The trucking industry is competitive and experienced drivers often get hired first. However, those just starting out can get into the field and work their way up the ranks with persistence and initiative. The industry is also flexible, and you can work odd jobs in the beginning of your career before switching to a larger company. However, try to avoid moving around too much, as you might turn off potential employers.
Getting an education is an important part of becoming a truck driver. You will spend many hours in the back of a huge vehicle and you will need to be physically fit to handle it. You should pass a few vision and medical tests to be eligible. In addition, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Truck driving schools vary in cost, so it is important to find one that fits your budget and location. There are three types of truck driving schools. The tuition varies, but is typically paid up front.
Why Being a Truck Driver is Hard?
Being a truck driver is a demanding and emotionally draining profession. The job requires you to travel long distances and stay away from your family and friends for a prolonged period of time. This can cause problems for your family, especially if you have small children. You won’t spend enough time with them, and they might even resent you. It’s also difficult to have a personal life when you’re driving; you won’t see your spouse or kids very often.
Besides the long hours and the constant stress, truck drivers also face a variety of environmental problems. They have to adapt to varying climates and weather conditions, which can cause allergies. They also see many new faces and places, and their personal hygiene is often challenged. While the job may pay well, truck drivers don’t make enough money to retire comfortably.
The job requires a high level of patience. While truck drivers will develop good driving skills with experience, they will also encounter accidents on a regular basis. Sometimes these accidents are minor, while other times they are potentially dangerous. This is why being a truck driver requires an individual who is able to handle the risk of accidents.
Is Becoming a Truck Driver Worth It?
The job of a truck driver can be rewarding, but it’s also full of stress. Not only do you have to deal with the motoring public, but you have to keep track of your hours and make sure deliveries are made on time. In addition to all of these things, the job of a truck driver can also be difficult for those who suffer from allergies.
Whether you’d like to live in a small town or the big city, there are many reasons to become a truck driver. Not only does it provide you with a good income, but truck drivers also get to enjoy the outdoors. And since you don’t need a college degree, becoming a truck driver is an excellent way to escape unemployment.
One of the biggest problems that you might face as a truck driver is that you won’t see your significant other on a regular basis. While some trucking companies allow drivers to bring their families along, many drivers choose to go it alone. Trucking is an expensive career, and it’s important to make sure you have the funds to live on the road. You’ll also have to make sure you know how to keep accidents to a minimum.
Do Truckers Make a Lot of Money?
If you are considering a career in trucking, you should know that salaries can vary significantly from job to job. On average, truckers make between $37,000 and $58,000 per year. However, some jobs are more lucrative than others, and some jobs are more difficult to find.
The pay for truckers depends on three factors: the type of route, company pay, and experience level. In general, long-haul truckers earn more than regional drivers. The benefits package is also quite extensive. You can expect to earn between 25% and 30% more than the listed wages.
In order to earn more money, truckers should look for better pay and a better working environment. Those who choose to relocate may find more lucrative jobs in a larger company, though the pay may be lower. However, this will give them more experience and a better chance of advancing.
Why Do Truck Drivers Quit?
There are many reasons why truck drivers choose to quit the industry. One common reason is a lack of pay. Others cite long hours and long distances, clashes with supervisors, and poor equipment. Whatever the reason, the trucking industry needs more drivers. Getting the right compensation is important, but it’s not the only factor. The right work-life balance is essential.
Good employers recognize the importance of supporting their drivers. By creating a positive work environment, truck drivers will be more likely to stay. They should also accommodate drivers’ requests. For example, drivers may request audio entertainment for long drives. Drivers should also have options for getting home from work. If employers fail to accommodate their drivers’ needs, they’ll soon become frustrated and seek other options.
Another major reason why truck drivers quit is the long hours and long distances. These long hours affect truck drivers’ personal life and performance at work. Drivers should consider packing healthy meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.
How Do Truck Drivers Sleep?
Truck drivers are on the road for long hours, and it is important that they get plenty of rest. Fortunately, the hours of service regulations are strict and enforcement is vigilant. Infractions can result in a ticket. The government has put an emphasis on compliance. Drivers are required to keep accurate logs. In some cases, their companies will pay for their hotel stays.
To maximize sleep quality, truck drivers should limit the amount of blue light in the cab. Blue light disrupts the brain’s ability to fall asleep. To avoid this, dim the lights or eliminate screens from the cab. Drivers should also try to find quiet places to sleep, such as truck stops and rest areas. It’s also important to avoid sleeping on truck ramps.
Truck drivers don’t often sleep in hotels, because they can’t afford them. However, they might stop in a motel once in a while to get a good night’s sleep. Some drivers, known as OTR, sleep in sleeper berths. Local drivers, on the other hand, usually sleep in their own homes.
Is Truck Driving Hard on Your Body?
The long hours of sitting in the truck can be damaging to the body. For example, truck drivers may experience dead butt syndrome. This condition occurs when the core muscles of the body are weakened and cannot move as easily as they do when standing. As a result, the body compensates by placing increased stress on other parts of the body. This sedentary occupation can result in chronic illnesses and decreased lifespan. Truckers should seek medical care when experiencing any kind of physical pain.
Although truck driving is physically demanding, it can also be mentally taxing. Personality type can also play a role in how hard the job is. For example, an introvert may struggle with long periods of isolation, while an extrovert might thrive on it. Keeping a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise while on the road will help you avoid the negative effects of long hours of sitting.
In addition to the risk of obesity, truck drivers also face the risk of accidents. They may also develop heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. These risks are more prevalent in truck drivers compared to the general population.
How Much Does a CDL Cost?
The cost of getting a CDL varies from state to state, but if you are working in a trucking company, you can get reimbursed for your CDL training. Some companies even offer student loans. If this is the case for you, there are several companies that will reimburse up to $6,000 in CDL training loan fees. Another option is to get a government-sponsored training grant. Some states have programs in place for veterans who are interested in becoming truck drivers. You can explore these programs with resources like Troops to Truckers.
Trucking companies are in high demand, so they pay competitive salaries, offer incredible benefits, and sometimes offer tuition assistance programs. Many companies offer full or partial tuition reimbursement to new drivers, as well as reimbursement on a monthly basis. You may be eligible to receive up to five hundred dollars per month.
CDL training requires at least 160 hours of training. A full-time CDL course typically lasts about seven weeks. Part-time programs may take longer. Obtaining a Class A CDL license requires more training than a Class B license. However, many trainees earn a Class B license in a week or less. If you plan to become a truck driver, it’s important to find an accredited driving school that can provide you with the knowledge you need.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks