The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides salary information for truck drivers. In 2016, the lowest 10 percent of truck drivers made less than $26,920 a year. This group includes entry-level truck drivers and part-timers. The bottom 10% are likely to earn less than this average. Some recruiting portals advertise lower rates, but there is no way to know what you will actually be making. The average salary is more than $50,000, but the actual pay varies from driver to driver.
Oversized load drivers make a comfortable living as well. These drivers require a high level of concentration and patience. Their job requires them to navigate a wide, busy road. They must also share the road with oncoming traffic, so they must pay close attention to details. Oversized load drivers typically travel with a spotter, so they can have a hand in maneuvering the oversized load. Oversized load drivers make up to $150,000 per year.
Can You Make Good Money As a Truck Driver?
Can You Make good money as a trucker? The pay for truck drivers varies depending on several factors, including the type of driving, route, company, and years of experience. Many companies offer raises every six months or after you’ve reached a certain mileage milestone. The longer you’ve been a truck driver, the higher your pay per mile will be. You can also ask for extra duties to earn more money on the job.
You may start out as a dedicated driver, working for one company and moving certain merchandise. This type of driver typically runs the same route every time. As you gain experience and expertise, you can start training new drivers. You can also choose to become a specialized driver, working in higher-risk industries. You can specialize in hazmat hauls, tank hauls, oversized loads, or even ice road trucking.
In addition to the pay per mile, truck drivers may also receive bonuses on top of the standard salary. These bonuses vary in amount and type, but can total up to $40-45k a year. In some cases, drivers may receive bonuses if they help the carrier meet specific goals in terms of fuel efficiency. Other carriers may offer sign-on bonuses to new drivers. These bonuses are either paid in a lump sum or added to their wages.
Is It Worth Being a Truck Driver?
There are many benefits to being a truck driver. One of the most appealing is that you have complete control over your schedule and your own destiny. In addition, there are no bosses or desk jobs to deal with. As a professional truck driver, you enjoy complete independence and control over your work. Many drivers say that this is one of the best parts of the job. After all, you are paid to travel.
There are pros and cons to being a truck driver. While truck driving can be extremely rewarding and offer excellent financial stability, it is definitely not for everyone. The job demands long hours and can be grueling. Additionally, many drivers report health issues related to sitting in the same position for long periods of time. If these factors are not for you, truck driving might not be the right career choice. However, it can be a good fit if you have the necessary traits.
One drawback to becoming a truck driver is the amount of traveling you will do. A truck driver has no real life, since he or she is away from home for weeks at a time. On the days when he or she does have time home, he or she will spend it sleeping, buying snacks, or spending time with their family. Although these are all advantages, the lifestyle of a truck driver can also be exhausting and lonely.
What Truck Loads Pay the Most?
What truck loads pay the most as a commercial truck driver? In general, flatbed loads pay the most. These types of trucks transport construction goods, large manufactured parts, and various oversized loads. These types of freight require special permits and equipment. Drivers who haul oversized loads are paid more because they don’t have to worry about damaging their cargo. They can also earn more if they avoid driving during heavy traffic periods.
Another type of load that pays the most is HAZMAT transportation. This type of trucking requires a Class N, Class H, or Class X endorsement. While there is no guaranteed salary, these types of trucking jobs can be extremely lucrative and will give truckers an opportunity to make over $100,000 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some industries pay higher than others for driving in specific regions.
Another great way to find good-paying truck loads is by utilizing a load board. These online platforms connect shippers with truckers. Load boards contain hundreds of thousands of shipping opportunities on them. They also contain most of the information about the shipment. There are both free and paid load boards. Do your research to find the best one for you. Several offer a free trial and mobile apps that let truckers sign up without delay. Once you’ve registered with a load board, you can begin booking high-paying cargo loads.
What is the Highest Paying Trucking Job?
There are several types of trucking jobs, but there are certain ones that pay very well. In trucking, you can drive for mining companies. These companies usually hire truck drivers who earn $100,000 or more a year. Driving for mining companies is considered one of the highest paying trucking jobs, but team drivers are prone to burnout and schedules can be hectic. Here are the highest paying trucking jobs. You might be wondering if you can earn this much by driving for a mining company.
Owning your own truck and driving for a small business are two of the advantages of becoming an owner operator. As an owner operator, you are responsible for operating expenses and negotiating rates. Although operating your own truck can be rewarding, it is not for the inexperienced. Many drivers don’t get this type of job until they have several years in the industry. However, if you are driven and genuinely interested in trucking, this might be the right job for you.
Why Do Truck Drivers Quit?
One of the biggest problems faced by the trucking industry is a lack of qualified drivers. This problem leads many drivers to leave the industry. While a few reasons exist for why truckers quit, the most common is low pay. Drivers say that they are not compensated for downtime they spend at shippers. Moreover, some firms paint a rosy picture of the industry to attract new employees. They also pay drivers by the mile, making the low wages seem justified.
Another reason for truckers to quit is boredom. Long hours and driving in unfamiliar regions can make a trucker feel lonely. In addition, truckers often report feeling home sick. This is especially difficult if they have young children or other ties to family. Even though truckers are compensated reasonably well compared to other careers, many of them don’t feel they’re earning enough money. For these reasons, they quit.
How Hard is It to Become a Trucker?
Become a trucker can be a rewarding career choice. While a high school education is not mandatory to become a trucker, it does help to have a basic education. You will likely have to complete a written exam and a road test. Then, your trucking company will assign you a delivery route and give you the responsibility of completing it. You will also be responsible for your own safety and the safety of others on the road.
While it is possible to become a truck driver without special training, you should be aware that there are many aspects of the job that make it difficult for newer drivers. Those with experience in trucking are usually preferred, but new drivers can climb the ladder as long as they show initiative and a desire to succeed in the workplace. The first few years of your career may involve working odd jobs, but moving to a different company can help you improve your skills. Just be careful not to move around too much and you might turn off better employers.
How Many Hours a Day Do Truckers Drive?
Most truck drivers are legally allowed to drive up to 11 hours a day, though the number varies widely. They can drive for up to 11 hours in a 14-hour window after ten hours of off-duty rest. Despite this fact, truck drivers cannot drive for longer than eight hours straight, and they must take a 30-minute break between each shift. Moreover, truck drivers must not exceed the federally-mandated maximum driving time of 70 hours or more per week.
DOT regulations are quite strict about the number of hours a trucker can drive. The regulations prohibit truckers from driving after they’re exhausted or unable to focus on their work. Therefore, it’s important to follow these guidelines to avoid being tired and unable to drive safely. However, many truck drivers aren’t aware of their limitations, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries. As a result, they often do not know their exact working hours.
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