how much money do i need to survive on the road?

sweetdanielle · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007, 07:04 PM

I am trying to figure out my training expenses and the first couple weeks driving....my boyfriend says i need 200 a week? i think that is very high what do the seasoned OTR drivers think? what are your normal weekly expenses?

necie67 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007, 08:10 PM

200 a week sounds about right, especially just starting out... you are going to need to buy stuff like gloves, pens, a notebook, etc... and truck stop food isn't cheap! My husb and I usually get 300.00 from the atm every week, and there usually isn't any left over at the end of the week. We could put a fridge, microwave etc.. in the truck, but before we do that, we are going to make sure that we are going to stay with this co. for the long haul....

pro1driver · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetdanielle

I am trying to figure out my training expenses and the first couple weeks driving....my boyfriend says i need 200 a week? i think that is very high what do the seasoned OTR drivers think? what are your normal weekly expenses?

when i first started out (20 years ago), i would be able to survive on $125.00 per week. but.............this was eating only twice per day, usually the buffet table so i could stuff myself senseless, and maybe some small snack foods like Frito's, or peanutbutter crackers, and sodas or coffee..............

but then too, at the resturant, you gotta tip the waitress right...??

at todays prices, and depending on how much you eat, or how often, $200.00 is right.........

i WOULD NOT encourage you to buy any appliances, especially from the truckstops, until you really decide that this life and lifestyle is for you.

then, when you do buy appliances, go to your local wally-world.

Hub-City · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 01:23 PM

"then, when you do buy appliances, go to your local wally-world."

What's wrong with supporting your "Local Truckstop'?

Oh, that's right: to save a few DOLLARS!

Cheap

fathead · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 03:29 PM

Figure on $20 or $25 per day.

sweetdanielle · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 05:30 PM

ok thanks guys ...i already have my fridge and cb and tv with dvd player lol...when i jump in i do it full force...giving my 150 percent..i dont plan to change my mind as the town i want to put my retirement home up at doesnt have any income. above 7.00 hr ..its either this or give up my dreams...and i dont plan on doing that and i love traveling. bye the way...LOVES got all my business lol.

thanks for the heads up on the money situation.