Some people naturally love driving on the open road or enjoy cruising through cities.
If you’re one of them, you might be wondering: is truck driving a good career? Truck drivers are undoubtedly in demand, and this trend is likely to continue.
3.36 million professional truck drivers will be employed by the trucking industry in the United States in 2020, according to the American Trucking Associations’ most recent annual Trucking Trends Report. In 2020, the trucking sector transported 10.23 billion tons of freight and earned $732.3 billion.
Additionally, the demographics of truck drivers are changing as well. Women made up 7.8% of all drivers in the country, a record high, and 42.3% of truck drivers were people of color.
So, whether you currently work as a courier or you’re looking for a new career, if you’re one of those wondering about truck driving, we’re here to help with our answers to the question Is Truck Driving a Good Career.
For more specific information, keep reading.
Table of Contents
What is Truck Driving?
In the United States, truck driving can have many different aspects. According to Statista, it generally refers to the use of road transportation, including the use of semi-trailers and small trucks, to transport goods over land routes.
Transportation here can refer to a wide range of activities, including moving food cross-country, building supplies, or even waste materials. Picking up goods at ports, moving them across state borders, or even across an international border, are examples of this.
It is a significant sector of the economy that employs over 902,000 truck drivers, including 848,000 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 54,950 light or delivery service drivers in the United States. This sector is responsible for the majority of overland freight movement in the country.
With 85 percent of truckers citing driver-related costs as one of the biggest problems in the U.S., there is also a driver shortage in the industry. trucking industry. Full truckload, less-than-truckload, and couriers are the other three main divisions of the trucking industry.
Top Reasons to Become a Truck Driver
Earn a High Income
For those who want to earn a high income without a college degree, truck driving is a good career choice. In general, new drivers can expect to make between $50,000 and $70,000. That may seem like a significant difference, but income levels vary depending on the type of driving (e.g., flatbed, tanker, teams, etc.).) and company you work for. You’ll make more money as you gain experience.
Drive Cool Trucks Equipped With the Latest Safety Technology
Our partner carriers use the newest and most cutting-edge vehicles available, from Peterbilt and Kenworth to Freightliner and Volvo. You’ll be riding in style, not just driving any old semi-truck.
Get Started as a Truck Driver is Quick
Although it’s not always simple to start a career, becoming a truck driver takes only a short while. Most of the best-paying transportation firms in the country demand that new drivers obtain their CDL from an accredited program like ours. After completing the required training, you can earn your CDL and graduate in 3–4 weeks. 95% of participants in our program find jobs.
High Demand
You can forge your own path if you have a CDL and a clean driving record. Truck driving is one of the most in-demand professions right now in America due to a labor shortage. You can anticipate having a solid, reliable, and lasting career as a truck driver. It’s a good thing to work as a truck driver.
Travel is a Perk of the Job
Ever wanted to drive across America? You are paid to travel if you work as a professional truck driver. You can see America in all her beauty as you travel through cities, mountains, and coast to coast.
Enjoy Great Benefits
Along with high pay, you can anticipate having access to comprehensive health and dental benefits for you and your family. To aid in retirement planning, most carriers also provide 401(k) programs.
Bring Your Pet to Work
With many trucking companies, you can have your own co-driver, as BJ had Bear. We work with a number of pet-friendly trucking firms that let dogs and cats ride in the back of the truck. You might want to bring your significant other along. To find out more about the rider policy of the prospective company, contact them.
Earn Extra Bonuses
You’ll receive more money and recognition if you drive safely and effectively. Drivers frequently receive bonuses for their years of service, years of safe driving, and productivity.
Truck Driver Career Advancement
You might discover that a different driving style appeals to you more as your professional career progresses. You can choose to work as a flatbed, tanker, van, refrigerated, or specialized driver if you have a CDL and a clean driving record. Also in high demand and with high salaries and sign-on bonuses are team drivers.
Be Your Own Boss
Owning one’s own truck is for some people the pinnacle of their career as a truck driver. Numerous transportation companies provide programs to help their drivers transition to independent business ownership. You’ll have more freedom and money as a contractor.
How To Start Driving My Own Truck?
The requirements for driving can differ by state and are different if you have your own car. You might, for instance, need to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required for all long-haul truck drivers who operate independently. States have different requirements for getting a CDL, but in general you need to pass a driving test and a knowledge test.
The career website Indeed states that after obtaining a CDL, drivers can work to add special endorsements that demonstrate their ability to operate a particular category of vehicle to their CDL. For instance, truckers need a hazardous materials endorsement (H) to transport hazardous materials.
In order to learn how to drive a big truck on the highway or through congested city streets, prospective drivers typically enroll in a professional truck driving school. Federal laws and rules that apply to interstate truck driving will also be discussed in class. Applicants must typically be at least 21 years old, be able to pass a drug and alcohol test, obtain a CDL, and have a spotless driving record in order to be eligible for truck driving school.
For intrastate driving, some states permit drivers as young as 18, but interstate driving requires drivers to be at least 21. The American Trucking Associations reports that beginning in February 2022, new drivers will be subject to a single, uniform national standard for obtaining a commercial driver’s license.
Depending on the company you apply to, you might also need to be able to pass a physical (a Department of Transportation medical examination), and some employers might ask you to demonstrate your ability to lift or move heavy objects as well as load or unload trailers. Some businesses might have a minimum age requirement that’s older than 21.
There are numerous up-front expenses if you decide to drive your own car, not the least of which is buying or leasing the car. You must research the necessary insurance and licensing requirements for the routes you plan to travel as well as your particular vehicle. You will require a motor carrier number from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which comes with a filing fee. After that, you’ll need to find freight to transport.
Remember that you must also feel confident managing your own business if you are sure that you want to become a truck driver and drive your own truck. Given the possibility that your first year will be challenging, you’ll probably need to have a certain amount of cash on hand.
Is Truck Driving Stressful?
Being a truck driver has benefits unquestionably, but it’s also not always simple. Depending on your personality, being a truck driver might be the hardest thing for you. You may need to adjust to being away from home and alone depending on your route. You don’t have to sit behind a desk or report to a boss, but there are advantages in exchange.
The stress of actually finding independent courier drivers work or the annoyance of getting stuck in traffic are both factors.
But when actual drivers were asked what is the hardest part of being a truck driver, here are some top answers:
- Being separated from friends, family, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, home, and things that are familiar.
- driving conditions, such as poor weather, and the awareness that mistakes can be very expensive.
- a poor diet and insufficient exercise.
Because of this, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your stress levels and address problems before they lead to burnout. Even those who commute locally or regionally and spend more time at home will need to get used to the fact that driving a truck is not like having a typical 9 to 5 job, which could be advantageous for you.
Read about How Much Does Truck Driving School Cost
Tips to Prevent Truck Driver Burnout
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese as other US workers to be overweight. Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of other health problems, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Lack of physical activity
Additionally mentioned as potential health issues for truckers as a result of their environment are high blood pressure, a lack of exercise, diabetes, and smoking. Eating at truck stops and spending the entire day in a truck can contribute to or cause these problems.
These health issues can exacerbate the stress of the job and eventually result in truck driver burnout. According to the Mayo Clinic, job burnout is a particular form of work-related stress that can result in physical or emotional exhaustion, a feeling of diminished accomplishment, and a loss of one’s sense of self.
It’s critical to be aware of the early warning signs of stress, keep an eye out for the signs of burnout, and avoid burnout whenever you can.
Here are six top tips to prevent truck driver burnout:
Eating Healthily
When you’re traveling, it can be challenging to avoid eating junk food, but doing so can have a negative impact on your health in general and contribute to obesity, especially if you spend the day sitting in a truck. The risk of falling asleep at the wheel is increased by foods high in sugar and saturated fat, which will also lower your energy level. If at all possible, pack your own meals and snacks or stop for a healthy meal along the way.
Building Breaks into Your Schedule
Maintaining a regular schedule of stopping, stretching, getting out of the truck, and breathing fresh air will keep you focused. Moving around is also beneficial for your body.
Exercising on a Regular Basis
On the road, do some truck stop exercises like bumper push ups or “rear enders” (lift your knees high to tap your toe to the bumper of your truck). After work is finished, go for a stroll. Regular exercise can help you cope with stress and divert your attention from work, as the Mayo Clinic explains in its resources on burnout.
Getting Enough Rest
Be sure to get enough sleep because it affects both your physical and mental well-being. Another way to stop yourself from nodding off while driving is to, if at all possible, maintain a sleep schedule. And to make sure you can get a good night’s sleep if you have a condition like sleep apnea, get assistance.
Trying a Relaxing Activity After Work
Meditation, yoga, and even tai chi are among the numerous exercises that can help you reduce stress and clear your mind.
Planing Your Driving Route in Advance
This can assist with many other burnout prevention strategies. For instance, a route planner like Circuit will help you reach all your destinations in the minimum amount of time, which gives you more “me time” at the end of the day. Furthermore, it gives you the ability to plan breaks into your schedule, locate healthy dining options, and make sure that driving itself is largely stress-free.
FAQs
What is the Highest-paid Truck Driving Job?
Ice road driving is the truck driving position with the highest pay. An annual salary of $65,455 is possible for ice road truck drivers. They earn their full salary for a brief time while working on a time-period basis.
Driving on ice roads is dangerous due to the difficult terrain, hazardous driving conditions, and occasionally bad weather.
Is Trucking a Good Career for Future Planning?
Truck driving is a lucrative industry, so it is a good career choice for the future. Depending on the quality and experience of the driver, an over-the-road driving career can pay anywhere from $50,000 to more than $85,000 per year.
Is Truck Driving Hard?
Yes, operating a truck can be challenging. Keeping clean is one of the difficulties of being a truck driver. Many drivers struggle to find bathrooms because they are constantly on the road.
Showers are available at some truck stops, but the quality varies. Since their line of work necessitates interaction with people, truck drivers are also at a higher risk of developing Covid-19.
What’s the Hardest Part of Being a Truck Driver?
The stress of the job is the hardest part of being a truck driver. Truck drivers have a lot on their plate, from interacting with other drivers to making deliveries on time. It can be challenging for them to drive and deliver to a customer on time when they encounter hazardous driving conditions.
Final Words
In addition to being a great job for people who enjoy driving, truck driving also offers a setting that is ideal for people who want to be their own boss and feel comfortable working alone.
Our thorough guide contains all the information you need to know if you’re wondering if truck driving is a good career. It’s also a profession that might remain in demand given the apparent shortage of drivers on the road.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING.
