New to trucking? More home time lately? Post-holiday season means slower freight and fewer miles, affecting pay. January to March is typically slow. Plan ahead for these times. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
January through March: Enjoy Your Home Time
It’s the slow season, so drivers get more time at home – enjoy it! Expect 10-20% fewer miles and shorter runs, but it’s better than no miles. Companies balance short and long hauls. Financially, there might be a slight pay decrease, but you can prepare for this during busy times.
April through June: Business as Usual
By April, or even sooner, freight volumes balance out, and you’ll haul normal loads again. Work-wise, you’ll return to regular volumes and miles, while maintaining a healthy home life. Financially, things stabilize, and you can expect normal paychecks.
July through September: Things Start Heating Up
This is an interesting time in trucking. Freight volumes increase above normal, and many drivers take holidays. While they’re away, companies struggle to fill loads, offering more miles. Taking extra miles now reduces home time but boosts your earnings. This is the time to save money for the slow season.
October through December: Make Hay While the Sun Shines
This is the busiest time in trucking. It’s so hectic you’ll soon wish it were January. Seasoned drivers sacrifice home time to earn more now, knowing they’ll have plenty of home time in January and February. Miles can increase by 10 to 20 percent, significantly boosting your income.
