The pay is descent but the grind is almost intollerable!
Pros
The pay is descent. There was an across the board pay scale adjustment in October of 2021. Off-shift differential for night + weekend drivers saw about a 30% pay increase overall. I was on track to make about $90k in my first year.
Cons
- Work life balance for what is supposed to be a "home daily" job is non-existent. I worked 13+ hours almost everyday b/c dispatch ( which is in New Jersey ) is under directive to max out driver hours whenever possible. Subsequently you'll push D.O.T. HoS limitations almost every day. - All of the equipment is old and in constant disrepair. The good "new" trucks are all 2017 Volvo day-cabs w/ around 300k miles on average but at least they are automatics and have descent headlights. About 1/3 of the trucks are 2014 and older Volvos w/ 10 spd manual and horrifically dim headlights that make night driving and unnecessary challenge. - The trailers are even older and more challenging mechanically speaking. - They do have driver facing cameras AND and 100% zero-tolerance no cell phone usage policy while driving. Not even w/ a bluetooth / hands-free headset. Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate dismissal. Don't think you can be slick and hide it, I saw multiple people get let go for this on first offense.
