You might be surprised to find out that truck driving is a good career and will give you more income and freedom than you imagined. If you’re considering a career in trucking, it’s important to know what the pros and cons are. This blog post will explore some of the best benefits and drawbacks for being a truck driver so that you can make an informed decision about your future.
Top Ten Reasons to Become a Truck Driver
1. Truck drivers earn a high income
Truck driving is a good career for those looking to make a high income without a college degree. On average first year drivers can earn between $69,000 and $85,000*. That may seem like a big variance, but income levels depend on the type of driving (IE: flatbed, tanker, teams, etc.) and company you work for. As you gain experience your income will increase.
2. Getting started as a truck driver is quick
Starting a career isn’t always easy but becoming a truck driver is relatively quick. The majority of the nation’s top paying transportation companies require new drivers to obtain their CDL from a licensed school like ours. You can get the training you need and graduate with your CDL in 3-4 weeks. Our program has a 95% job placement rate.
3. Truck drivers are in high demand
With your CDL and a safe driving record, you can pave your own way. There is currently a truck driver shortage in America, making it one of the most in-demand careers. As a truck driver you can expect to have a strong, stable, and long-lasting career. Truck driving is a good job to have.
Always dreamed of taking a road trip across America? As a professional truck driver you are paid to travel. Through cities, mountains and from coast to coast, you can see America in all her glory.
5. Drive cool trucks equipped with the latest safety technology
From Peterbilt and Kenworth to Freightliner and Volvo, our partner carriers operate the newest and most technologically advanced equipment on the road. You won’t be driving any old semi-truck, you’ll be riding in style.
6. Truck drivers enjoy great benefits
In addition to high pay, you can expect access to full health and dental benefits for you and your family. The majority of carriers also offer 401(k) programs to help you plan for retirement.
7. Bring your pet to work
BJ had Bear and with many trucking companies you can have your own co-driver. We work with several pet-friendly trucking companies who allow dogs and cats to ride in the truck. Have a significant other who might want to ride along? Check with your perspective company to learn more about their rider policy.
Being a safe and productive driver will earn you additional income and accolades. Bonuses are regularly awarded to drivers for safe driving, productivity, and years of service.
9. Truck driver career advancement
As you grow in your career, you might find that a different style of driving appeals more to you. With your CDL and a safe record you have the option to become a flatbed, tanker, van, refrigerated or specialized driver. Team drivers are also in demand and earn high wages with hefty sign on bonuses.
10. Be your own boss
For some, the ultimate goal in their trucking career is to own their own truck. Many transportation companies offer programs to assist their drivers with becoming owner-operators. As a contractor you’ll enjoy more freedom and profits.
Are There Any Cons to Being a Truck Driver?
There are a few drawbacks to being a truck driver. One is that you may have to spend long hours away from home. You might also be driving in bad weather or dealing with difficult cargo. And, of course, there is always the danger of accidents on the road. Truck drivers need to be alert and aware at all times while they are working. However, there are also some great advantages to being a truck driver. These include the pay and benefits that you will receive for your work.
At the end of the day, whether or not being a truck driver is a good career for you depends on your personal preferences and goals. Make sure to weigh both the pros and cons before making any decisions!
Get Started
If a career in trucking sounds good to you, please call us at 800-391-2754 to reach out to an enrollment specialist. If you are ready to get started, find a location near you.
Ready to talk to an enrollment specialists. Fill out the form below to get more information.
Along with great pay, most owner-operators don't have trouble finding loads. Capacity (the number of drivers compared to the number of goods that need to be moved) depends on the market. As the demand for truckers heightens, so do growth opportunities throughout your truck driving career.
I have always loved the feeling of being behind the wheel, cruising down the road, and taking in the scenery around me. This passion for driving has led me to pursue a career as a truck driver. As a truck driver, I will have the opportunity to travel across the country, see new places, and meet new people.
Independence and flexibility — Embrace the freedom of the open road. If you're tired of your nine-to-five job and looking for adventure, truck driving is the career choice for you. This unique job allows you to travel and experience the freedom of the open road, all while earning a steady paycheck.
I have always been interested in driving, and I enjoy the independence and freedom of the job. I am also very good at working with customers and being a delivery driver would be an excellent way to use my excellent customer service skills.
Most local truck drivers make $25+ an hour. Although this varies based on the company and type of work you are doing, the pay is generally good. On top of that, with the amount of schooling needed ad cost for your CDL, the return on investment is excellent.
The first thing you should do when answering “why should we hire you?” is to highlight any skills and professional experience that are relevant to the position you're applying for. To make your answer all the more valid, make sure to always back up everything you say with examples, experiences, and achievements.
A: I want this job because I believe it is a great fit for my skills and interests. I am excited about the opportunity to [describe specific aspect of the job or company] and I am eager to contribute to the team. I am motivated to learn and grow in this role, and I am confident that I can make a positive impact.
A delivery driver also needs strong interpersonal skills, or soft skills, to be successful. A star delivery driver has strong communication skills, a great work ethic, the ability to work well independently and as a team, a positive attitude, sharp problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
Whether you're looking for a new career or wanting to see what's out there, truck driving can provide an excellent opportunity. Job security, good pay, flexibility, and more – these are just a few of the reasons why a career in trucking is a smart move.
Although driving for several hours or days can be stressful, a good truck driver is always polite while interacting with clients, and this mindset allows for good and lasting customer relationships. Good truck drivers are always safety-conscious, responsible, punctual, focused, organized, and great at communication.
For some, the long hours are the hardest. For others, it's being away from family and friends for days and even weeks on end. Learning how to drive a truck is a challenge for many new drivers. Backing up a 53-foot trailer or learning to shift and double-clutch are skills that take time.
Whether you're an introvert who prefers to work alone or someone who simply enjoys listening to music or a podcast while on a job, driving a truck provides those freedoms. Plus, you don't have to worry about micromanagement when you're operating a vehicle.
High Pay: Many women have found they can earn more as a truck driver than in other professions. The average salary in the U.S. for both male and female truck drivers is close to $69,00*. In addition, truck drivers enjoy opportunities for bonuses, full health, and retirement benefits.
Truck drivers cover an astounding number of miles, clocking in around 300 billion miles annually. Additionally, close to 16 million active commercial vehicles operate in the United States, with over 3.5 million truck drivers behind the wheel.
Truckers can be paid per mile or per hour. Drivers that go across the country typically earn more than regional or local drivers. Depending on the company, truckers may also receive benefits, such as a 401k, health insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursem*nt, life insurance, and paid training.
Sacrificing Family and Social Life: Truck drivers spend extended periods away from their families and friends, missing important milestones and gatherings. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
