The Average Salary For Truck Drivers
Truck driving is a job that isn't for everyone, but for those who are willing to put in the work, it can pay off. One of the first questions someone considering the career will likely have is how much do truckers make a year? One of the positives of truck driving is that it can pay well. Read on for an overview of how truck drivers get paid, the opportunities we have at Dillon Transportation, and how you can enjoy a successful, lucrative career in the transportation industry.
How Do Truck Drivers Get Paid?
How much do truckers make a year? The average yearly income of truck drivers can range from up to $40,000 to $170,000. That can be quite a range, so it is important to consider the factors that change how much a driver is paid and how you can maximize your potential earnings. The median yearly earning for a solo company driver is just under $40,000 a year, while a seasoned owner operator will be making six figures a year.
The way that truck drivers are paid is different from other jobs. Rather than being paid by the hour or given a salary, truckers are paid by the mile. This means they will earn a bit of money for every mile they drive, usually about 25-40 cents. While this may not seem like a lot, it adds up over the many hundreds of miles truckers travel on a job.
With Dillon Transportation, LLC we offer all drivers competitive starting pay of $0.60 a mile for Solo Drivers and $0.67 a mile split for a Team. Overall the range of pay for our solo company drivers is $75,000-$110,000 and the range for team drivers is $180,000-$280,000 which is split equally between the two drivers that make up the team.
Things That Affect Company Driver Income
No trucker can keep driving constantly. Taking breaks is not only important for your well-being, but it is enforced by legal limitations on how long a driver can keep going without resting. Unfortunately, time that is not spent moving forward is time that is not earning the trucker money. This includes time lost in slow traffic, time spent loading cargo, and other interruptions. Maximizing your earnings depends on planning for the best, most lucrative routes nationwide. It can take practice, but with time, it is a skill you can develop. With Dillon Transportation we offer pay options for breakdown, detention, and keep you running even if your truck requires maintenance down time we will take care of you.
Types of Truck Driving Jobs
If you think this is the job for you, fill out our form to start on the path to inquire about jobs we currently have available. Currently we have openings for solo & team company drivers and owner operators. Every driving job we have offers guaranteed weekly home time of 48 hours which is something not every company can offer.
Where Our Solo Drivers Run
Our drivers work nationwide and are mainly regionally based out of their respective terminal. The east of the Mississippi routes are covered by our solo drivers who are based out of Ashland City, Tennessee. The west of the Mississippi routes are driven by our solo drivers based out of our Kingman, Arizona terminal. We know time is valuable to you as a truck driver and we strive to keep our drivers running so we minimize waiting time by maintaining as may drop & hook loads as possible. Approximately 75% of solo driver freight is drop & hook and keep on rolling.
Our Teams Run Consistent Dedicated Routes
Our team drivers run consistently along interstate I-40 primarily east to west between the Ashland City and Kingman terminals. The teams are 99% drop and hook freight which minimizes sitting time. Team drivers are very valuable and we strive to keep them moving at all times. Teams are also guaranteed the weekly home time that our solo drivers get as well.
Owner-Operator Opportunities with Dillon Transportation
Becoming an owner-operator is a great goal to set after a few years of experience working for a company and knowing the ropes well enough to do it for yourself. If being an owner-operator was appealing to you, we have opportunities for you at Dillon Transportation. We currently are offering team and solo owner operator positions. The pay is by the mile flat rate that does not change if loaded or empty. The driver gets paid for all miles he or she runs for Dillon. The flat rate starts out at $1.20 + the entire fuel surcharge as currently applicable.
Conclusion
Now that you know "how much do truckers make a year?”, you are now ready to start applying for a job. At Dillon Transportation, LLC, we believe in safety and value each of our team members for what they contribute. We pride ourselves on having traditional values and providing excellent service nationwide. Additionally we strive to offer one of the most competitive pay options for company drivers in the country! Contact us to start on the path to a successful, lucrative trucking career today.
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