Because truckers carry so much cargo, they provide freedom for Americans, including the freedom to have clean drinking water, access to money, medicines and health care. Truck driving is a noble profession and an American lifestyle. We know you'll enjoy the freedom of driving trucks. But not everyone gets into road transport because of a layoff or because it was their dream when they were children.
In fact, some people don't even consider it well into adulthood and have perfectly stable jobs. A lot of truck drivers are retired or those who just want to experience a unique lifestyle. Some see it as an opportunity to travel around the country and, better yet, to get paid to do so. I've met everyone, from high school dropouts to former dentists and commercial pilots.
Everyone has their own unique reason for traveling by truck. While the labor market can be volatile, trucking is a big career, especially when the market is booming and your business is running at full throttle. Whether you've considered it before or not, driving a professional truck as an owner-operator or with a hauler can be an excellent professional option for you. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), approximately 3.4 million truck drivers work behind the wheel, keeping the country going by moving goods from point A to point B.
So, maybe you're thinking, should I become a truck driver? In this post, we'll explore the reasons for considering trucking as a profession, the benefits of joining the trucking industry, and how to become a truck driver. Some companies also offer 401 (k) plans or other retirement savings plans, bond incentives, referral bonuses, and other benefits. Depending on your position and the transportation company, these benefits will vary, but may include vacations, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays and overtime. Driving an average of 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week, professional drivers and owner-operators are some of the most traveled professionals in the country.
A common complaint among carriers revolves around the struggle to negotiate with brokers. Part 1 of a 3-part series. Before you invest your time and money in a Class A CDL training program, it's important to decide if trucking is right for you. Read on to learn about the various pros and cons of being a truck driver and determine if the pros would outweigh the cons for you.
Now that you've reviewed the various pros and cons, you should have a better idea of whether truck driving is a good career option. Would you recommend this work? “I have a 21-year-old son in the military who is about to come out of the closet. Honestly, I don't want you to enter this industry because it's a hard life. I don't recommend it to anyone who has a family.
My children are 20 years old now. I missed most of their lives growing up. They tell me that they wish they had been more at home. I've been divorced twice for driving a truck.
For a real perspective, talk to a trucker's wife. Young people looking for a first or a new career may become disenchanted with commercial trucking, not only because of what Gilbert describes as an “arduous lifestyle”, but because they need a special type of license (CDL) to qualify. Here are four main reasons why people tend to fail their training in truck driving school and how to avoid them. After 15 years on the road, I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that comes with the career and lifestyle of a road truck driver.
.
