The Life on the Road: What is a Career as a Truck Driver Like?
The truck driving industry is one of the most important industries in the world as it transports goods from one location to another. Do you wonder what a career as a truck driver would be like? The life of a truck driver encompasses more than just driving a vehicle, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of being a truck driver, as well as provide insight into what a typical truck driver’s schedule may look like.
One of the main attractions to a career as a truck driver is the shift flexibility. Drivers can choose from a variety of driving shifts, including local, regional, or long haul routes. Trucking companies also offer schedules that accommodate their drivers, including part-time or full-time schedules. This kind of flexibility is quite rare in many professions.
Another benefit of being a truck driver is the lower education requirements. In most cases, a high school diploma or a GED is required, and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This makes it easier for people who may not have higher-level education or university degrees to enter the truck driving industry.
High entry-level pay is another enticing feature of becoming a truck driver. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level drivers make a median wage of around $43,680 per year. As a driver gains more experience, they can earn a higher salary. Additionally, drivers may earn bonuses for long hauls or for completing their assigned route.
Another pro to becoming a truck driver is the company support. Trucking companies provide their drivers with benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off days. Most major carriers also offer some form of training for new drivers, as well as refresher courses for experienced drivers. They also offer a wealth of resources that help the driver stay connected with family and friends while on the road via technology such as video calling.
However, there are some cons to being a truck driver. Time away from home and family can be challenging for some. Some drivers may drive long hauls and be gone for weeks at a time. This can create a sense of isolation and loneliness, which can make the experience of driving less enjoyable.
Another drawback of becoming a truck driver is the cost of obtaining a CDL. Depending on your location, it can cost anywhere from $3000 to $7500 to complete the necessary CDL training hours, which can be a major deterrent to would-be drivers.
Lastly, as mentioned, loneliness can be a big issue for many drivers. Long hours of driving can make some drivers feel isolated and unhappy on the road. However, technology makes it easier for drivers to stay in touch with family and friends with the help of apps like Skype or Zoom.
A Typical Truck Driver’s Schedule:
The typical day of a truck driver’s shift can vary depending on the driver’s timeline and the company they work for. Still, there are a few general periods of time that a driver is typically active during:
Morning – Drivers usually begin their day early in the morning. This period is spent preparing the truck for their daily trip. Drivers will usually check for any problems with the vehicle, complete any necessary paperwork, and ensure that any goods that are being transported are secure.
Afternoon – Once on the road, drivers will spend time driving to their destination. This period is when drivers typically earn their driving wages. Drivers may stop for breaks, meals, or rest periods during this time.
Evening – At the end of the driving day, drivers will usually park their truck at a designated facility or rest area. They will then complete the necessary end-of-day paperwork for the journey completed. For long haul drivers, this period may also involve sleeping in the truck.
Night – When drivers are not on the road, they can spend time using technology to communicate with family and friends via messaging apps, watching movies, reading books, or even catching up on their emails or sleep.
Conclusion
A career as a truck driver can be an exciting and rewarding profession, but it comes with its own unique sets of challenges and rewards. From flexibility, lower educational requirements, company support, and high entry-level pay, the career can be very attractive to many. However, the challenges of time away from home, cost of obtaining a CDL, and loneliness can make the life of a truck driver challenging for others. In the end, every driver should evaluate their motivations and decide if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks in pursuing this career.