Looking into OTR

[ed2012]

Hello everyone, its been a while since I visited this website. I drove packages locally and within a state of Chicago. I liked the driving and after not delivering for a few months I miss it. I am looking at getting a CDL A license and do OTR but with the exception that my wife can be a passanger, she wouldn't be driving. I am wondering what companies allow passangers. Also, I believe we would be making more money with me driving than we do now with the both of us working.

We have no kids or anybody close to us that would pose a "problem" as far as loneliness. We are just thinking about this though.

If anybody could give insight about this lifestyle pros and cons, pay, miles per week, etc. i would like to add that also I want to drive a company truck.

What would be the best approach to start in this career?

Thank you for any help

 

[zorry]

What did you make with both of you working ?
Did you have benefits ?
It's very unusual to not be paid on a 1099 as an independent contractor in this business.

 

[ed2012]

We make less than $4000 together. Health insurance from my company. I get paid Holidays weekends off. About the same for the wife.

 

[paullud]

The vast majority of companies allow passengers although some might make you wait a few weeks. There are companies that allow passengers right away which is great so that you have a spotter to help you back up. I really can't think of any companies that don't allow passengers so you can pick pretty much anyone. I would HIGHLY recommend that you be an employee instead of an IC, especially as you are learning the business.

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[Lawrence]

Hello everyone, its been a while since I visited this website. I drove packages locally and within a state of Chicago. I liked the driving and after not delivering for a few months I miss it. I am looking at getting a CDL A license and do OTR but with the exception that my wife can be a passanger, she wouldn't be driving. I am wondering what companies allow passangers. Also, I believe we would be making more money with me driving than we do now with the both of us working.

We have no kids or anybody close to us that would pose a "problem" as far as loneliness. We are just thinking about this though.

If anybody could give insight about this lifestyle pros and cons, pay, miles per week, etc. i would like to add that also I want to drive a company truck.

What would be the best approach to start in this career?

Thank you for any help

You didn't say anything about your willingness or desire to buy a truck. Something to consider is driving for a fleet owner first.

Please find a list here:

Drivers and Team Drivers Wanted

 

[intransit]

Hello everyone, its been a while since I visited this website. I drove packages locally and within a state of Chicago. I liked the driving and after not delivering for a few months I miss it. I am looking at getting a CDL A license and do OTR but with the exception that my wife can be a passanger, she wouldn't be driving. I am wondering what companies allow passangers. Also, I believe we would be making more money with me driving than we do now with the both of us working.

We have no kids or anybody close to us that would pose a "problem" as far as loneliness. We are just thinking about this though.

If anybody could give insight about this lifestyle pros and cons, pay, miles per week, etc. i would like to add that also I want to drive a company truck.

What would be the best approach to start in this career?

Thank you for any help

Hi Ed, make sure you ask each trucking company what their rider policy is. Like others said, some companies make no issue of it and just ask for that person's name. Some may charge a monthly fee. Others want to limit the amount of time your passenger stays in the truck due to insurance. Some companies require extensive paperwork. Ask the recruiter but don't count on them really knowing what the rider policy is- talk to drivers of that company online and ask what their experience has been about using the rider policy.

edit- some companies don't want your passenger to have a CDL for fear of them driving on your time!

And regarding the money, money in otr is very unstable, inconsistent. Don't expect to make a certain amount because it's not a financially dependable lifestyle as a company driver.