FIRST SIX MONTHS OTR | THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT OTR TRUCKING | TRUCKER PAY REVIEW 

As a 25 y/o single guy with no kids, OTR sounds like heaven. I need to be able quickly pay this 100k debt off and get positive before thirty lol.

This is the most honest and best trucking video I’ve come across.

Trucking has become the most sofisticaded way of slavery!! No wonder why it’s in crisis. You’re the best Kevin! Thanks.

You definitely nailed it brother. The one thing ill say and I put myself in this category too, were getting our experience by working for companies like Werner, Schneider, Swift, Prime, Knight, etc. Its a stepping stone and we won't be rookies forever. Great video!

Facts. This man tells the truth. I wish I knew this when I started driving. No regrets just moving forward. 3 months in. Going strong.

This video should be played at every cdl school in America. Recruiters flood us with lies about otr and luckily in my class we were smart and laughed them out of the door with facts like in this video. Thanks for the honesty. Werner will probably offer money to take it down.

I remember my first year of trucking. Was awful. Didn’t make much money. Was not used to being away from home all the time. And I quit my first 3 trucking companies, because I thought it was the companies that were bad. Trucking is different in general. Some people finally get used to just being gone. And some people don’t. 22 years later I’m making double the money, working half as hard, and I actually sleep better, and get more rest in my truck, than I do at home.

And, people wonder why there's a 'driver shortage'. This is a great explanation of why there's a 'driver shortage'...

Good job explaining the ugly side of trucking. I can’t wait to hear about the the sunny side!

I really enjoy how you break it down practically. Important for those who have families to consider. Me, I got nothing to hold me in one spot and I'm looking forward just to travel, even if it is the interstate. Can't wait to get back out there.

Hi Kevin, You have taken the wind out of my sails! (Not that I was going to go truck driving at my age) It's tragic what the companies are allowing the drivers to do to themselves. The corp. solution is to automate the trucks and remove the drivers. I read a young mans site who even with a college degree after 3 years OTR calculated he was earning $8.00/hour. He told your story about missing life and living rough. Good luck for your next 6 and here's hoping it improves.

Trucking in general is tough OTR or local for different reasons. You hit the OTR issues. I could never get over being treated like shyte at shippers/receivers. I am retired from a previous career, take care of myself and know how to talk to people. I never approached any situation with an attitude and was always professional. I could never figure out if they treat every driver like an azzhole because so many act that way or if it was just their opportunity to control someone and they enjoyed it. Many local jobs cause constant intense fatigue due to the long hours - 13-14 every day plus commute time to and from work added on top of that. When I did local I would have just enough time to shower, eat and go right to bed for the next day. I was home but no quality time during the work week. I had a M-F off weekends job but they frequently wanted you to work Saturday as well. Usually did 65-70 hours a week.

Thank you for being so honest, most truck drivers lie way tooo much.

With all the GPS routing apps out there you would think the mileage calculation could be more precise between PU and Drop locations than ZIP to ZIP. Sounds like they are taking advantage of the drivers.

Kevin you're my Hero!!!!!

Just got my cdl looking for work now and this is very helpful good video

Just a thing about the hours. Many people have to commute to work. I've had to drive an hour to work before, and if I hit traffic, even longer. Then, at least another hr home. 2 hrs a day driving back and forth to get home. Thats 10 hrs on a 5 day work week, without pay. You're driving OTR, your home is with you. No time spent driving tired before or after work. As far at the driving OTR, being away from home..... thats what you signed up for. None of these companies try to deceive you on that. People always grip on the negatives, but there are positives. I may wake up and spend an hour or more moping around the house, getting ready. Out here, I wake up and punch the clock with my pre-trip, grab a bite and start working. You have a maximum of 14 hrs allowed to drive your 11 hrs. I usually start around 6am and I'm usually done by 6pm because I hardly ever take the full 14 to drive my 11 hrs. Depends on how many stops I have. That gives me 12 hrs to go til 6am. Time to sleep a full night, workout, shower, TV and talk with family. Plus you get to see alot of our country that many others don't get to experience.

WOW! Awesome, Awesome information Sir! Love that it wan non bias and very detailed. Hope for nothing but the best to you 2 on your journey....love the morning videos!

Good point about hours paid but we do save a lot on fuel not having to drive to and from work. Been driving for almost 2 years and ive seen an improvement on things i can afford and do. There are plenty of things that suck about being a truck driver but the way things are going now, it's a great job to have.

Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing.

It sounds like the honeymoon phase of trucking has expired. I prepared myself for the worst case scenario before getting my CDL. I did not expect the first year to be stable in miles or pay. Honestly I thought I would get assigned the worst deliveries every time and be stuck with the lousiest dispatchers. I was surprised at how some shippers and receivers treat truckers, that was an eye opener. The Drivers Handbook addresses the miles calculation. Who actually reads every page??? It appears that a lot of new drivers go through frustration and disappointment with the first company they drive for. Each company advertise better pay, more miles, advanced equipment, convenient facilities, caring employees...etc. In reality only one or two of those aspects meet expectations while the rest are sub par. Everyone has a set of expectations and each experience is unique. I am curious about you good experiences. Things improved after 6 months when I was assigned a different Fleet Manager. Today things are not perfect. However, the positive out weighs the negative. Did you get a new Fleet Manager??

Thanks for that. Been waiting for a while lol. Video was great, that wasn’t discouraging at all lol. It was the truth though and I respect that. 2 more subscribers away from 1000. Live stream time, hope I can be there. FYI testing out, it will be a couple more days for me then I can be on my on. Be safe out there you guys.

Thanks for breaking it down like that I’m on a dedicated account and feel the same way about being away from home that long and then home for one day. Really not home for a full day because I have to leave Sunday night to pick up my load.

1000 subscribers!!! Congrats !!!! Great video as always and I was going to ask you if that extra 9k miles on the truck was for zip code crap or practical miles , sorry to hear it’s zip code :( bad Werner ! Keep up the great work :)

Yep that zip code to zip code pay does make u lose a good profit over a years time say and all the rest u mentioned right on point ,but that’s big companies for u ,don’t like it own your own or work for someone small ,of course there’s some surprise waiting for u on that side too ,just got to find a balance in this industry you won’t get it all

Ok Ladies and Gentlemen. If you are thinking about getting into trucking, please understand that ALL large trucking companies lie but its almost impossible to get into this business without them. Insurance companies place a lot of restrictions on companies as far as who they can hire and at what experience level. That being said, get in where you can and stay because none are better than the other in the 1st year or two. You have something call the DAC report and it follows you like a credit report. They can look up every trucking company you have worked for, all inspections and any tickets you may get. You want to keep it as clean as possible. It will help you, once you gain the experience, to be able to find and get on with a smaller company (which 9 out of 10 times) are better than these large companies. Don't be afraid to ask questions and stay away from the huge sign on bonus. There is a reason they have to pay people to come to work for them. Good luck!

I work in the medical field and started Cdl , and I talked to my instructor about it,the pay to work 70 hours just to make a 1000 doesn’t make sense and we had a moment of silence and he said listen this is either something you want to do to with your life or don’t . It up to you. Every since then haven’t been to class in 3 weeks 😅😂😂

I’m having the same problem right now, all of these companies pay what they consider “Practical” miles, I just had a load that was actually 400 miles but I got paid for 340

That’s exactly what it is. The zip code to zip code mileage is how they pay. At least that’s what previous fleet manager told me.

I got my cdl 3 months. I haven't gone anywhere yet... been trying to understand the same thing you're talking about. don't want to work for nothing, especially when I'm away from family.

First, it is 70 hours in 8 days not 7 days. That sure doesn't make it better though. You have pointed out the reason there is a retention problem in the trucking world. There is a lot of risk for a company when they hire a new driver, so the pay is lower. After you get a year or 2 under your belt, you can earn more. There are companies that pay actual miles driven and more per mile.

I've been driving for almost 3 months for Werner as an OTR driver, I have yet to do a 36 hour reset, but im consistently maxing out my 70 hour clock. I'm still confused how the clock works, because I gain time back. I don't understand how that works but Im still able to drive and get no violations lol. I have also refused loads, they try to send me shag loads occasionally and I've only done one, after I found out how much pay it was I haven't done any since. But they've been pretty good with getting me long hauls, on my last time out I got 2 loads over 2k miles, so I was pretty happy.

I been doing this for six years. And I can honestly say especially in 2023… TRUCKING SUCKS!!!! It’s not worth it.

U nailed it brother. If u really look at ur pay versus the mileage and the headache..... for me I’m getting paid 13 dollars an hour specially OTR. Werner is like every other big career. Get ur experience move forward don’t waste ur time and wait for a raise because u will go from 13 dollars to 14 dollars an hour not worth it

Well said driver ! I run Fl, Ga, Al, Ms, and sometimes La. on the Dollar General for Werner Enterprises. Appreciate ya. Stay safe!

Heyyyyyy 1,000 subscribers congratulations!!

Hey Big Kev and Tanja! How did Werner do after your guaranteed pay expired? Did the miles stay consistent? Over here at May we get a guaranteed pay of $120 a day and .41 cents a mile if we exceed the $120 a day. We also get the safety bonus on top of the .41 cents. My goal never was to be a company man. In my opinion doing OTR should be a stepping stone to becoming an owner operator or to use the experience to meet the criteria for a higher paying local driving gig. OTR is a serious rip off but the experience is priceless. I just look at it as a small sacrifice towards the bigger picture. LandStar here I come in 10 more months! 🤣

The experience you get the better paying jobs are there. Just be patient and your 2 years or even 5 years in then find the correct job you want.

I appreciate your candor. Thank you

WOW! You tell it as it is! Good for you! And especially for anyone considering go into this field. I'm in my Golden Years, but except for God's Blessings, I considered going OTR 30 years ago. I did work PT driving charted buses and it worked the same way! No miles, No pay! In the end you made less than minimum wage! I wish you all the best! Bill Retired NYPD

Our conatiner ttraffic was paid the same. AA miles from A to B any more is down to you. UK has 60hrs week and days max tim alters dependant on the timeon drive. They would earn around $44,000 per year, but can have 4 weeks paid hioliday (at a lower rate). Tachograph that controls your legal moves is on a credit card inserted into the tacho. No easy way to seem hrs drive/rest which is a pain and you have to remember to push the right button (drive/rest/ other work). Interesting listening to you. Almost makes Wal mart shop look attractive. lol

Ohhh- you dropped straight facts ☝️!!!

On the home time issue. If your last load is let’s say 200 miles from home and you bobtail home. Is that company paid fuel???

It sucks sometimes when a company can't get you close to home. Furthest I've ever deadheaded home was 200

this might sound like a weird question, do you carry a gun out OTR?? ive done alot of research and plan on going to cdl school but i never even thought of that until recently. id feel way better if i could carry while traveling because people are just crazy nowadays more then ever... thanks for the informative videos i just subbed

Your absolutely correct!

I'm ready to quit my career as a Registered Nurse due to all that vaccination bs ... but wow, this vid was a bit disheartening. Curious as to whether the trucking industry is mandating "the jab" to their drivers? Thanks in advance!

Werner is only good for starting out much better companies out there once you get experience in.

No wonder they are begging for help..I started out in 1975 for 2.65/hr, plus we had to work 60 hrs/wk to make any money. I quit in 1984 at 7.05/hr and they cut off all O.T.

OTR sounds like a scam. You can do better driving a B vehicle locally. Thanks for posting. We need to wake more people up before the recruiters get to them.

New Subscriber 👍

Great explanation how it works wow plus what about you get sick plus truck driving is dangerous

Ok never mind . I thought I wanted to start trucking. I’ll just stay where I’m at

Very good video I was hearing Massachusetts are asking for commercial drivers to clear snow at yes get this 200 a hour they can't find anyone and also aggregate good money Kevin when I drive again it will be o t r it will just be me than I think Christmas will be difficult this year so enough of that and I heard that on out news station in Ontario

At this point i dont care what they pay. Driving is just getting to much of a hassle to make it worth it. Plus all the regulations. I feel like a con with an ankle monitor and 20 eyes on me just waiting for me to make a mistake so they can pounce. I can't think of a single job other then trucking where the risks are as high. Plus how unhealthy sitting for 8+ hours a day is. You cant even stand up every half hour to stretch your legs. Its even worse then an office job! And the mentel health spectrum is ridiculous! The job itself isnt nearly as hard as just struggling to stay sane and healthy! Hats off to all the drivers that love it! Local or OTR, neither is better!! The views sure can be nice though...

Thank you for this video. :)

thank you for the information

Sounds great, where can I sign up?😉

This is the UGLY truth. U said it straight.

Living the dream, LoL Trucking Seriously Why I Quit Trucking

Truck driving is like being in the military , You get paid to be homeless !!

Welcome to trucking

its the HHg Guid your not paid practical miles.

Forgot to mention this is before taxes. Which vary between states.

Thank you!

Thanks for the info. I'm doing my research, getting ready to jump into a trucking career like my brother. It seems like the consensus is that this is like most jobs in America, you gotta start at the bottom. I get that, and I'll use it to set my expectations. Still, I'm interested in the thought process at some of these carriers with high turnover rates for truckers. Wouldn't you want to keep as many good/experienced drivers are possible? Do they really expect someone to trust the words of an employer that abused them for a year+? 😂 Wish me luck, and best wishes

Zip coad to zip coad is just abiut the way they all pay 😊

Kevin I have a question What happens if a driver loses all the signed bols ?

It sounds like a legitimate *beef !!!*

This is why working for mega carriers is the raw end of the deal !!! Find yourself a smaller company that knows your name and you know and you have access to the company owner to make more money. Otherwise go work at McDonald’s.

I just talked to my dispatch about being shorted miles today and he basically said it’s zip code to zip code in other words saying it’s nothing they can do about it I have to take it smh I also work for Werner

Surely trucking jobs aren’t all this low I’d pay ?! Wow That is insane

Is that why Crete pays an additional 3-5% annually ?

New subscriber, What does Werner pay per mile ? Any Tri Pac apu?

So could you say you make more at Amazon? & what do you prefer now? A truck driver or an associate?

I pay my OTR drivers flat salary based on their performance, it usually shakes out to 70 cpm. Paid vacation, paid to get the truck serviced, paid for sitting at a dock. Find a better employer.

Post office to post office is how they do it .

i saw $64,000 top $75,000 tru or not tru cali otr

Brother get experience 🙏 later buying your own truck 🚚

What did you do before trucking. You seem very professional. Business owner?

I did the math and it looks like you are being paid 45 cent per mile . Thats is low from what i know, you should be paid around 60 to 65 cent per mile . Your pay after 6 months would be in the 40k area with that amount of miles. Why did you eccept 45 cent or did you just not understand the business at the time? Im sure now you understand the right pay .good luck 👍

Thank you for your honesty, Trucking is for Suckers. They go home to their wife and kids,and got you out in the middle of know where. Not for me.

Your calculations are wrong because you’re not looking at it for how it really is. When you were gone in that truck you are working 24 hours a day. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving or not, you’re still responsible for that truck and you’re not doing what you want to do. You may think you’re off work because you’re setting at a rest stop in Minnesota or somewhere, but you were still not doing what you want to do because of the company you work for and where they have you at that time. You are not off work unless you are actually separated from your employer and you’re doing what you want to do where are you want to do it in on your own terms. If you are an over the road truck driver and you are gone away from your home in the truck you are working every single second you are gone. It does not matter if you’re driving if you’re broke down if you’re getting the truck serviced if you’re doing your laundry if you were sleeping if you’re walking around Walmart somewhere, you are still attached to your employer and working in some form or fashion. You need to break down your numbers and include every single second that you were gone in that truck and see how much you really made for every hour of your life that you gave to that company. I did that for a little bit and it was a joke. I was an owner operator for a little bit and it was a joke. I was a local driver for Fedex Freight and that was not too bad at all. about seven years ago I discovered a secret that dramatically changed my life. I went from making maybe $1200 a week to making $1200-$2000 a day. I don’t even work eight hours a day. I’ll leave my house at 7:45 AM each morning and I’m usually home Around three or so. Unless I just absolutely had to, I would never even think about driving a truck again

Does Werner have paid vacations?

And you might not know this some of us could almost care less about pay we do it for the adventure to see what's over the next hill we are last of the cowboys. If you truckin for the money it's the wrong reason

Also a truck driver is also risking there life every day for only $12 an hr that’s sad.

That's truckin been the same for 100 years

Time too look for a new company. You can do better. It all depends on what you need.

Aww..sounds like u need a diapee change😂..coming from 20+ yrs in restaurants, salary for 60 hrs weeks, having to listen to employees bitch about others, rude guest, boss walking in door at rush hour asking why I didnt see a piece of trash near front door rush at peak rush..not seeing family at all cause their asleep when I leave and get home.. In trucking I talk with them daily now, more than in 20 years and not dealing with rude ass guest, not worried about covering a shift cause someone didnt show up.. IOW, it doesnt take much for me to see all the positives..and now I get to yell at dumbass drivers even though they cant hear me.. I love it

7 years in and trucking has definitely went to 💩

Tristian Brook

Zip code miles is a scam, I’m glad we get paid hub miles at Walmart

Well Buddy has your experience changed since you've changed jobs? Guess what it won't!! The thing about trucking is you have the opportunity to make a good living if your gonna pick holes in it you'd better find a diffrent job(s) it'll take at least 2 jobs to equal the pay you're gonna make as a driver without a college education.. Accept the lifestyle or go home and snuggle with mama.

That’s some bull man that’s not worth being away from your family

Dude, trucking isn't for everyone. And you're not built for it. You're complaints are things most of us overcome and accept. And we keep it moving.

Seems like the whole truck transportation scene is out of whack with expected work hours..Hey you come out of the womb and later on expect to have some kind of downtime at home after working..The powers that be probably are home 100 times more than the humans they are pushing around..Amazing..It could be a real enjoyable career if there was life after busting your butt for a day..And goin back or more day after day..Labor laws?

The zip code thing, like when you're in high school and you cheat on your girl? It's a different zip code, so it doesn't count? Dude, trucking is no longer trucking. It's a government regulated screwing, rules made by suits that don't know what real work is let alone grabbing gears. Oh wait, you drive an automatic...it doesn't count.

Wow . Not really worth it for sure.

They are paying you air miles radius

The joy of trucking. I suggest you move on from were your driving. 6 months experience should be. Enough for a better job.Kevin otr should not be making less than $70,000 no matter your experience. I know one company off top my head pays really well. Just my opinion new drivers just get abused for not alot money.