic

01.16.2023

I worked 60 hours last week and my check will probably be 1700-1800 before taxes. Good money, run is good but it is a-lot of hours

2

Krueger

01.16.2023

I do flatbed regional, work about 50 hours a week, bring home about a thousand a week. I know that’s not great money and I could make more doing something else, but I enjoy what I do.

0

Mulder

01.14.2023

Local, 6 hours per day, $1750-2000 per week

1

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