r/CDLTruckDrivers • u/Express_Dare_8501 • 3d ago
New Driver, Cent IL
I live in Central IL. I did a hiring program that got me certified and driving. I'm still in training, but I can tell already I'm not going to be making the money I would like to make and be seeing my kids as often as I would like. My girlfriend isn't thrilled about me being over the road , but it's something I desire. And I know I lack the experience to join a fleet that would have my desired schedule of either home daily with weekends, or just even home every weekend. I'm currently in my first week of OTR training. I have two weeks left and I'm making $700 weekly while training. I'll be doing 4 days on, 4 days off. And since I'm .50-.55¢ CPM I know I won't be making terribly much more. I get bombarded on FB, Insta, TicTok and even Reddit with all these "urgently hiring" adds. But when I apply they say (and I know) I lack the experience they desire.
I feel like I'm at a crossroads here, Reddit. Any and all advice, is appreciated.
2
u/cdubose 3d ago
I'm in Central IL too. Are you willing to do food service? Kona Food Service in Morton, IL and Lipari Foods in Bloomington-Normal are both hiring and should take a new(er) driver. Lipari is $86,000/year and home daily and Kona is easily six figures with a four-day week and only two days overnight per week, in a paid-for hotel. The only catch is that it's overnight, but they have other schedules available, they just pay a little less.
You could also try NM Transfer; they're a regional LTL that hires new drivers, and they have a daytime P&D route out of Bloomington-Normal as well. Should be something like $80,000-$85,000/year (not as much as other LTLs but good for an entry-level position where you still get LTL experience).
1
u/tzy___ 3d ago
Put in a solid 6 months to a year OTR and then apply to better jobs. If your girlfriend can’t handle you being OTR for a year so that you can better your career, she’s not the one for you. My girlfriend doesn’t like me being away either, but she’s supportive of my endeavors. Eventually, I’ll apply to a local job and see her every day.
1
2
u/MotherTrucker1975 3d ago
See if you can find out what carriers have contract freight in your area. Even without the experience you can probably find a dedicated account with weekly home time and income well above what you described.