Getting hired as a long haul truck driver can be a great career move. Long haul truck drivers are responsible for transporting 70 percent of the nation’s goods. As a result, the demand for truck drivers is growing at an alarming rate. Learn more about this lucrative field and the various job duties of a long haul truck driver. This career can be a great fit for people who like to travel, meet new people, or simply enjoy working outside the home.
In order to be hired as a long haul truck driver, you must complete a training course. Many of the companies will pay for your training, so you can focus on building your career. However, it is important to remember that becoming a long haul truck driver is not a walk in the park – you must also complete the required paperwork and pass a physical exam. You will need to take all the necessary road tests and take the CDL test.
Do Long Haul Truckers Make Good Money?
While most truckers earn a decent salary, the pay is not enough to compensate drivers for the long hours they spend away from home. The gross/net pay for a long haul trucker varies widely and depends on the carrier, state, and driver availability. Many truckers enjoy the adventure of driving long distances and the chance to see spectacular scenery. It is not just for the money; many truckers enjoy the road trips and find it relaxing.
While most short-haul truckers have a family and can eat home-cooked meals every night, the long-haul trucker may be deprived of these basic comforts. Although long-haul trucking comes with some challenges, the right company and savvy trucker can find solutions to overcome them. For example, fuel costs can be high, with the average tractor-trailer consuming more than 20,000 gallons of diesel per year. This can easily lead to annual fuel expenses that exceed $50,000.
What Pays the Most to Haul in Trucking?
The top trucking jobs vary by state, but the following list represents the highest-paying positions. These may not be the only options. If you’re wondering if truck driving is for you, consider becoming an owner-operator and taking control of your own schedule. You’ll likely have more flexibility and less pressure than other trucking careers, but you’ll also have a higher income.
Depending on your experience and background, specialty and niche market freight tends to pay better than other types of hauling. For example, a load of 1 to 500 miles may pay $.50 per mile, but a load of 500 miles and up might pay $.45. The difference is meant to give drivers who draw short hauls the same opportunity to earn as others. In addition, most companies hire team drivers with a fixed per-mile rate and divide the mileage equally. Other companies pay per-mile rates for each driver.
Among the most lucrative trucking jobs, team drivers earn the highest. These drivers work for departments that specialize in transporting self-defense equipment. These positions require specialized training and qualifications, but are typically lucrative, with top earners making more than $90,000 per year. But be aware that these jobs can be tough and require long hours away from home. But if you’re up for the challenge, you can make a six-figure income.
Why Do Truck Drivers Quit?
There are several reasons why truck drivers quit their careers. Long hours, inhospitable environments, and no comprehensive benefits are among the biggest factors. In addition, drivers feel underpaid and want comprehensive benefits. Additionally, they are at risk of making life-threatening mistakes while on the road. If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, consider reading this article to find out the most common reasons truckers quit their careers.
Changing work environment can also cause churn. New drivers might not feel safe working with the same drivers as experienced ones. Or, a new hire might be assigned a job that is not his strong suit. In either case, the new hire could experience a high degree of frustration and might want to reconsider a career in truck driving. Driver churn has to do with bad working relationships, bad pay, and poor equipment.
In addition to pay, truck drivers want a good work environment. This can include set schedules, predictable routes, paid vacation, and insurance to cover work-related injuries. By offering competitive benefits, employers can attract qualified applicants. However, underpaying and requiring long hours and strenuous activities can also cause truck drivers to quit their careers. This may sound counterproductive, but these factors are often reasons why truck drivers give up their careers.
How Can a Truck Driver Make 100K?
While some people have dreams of making over $100K a year, other truck drivers struggle to make this much money in their first years. It is entirely possible to make over $100K in a year in trucking, but the main criteria to reach this goal is specialized hauling and a willingness to work hard. However, truck driving isn’t without its risks, and it is best to do your research before starting.
One of the best trucking companies to work for is Halvor Lines. This company offers an excellent pet-friendly working environment. Halvor Lines allows pets on board from day one. You can expect to earn more if you join a team. You can also increase your income by becoming a training instructor for other drivers. Halvor Lines offers several regional routes, making home time a regular feature.
Becoming an owner-operator requires you to spend over 70 hours a week driving, fixing your truck, and completing paperwork. It also requires you to put up money to buy a truck, pay your customers, and wait for their payments. If these things aren’t your strong suit, consider working for someone else. You’ll get more satisfaction and have more freedom to grow your business.
Which Truck is Best For Long Haul?
If you’re in the market for a new truck, you’ll likely be wondering which one is best for long hauling. While there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of truck, there are some commonalities that you should keep in mind. Here are three things to look for when choosing your truck. Fuel economy is essential if you’re hauling a lot of heavy items. Some vehicles have a lower gas mileage than others.
Mack is one brand of semi-trucks that has won the hearts of many long-haul truckers. This brand of truck is known for being tough and fuel-efficient, and its dependable performance and functional design make it the top choice of many truckers. Mack trucks have the power to handle almost any task imaginable, including those with heavy loads. Mack’s truck is a good option for long hauling if you have experience in the field.
How Much Do Amazon Loads Pay?
According to an internal document obtained by Business Insider, the pay rate for driving Amazon loads is 18% lower than spot rates. This difference is likely due to the fact that Amazon loads typically have more dead-head miles and are generally one-way runs. Those who do not return the load do not earn anything. The new pay plan from Amazon, however, could boost the pay rate for drivers and increase access to the guaranteed minimum wage.
In order to qualify for the DSP program, a driver must have a CDL and have a minimum of two years of driving experience. The pay rate for team truck drivers varies from $7,545 to $10,000, and the rate is split between two drivers. Drivers in southeastern cities make the lowest team rates while those in Denver earn the highest team rates.
Do Truckers Age Faster?
Compared to the average population, long-haul truck drivers face higher health risks and risk of chronic conditions. This study analyzed self-reported prevalence of chronic conditions. According to the researchers, long-haul truck drivers were nearly twice as likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure than the general population. However, the drivers did have lower cholesterol levels and no evidence of excessive physical activity, compared to other U.S. adults.
A survey conducted by the NIOSH revealed that more than half of long-haul truck drivers had two or more chronic health conditions. Approximately 20% of these drivers have high blood pressure, while another 25% have high cholesterol levels. Nearly 15% suffer from sleep apnea. Moreover, more than half do not have health insurance. Many of these drivers have high BMIs, and these factors put them at an increased risk for many preventable diseases.
The health risk of long-haul truck drivers was cited as one of the factors that resulted in shorter life spans. The commercial trucking lifestyle and the health risks of professional drivers also contribute to their shorter life spans. But the specific life expectancy of truckers has been questioned by many researchers. Although this is the case, the research indicates that life expectancy of truck drivers is about 16 years shorter than the average population. This is a cause for concern for many drivers, but studies will have to determine the reasons for this difference.
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