Why Trucking? The Advantages of Being a Truck Driver

Trucking provides a different way of life than with many other jobs. If you are considering life on the road, you might ask you why trucking? Here are some advantages of being a trucker.

The Pay

Did you know that the average income for truck drivers is $35,000, with many making $45,000-$55,000 a year? In fact, veterans can pull in $100,000 yearly. Certain types of truck drivers, such as movers and heavy haulers, can earn upwards to, before taxes, a quarter of a million dollars. Additionally, a number of companies offer bonuses.  In fact, trucking is one of the few jobs you don’t need a college degree for but can still make a good living.

Benefits

Many jobs are cutting back on the benefits they offer. Luckily, most trucking companies offer employees good benefits such as medical, prescription coverage, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans. Paid vacation and holidays are also offered by some companies. Traditionally, you have to work an office job to get such benefits.

Job Security

Did you know that 78% of products are delivered by truck? However, there is a shortage of truckers. In fact, the Department of Labor has predicted the need for 250,000 truck drivers by 2016. Even in economic downturns, truckers are needed. With many people having a hard time finding full-time jobs that pay well, truck driving can be a great option for certain individuals.

Being a Truck Driver

Job flexibility

The freedom of the road is a great attraction to being a truck driver. However, it also gives you freedom in where you decide to live. You aren’t stuck in one location because of your job if you want to move. Also, you can schedule time off in ways that aren’t always available with other types of jobs. Some truckers work two weeks a month, for example. Truck drivers often have choice in the types of hauls they drive and can decide between different kinds of runs, such as local runs, long distance runs or cross-region runs. During solo rides, a number of companies allow pets or children to travel with you.

Another flexibility with being a trucker is that sometimes you can work with a spouse or friend, particularly during long runs. You can earn higher incomes when working as a team. In fact, teams often earn more than $100,000, in addition to bonuses for faster deliveries.

Opportunity to Travel

A well-known benefit of being a truck driver is the opportunity to see new places. If you like being on the road, truck driving can be a great opportunity for you. Especially with long hauls, you can go to many different places. You don’t have to be stuck in an office–in fact, your office always has a view. 

Camaraderie 

Truckers have special relationships with each other, often seeing each other at certain truck stops or communicating on the road. Getting help from other truck drivers is often common.

Freedom

You don’t have to really worry about being micro-managed while truck driving. It is one of the few jobs that you work independently and have minimal supervision. In many ways you are your own boss, whether you own your rig or not.  You get to determine what hours you drive, as long as you show up to your destination on time and according to legal guidelines.

Reflection

Most of the time, trucking is solitary experience, which can lead to a lot of time to reflect. If you have ever been on a long road trip, you know how beneficial this alone time can be. You can enjoy the silence or listen to music, talk radio, books on tape, or even educational CDs.

It is important to note that there are disadvantages to being a trucker. For example, you are away from home a lot, which can be a difficulty with a spouse or children. You have to recognize that you aren’t just committing to a job–trucking is a lifestyle. However, for the right type of person, trucking can be a dream job.

If you want to learn more about truck driving, contact us.