I hope this video has brought value and helped you in your trucking journey! If you want to join Melton, and support my videos apply here 👉 intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/meltontrucklines?r=IanElbert
@@JD10spd I like how they operate here. No cutting corners, dispatch is good, miles are good (outside of slow season), the trucks are nice, and overall they try to make life as easy as possible for drivers. I also like that I’m not micro managed at all. As long as I’m making my appts on time I’m free to do the job however I want, within Melton and DOT safety guidelines of course
@@JD10spd I stay out as long as possible, I usually just go home for holidays, birthdays, or special events that my friends or family would be having. I enjoy being on the road and at this point in my life I’m trying to save and invest as much money as possible, so working is my priority. I think the longest I stayed out was about 4 months in a row
100000000% agree with everything. Before I came to melton, I terminated my apartment lease, sold my motorcycle, and put everything in storage. All I have for bills, is my car and phone little small things. We are at an advantage compared to people who have major responsibilities. And some people don’t think about that when they make their negative comments about how you won’t make it in trucking. We don’t live above our means like most of the YAPPERS I hope you reach all your goals this year !!
Thanks man, that’s awesome to hear you’re doing pretty much the same thing! Hopefully more people in the industry can realize how much opportunity there is in trucking if you don’t try to “keep up with the Jones’s” as they say
I just found your channel and just started studying for my cdl and find your videos very helpful ignore the noise and keep being you and genuine thx for the vid and knowledge Ian.
Good information Ian! Trucking is an excellent way to create wealth during your early career. By age 36 you could be financially independent and only work at what you want to or at all. Roll safe out there!
Seems like the Common Man is stuck anywhere between $60-80K and that entails a LOT of hours at work. The internet would have you believe 90% of blue collar positions are $100k+, yet probably only around 15% overall make that without some sort of ownership. The minority that do make $100K+ sure as hell aren't doing it on 40hrs/week either.
Accurate, I make in the mid-upper 90s (mileage pay can vary from year to year). I stay out 4-6 weeks then go home 3-4 days. In addition, I put in the work; any more physical labor like load securement or fueling, I do off dty and save my clock for driving. If I run into heavy traffic, I’ll park for a few hours and run a split log. My days generally start around 0200 in the morning and I’m usually ending my day anywhere between 1400-2000 Depending on variables within the day like number of stops, duration of stops, traffic, etc.
Great video dude glad to see you’re back at melton. I just started a month ago here, you should make some securement videos I’d definitely check those out
I have worked for 8 years as a tax preparer at a large tax prep company. I see what people ACTUALLY make. I see the receipts and what they swear under oath to make. My experiences with truck drivers is they report wages in the range of $50k - $80k per year, before taxes. However , keep in mind that the average person (non truck driver) that comes in to our office reports about $25k - $35k per year.
Good video man thank you, don’t believe everything people/ haters say 100 k a year is literally what someone with a masters make after spending 10 years in school and with over 80 k in student debt. There will always be people talking crap and it’s usually those who aren’t doing anything
Bro 2k a week is great 🙌🏾 im a company driver that feels like im a OTR driver but drives local my checks come out to be 800-900 a week. I’m seriously considering going OTR. I watched your video about your check stubs and it inspired me to go OtR
For the sign on bonus, did you have to ask about that? Have you spoken to any regional guys, I know they don't drive as much, but they tarp/ secure more loads from what I have been reading. Im in FL so I was considering the East Coast Regional, thanks man. And those CRKT Knives are sweet. Have the one with the seat belt cutter and wind shield point, as well as the mini pocket.
@@leagueofotters2774 no I’m honestly too lazy to cook once I’m done with my day lol. I usually buy wraps, sandwiches, salads, and protein bars to eat. And every once in a while I’ll get fast food if the truck stop has something good
hey man I want to start CDL school I went to schedule an appointment to get my learners but they said I have to complete an FMCSA course first. do you know anything about this? do i have to do it?
I am not a trucker yet, but had a question: From what I have observed from yours and other channels it seems the longer you are willing to stay out the more value and favor you will have with your DM, which will lead to you getting more miles...is that pretty much true?
Yeah I’d say that’s true. If you’re always running and making deliveries on time or early your dispatch will take notice and keep giving you good miles
We occasionally get hazmat loads but it’s not something you can specialize in at Melton. When I was here in 2022 I probably did 3 hazmat loads in 8 months of driving
Anyone out there claiming they would never start the truck for 2600+ a week are just talking sh*t on the internet or hating dude. The average person isn't even making that in a month in most states or barely more than that. You killed it. I would be ecstatic if I made that much in a week.
Hey man I’m thinking of going with melton, probably gonna use your referral so you can get a few more Lamborghinis. Anyway, how was the testing at melton? I was reading online and they have road tests and backing tests?
Haha thanks man! And yeah they have a backing course and you’ll do multiple drives with an instructor. None of it is anything extremely difficult, just follow the guidance of the instructors and you’ll be fine. Even if you mess up a little it’s okay. They mainly want to see that you’re competent, able to follow directions, and learn. You don’t have to be perfect in the tests
60k after tax. We get a large percentage of our pay as per diem, which is not taxed. So in my case I actually would net more than my gross amount was. But everyone’s tax situation is a little different so I don’t know if it works out that way for most people. I also live in Texas so I don’t pay any state tax
I have tanker and hazmat endorsements. I know Melton will reimburse you for getting a TWIC card and passport, and I’m 99% sure they also do it for hazmat endorsements but I don’t quite remember
No my miles recently have been lower than what I got before. But that’s because it’s slow season, I’ve had a couple repairs done, and I took some time off for Christmas/new year. I think in a month or two the miles will pick up a lot and I’ll be getting what I used to in 2022
Yo bro I also would love to save 3K a Month but that might be hard since I do have a GF and have to pay partial mortgage, which is cheap since I set myself up with a nice duplex investment with family, we all split it and it ends up being really cheap for everybody (btw have YT vids of said property if anybody is curious check my Chanel),so more realistically would be 2K a month to save for investments, which is another duplex or just good old index funds S&P 500! I graduated CDL last month and I'm probably going to end up at Melton pretty soon. see ya on the road Ian, be safe!
You’re lying through your teeth I work for Melton for over 13 months there is not even 1 million miler‘s that are making the miles like you were claiming right now it is well known at Melton that the miles are steady dropping. There is so many unhappy drivers right now at Melton they are a great starting company but after you get your experience leave.
LoL the people who say what they won’t do are the same people who actually can’t do, just like the same people who say they I have 20 years of experience and yet they can park a truck, it’s ridiculous people just stop the lies
You'll bulck up throwing those tarps. Should never have to justify what you make on this job. Did what you did, shed all personal expenses, no truck, no rent, depressing but able to make money
I hope this video has brought value and helped you in your trucking journey!
If you want to join Melton, and support my videos apply here 👉
intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/meltontrucklines?r=IanElbert
What made you come back to Melton?
@@JD10spd I like how they operate here. No cutting corners, dispatch is good, miles are good (outside of slow season), the trucks are nice, and overall they try to make life as easy as possible for drivers. I also like that I’m not micro managed at all. As long as I’m making my appts on time I’m free to do the job however I want, within Melton and DOT safety guidelines of course
@@ianelbertthanks for the info Ian.
How long do you stay out on the road before taking home time?
Have a great one. Stay safe!
@@ianelbertdid you like the local driving vs OTR?
@@JD10spd I stay out as long as possible, I usually just go home for holidays, birthdays, or special events that my friends or family would be having. I enjoy being on the road and at this point in my life I’m trying to save and invest as much money as possible, so working is my priority. I think the longest I stayed out was about 4 months in a row
1:03
“No job is gonna make you rich, you gotta do that yourself”
Truest thing I’ve heard all day lol
100000000% agree with everything. Before I came to melton, I terminated my apartment lease, sold my motorcycle, and put everything in storage. All I have for bills, is my car and phone little small things.
We are at an advantage compared to people who have major responsibilities. And some people don’t think about that when they make their negative comments about how you won’t make it in trucking.
We don’t live above our means like most of the YAPPERS
I hope you reach all your goals this year !!
Thanks man, that’s awesome to hear you’re doing pretty much the same thing! Hopefully more people in the industry can realize how much opportunity there is in trucking if you don’t try to “keep up with the Jones’s” as they say
I just found your channel and just started studying for my cdl and find your videos very helpful ignore the noise and keep being you and genuine thx for the vid and knowledge Ian.
Good information Ian! Trucking is an excellent way to create wealth during your early career. By age 36 you could be financially independent and only work at what you want to or at all. Roll safe out there!
Thanks! And yes early financial independence is the goal, we’ll see how long it takes me
You’ll reach all your goals brother 💯💪🏾
Seems like the Common Man is stuck anywhere between $60-80K and that entails a LOT of hours at work. The internet would have you believe 90% of blue collar positions are $100k+, yet probably only around 15% overall make that without some sort of ownership. The minority that do make $100K+ sure as hell aren't doing it on 40hrs/week either.
Accurate, I make in the mid-upper 90s (mileage pay can vary from year to year). I stay out 4-6 weeks then go home 3-4 days. In addition, I put in the work; any more physical labor like load securement or fueling, I do off dty and save my clock for driving. If I run into heavy traffic, I’ll park for a few hours and run a split log. My days generally start around 0200 in the morning and I’m usually ending my day anywhere between 1400-2000 Depending on variables within the day like number of stops, duration of stops, traffic, etc.
Some of us have 16 hr days and make 35k/year so making 60k is a Godsend and work is work.
@@HellaRecklessright? lol 74-82 hours a week on a farm and that’s all your gonna pull
@@HellaRecklessthats helladumb bro. You could make that at mcdonaldso
I start with Melton this Monday. I'm excited and ready to get out there!
Good luck!
Great channel. To make money in trucking, you have to specialize. Hazmat, heavy, oversized. Tanker, flatbed are the high-end of normal trucking.
Great video dude glad to see you’re back at melton. I just started a month ago here, you should make some securement videos I’d definitely check those out
I’ll try to include some more of that, thanks for watching!
I have worked for 8 years as a tax preparer at a large tax prep company. I see what people ACTUALLY make. I see the receipts and what they swear under oath to make. My experiences with truck drivers is they report wages in the range of $50k - $80k per year, before taxes. However , keep in mind that the average person (non truck driver) that comes in to our office reports about $25k - $35k per year.
Thank you for sharing that!
I made 50k in 3 months hauling sand in ND. Then slowed down to making 3k a week
Before taxes? So truckers real number can be below 50K?! What is the avg tax percentage ? Thanks
We do you live east bum chuck?
Great Keep up the Good Work and make that money.
Good video man thank you, don’t believe everything people/ haters say 100 k a year is literally what someone with a masters make after spending 10 years in school and with over 80 k in student debt. There will always be people talking crap and it’s usually those who aren’t doing anything
Bro 2k a week is great 🙌🏾 im a company driver that feels like im a OTR driver but drives local my checks come out to be 800-900 a week. I’m seriously considering going OTR. I watched your video about your check stubs and it inspired me to go OtR
Awesome video! I don’t drive anymore but I do miss it.
Thanks! What made you stop driving?
Straight out of CDL school.....140K my first year delivering diesel. Home everyday. Working like a dog for it though.
Dam bro where were u working? I’m about to finish cdl school.
@@edwinramirez1459 Get you TWIC and all your endorsements. Have a clean record. Go in person and talk to any fueling company. You will make 100K.
Question any days off like weekends? Or even throughout the week ?
@@miguelmcleod-gray1362 I chose to work weekends since I prefer to fish during the week. I could have them off if I wanted. Usually working 6 days.
Based!
I’m currently in training right now at melton I finish in like 10 days
For the sign on bonus, did you have to ask about that? Have you spoken to any regional guys, I know they don't drive as much, but they tarp/ secure more loads from what I have been reading. Im in FL so I was considering the East Coast Regional, thanks man. And those CRKT Knives are sweet. Have the one with the seat belt cutter and wind shield point, as well as the mini pocket.
My plan is to make as much money as I can with my CDL and buy properties in my parents home country and open a airbnb business
Great goals brother, I'm ethiopian I'm thinking to do same
How much do you find yourself spending on food per week?
I try my best to stick to $30-$40 per day. You can usually get your 3 meals for about $10 each. So maybe about $2-300 a week on food
@@ianelbert Do you cook in the truck? I am assuming that is dining out mostly?
@@leagueofotters2774 no I’m honestly too lazy to cook once I’m done with my day lol. I usually buy wraps, sandwiches, salads, and protein bars to eat. And every once in a while I’ll get fast food if the truck stop has something good
Ian, how's it going out there? we haven't heard from you lately.
It’s going good! Just been taking a break from making videos, and I took a week of hometime. More videos to come though!
@@ianelbert All right! Glad to hear
hey man I want to start CDL school I went to schedule an appointment to get my learners but they said I have to complete an FMCSA course first. do you know anything about this? do i have to do it?
Yep. Gotta do that course
I am not a trucker yet, but had a question: From what I have observed from yours and other channels it seems the longer you are willing to stay out the more value and favor you will have with your DM, which will lead to you getting more miles...is that pretty much true?
Yeah I’d say that’s true. If you’re always running and making deliveries on time or early your dispatch will take notice and keep giving you good miles
quick question do they have hazmat openings as well or just flatbed?
We occasionally get hazmat loads but it’s not something you can specialize in at Melton. When I was here in 2022 I probably did 3 hazmat loads in 8 months of driving
When your truck breaks down do you still get paid? For the days you miss
Yes you do, I don’t remember exactly how much it is though
@@ianelbert preciate the reply! I’m going watch your latest video today on my break
Anyone out there claiming they would never start the truck for 2600+ a week are just talking sh*t on the internet or hating dude. The average person isn't even making that in a month in most states or barely more than that. You killed it. I would be ecstatic if I made that much in a week.
I’m thinking about getting my CDL what has been your experience overall with truck driving?
It’s been great for me! I get to save a bunch of the money I make and do a job that I enjoy
You have an IG where I can ask more questions? I’m considering a career change into trucking.
Yeah, it’s ian_elbert
@@ianelbert thanks I just msg’d you there
Is the mattress a twin or twin xl?
Is the $4000- $5000 after taxes?
Hey man I’m thinking of going with melton, probably gonna use your referral so you can get a few more Lamborghinis. Anyway, how was the testing at melton? I was reading online and they have road tests and backing tests?
Haha thanks man! And yeah they have a backing course and you’ll do multiple drives with an instructor. None of it is anything extremely difficult, just follow the guidance of the instructors and you’ll be fine. Even if you mess up a little it’s okay. They mainly want to see that you’re competent, able to follow directions, and learn. You don’t have to be perfect in the tests
Hi, how much of 60k is going to tax or in % or it’s 60k after taxes if it’s after so what’s your gross before taxes and after. Thank you.
60k after tax. We get a large percentage of our pay as per diem, which is not taxed. So in my case I actually would net more than my gross amount was. But everyone’s tax situation is a little different so I don’t know if it works out that way for most people. I also live in Texas so I don’t pay any state tax
Do u have any endorsements and does melton help with getting endorsements
I have tanker and hazmat endorsements. I know Melton will reimburse you for getting a TWIC card and passport, and I’m 99% sure they also do it for hazmat endorsements but I don’t quite remember
Which companies are best to work for, and also which states? New CDL drivers
Driving a skateboard should pay, especially if youre tarping, hazmat, etc
Do you feel like you're getting more miles now compared to your previous stint with Melton?
No my miles recently have been lower than what I got before. But that’s because it’s slow season, I’ve had a couple repairs done, and I took some time off for Christmas/new year. I think in a month or two the miles will pick up a lot and I’ll be getting what I used to in 2022
Is that a Whataburger shirt? Second job?
ha ha i like how u holding the thingy up with the knife
$5k a month after taxes?
Yes
Volume so low
I’ll look into that, thanks for letting me know
Not on my end. Might be just you-- I dunno
Isn't low on my end maybe its your device
Omg I want to be a truck driver they make thousands of dollars 💵
After 120,000 melton miles, you then get 60 cents per mile.
Nice shirt
Whataburger fans rise up🗣️🙌
Yo bro I also would love to save 3K a Month but that might be hard since I do have a GF and have to pay partial mortgage, which is cheap since I set myself up with a nice duplex investment with family, we all split it and it ends up being really cheap for everybody (btw have YT vids of said property if anybody is curious check my Chanel),so more realistically would be 2K a month to save for investments, which is another duplex or just good old index funds S&P 500! I graduated CDL last month and I'm probably going to end up at Melton pretty soon. see ya on the road Ian, be safe!
That’s awesome man! Saving $2k a month and already having a duplex is great! Good luck, hopefully I’ll see you around if you end up at Melton
Can't hear a word you're saying
Are you allowed to vape while driving ? And is there any woman drivers
@@CherryBeautyy as far as I know vaping is allowed. And yes there are quite a few female drivers at Melton
You’re lying through your teeth I work for Melton for over 13 months there is not even 1 million miler‘s that are making the miles like you were claiming right now it is well known at Melton that the miles are steady dropping. There is so many unhappy drivers right now at Melton they are a great starting company but after you get your experience leave.
LoL the people who say what they won’t do are the same people who actually can’t do, just like the same people who say they I have 20 years of experience and yet they can park a truck, it’s ridiculous people just stop the lies
Spot on haha
Do you actually have a few lambos ? lol
Get to the point. To much extra talk
You'll bulck up throwing those tarps. Should never have to justify what you make on this job. Did what you did, shed all personal expenses, no truck, no rent, depressing but able to make money