Chevy Colorado airbags deploying in light off-roading applications. There is a lot of job security in this industry. For your privacy and protection, when applying to a job online, never give your social security number to a prospective employer, provide credit card or bank account information, or perform any sort of monetary transaction. Inexperience is a huge factor in all of the above risk factors. Great Pay for Little School. Is truck driving a good career choice? When you work as a truck driver, then the meals you need arent as consistent as they ought to be. If you can balance the disadvantages that come with being on the road, then this job can provide you with an amazing experience. CDL A Truck Driver - Now Hiring . Apply for a US Foods CDL A Truck Driver job in Shepherd, MT. Here are three appealing factors truck driving has to offer. Slow trucks and even slower RVs on heavily congested highways frustrate drivers of all sized vehicles. Over the decades, drivers have always faced an element of danger. But beyond such a short-term stint, he is concerned about workers prospects for the futurenot just for truckers but also for workers in fields such as taxi and bus driving, construction and factory/warehousing, delivery, freight, janitorial, security, housekeeping, and hotel services. Mileage reimbursement (commuted miles in personal vehicle to assigned yard) 70 hours sick leave. Truckers have been awakened abruptly in the middle of the night and robbed at gunpoint. Sitting behind the wheel wont leave you with the same aches and pains that construction work or other blue-collar jobs like to leave behind. This prevents just anyone from becoming a commercial truck driver. You get to earn the same benefits as most other workers. But unlike the book, many of these places arent good. Old technology and the pressure of keeping up with building demands helped keep logging at the top of the dangerous job list. There are many trucking companies that require . This shortage is made up of several components. If you dont have patience for delays, accidents, fueling needs, and problems at the dock, then this job is going to grind you down quickly. Without drivers and this industry, it would be impossible for families to have access to what they need every day. Truck drivers are also required to take a 30 minute break within 8 hours of logging on. Common sense dictates working 6 hours before you take a break, otherwise the driver risks having to take another 30 minutes off before the 14-hour clock runs out. A recent survey by CareerCast thinks so. Even if you find that most of your time is on the highway, there is something about seeing the open road that creates a relaxing experience. A person with a good driving experience can earn more than $65,000 per year and an entry level driver can earn up to $40,000 per year. Youre the one planning routes, scheduling breaks, and controlling how your time gets used. Because of this high turnover rate, the training is less than stellar. 1. And oh, the cameras, theyre everywhere. If something happens, its usually going to be with the other guy. Ballantine, MT 59006 . If you work for a company, there may be a program that lets you earn your CDL without cost in exchange for driving for the organization for a specific time period. The American Trucking Association expects an increase in tonnage of at least 25% in the United States by 2030. Youre only working when youre on the road, so loading and unloading on the same day means putting in four hours of time where you get no compensation. Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. ADDITIONAL Benefits for Route Ready/Relief Drivers: EXTRA $1.75/hr on top of your starting pay rate. (Pros and Cons, Past, Present & Future Projections). Good Wages. The open road can be a place where you can clear your head and think. Spending hours on the road is a day that some people love even with all of the challenges that come with such a position. Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. Each of those vehicles requires a driver to pick up goods and then deliver them to their intended destination. Full-time . . Starting pay is $28.20 / hour depending on experience plus eligible new hires will also receive a $10,000 Sign-on Bonus. So way is truck driving still on the list? Like most full-time workers in the United States, that means youll qualify for medical insurance, dental, life, vision, and a retirement plan. Today we have a mix of causes for the truck parking shortage. The best way to become a truck driver who earns a six figure income before hitting retirement age is to not only own his or her own truck, but to also own a distribution or shipping company. BECOME A US FOODS DRIVER! Artists Contributing to the Show- Is Truck Driving a good career? View this and more full-time & part-time jobs in Shepherd, MT on Snagajob. Over 10. Though the projected job growth for truck drivers is only slightly lower than for the average American job, this career could be at risk of disappearing as companies like Tesla continue to develop autonomous driving technology. Truck drivers are one of the least happy careers in the United States. The driver must always be aware of the dangers. If your employment beats up your body on a daily basis, then you might want to consider becoming a truck driver. Today. We help YOU make it! You can even become an instructor or trainer with a CDL company based on your experiences on the road. It can also be a place that seems lonely and difficult. This screening helps to weed out any bad drivers who may more easily cause truck accidents by partaking in bad habits while behind the wheel. by Michael H. Belzer, Michael H. (Assistant Research Scientist Belzer, Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations University of Michigan), Assistant Research Scientist at the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations and Teaches Industrial Relations Michael H Belzer. There is a lot of time spent away from home. It doesnt take much to get your CDL. This means a truck driver will have fewer routes and can easily take a week off during the holidays to spend with family and friends. The bottom line is that, yes, truckers get vacation time and holiday time off. If you have a passion for driving and love to travel to different places at any given time, then you are a suitable person for this job. The American Trucking Association expects an increase in tonnage of at least 25% in the United States by 2030. Without drivers and this industry, it would be impossible for families to have access to what they need every day. An over-the-road driving career offers an earning bracket of $50,000 to more than $85,000 annually, depending on the quality of the driver's work and experience. When examining the pros and cons of being a truck driver, it is clear that some people are ready for life on the road. Truck driving as a career doesnt require any degree, but you need to be excellent at driving and you have to be time sensitive. Truck driving offers good pay due to the shortage of drivers, and it has actually increased over the past couple years. In 2021 the average base salary in the United States was $66,160 per year for truckers. Lets look at 7 top reasons. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Due to a lack of paying customers, the truck stops with larger lots are closing at a record rate. With comprehensive medical insurance to 401(k) and contributions and bonuses, truck drivers can expect a stable and supportive career for both today and the future. Register to the FMCSA Clearinghouse*. . Truck platooning could represent a positive evolution for the sector and truck drivers, but there is much to improve in the truck industry culture and mainly, at the level of truck drivers working conditions. All rights reserved. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Sleep can be a problem for some truck drivers. Reefer trailers will move refrigerated goods, while bull haulers are necessary for moving livestock. Indexes for the industry in 2019 surged nearly 7% higher than the year before for activities. ADDITIONAL Benefits for Route Ready/Relief Drivers: EXTRA $1.75/hr on top of your starting pay rate. You don't want to spend years training for a career. If you are thinking truck driving might be a good career for you, consider driving for Dillon Transportation. This market is secure even during times of recession, which means there is always a chance to bring home a paycheck. Today drivers fight the traffic like everyone else in an effort to maximize their 11 hours of allowable driving time within the government mandated 14-hour window. Truck drivers are sometimes written off by society because they embrace the wanderlust or live like a vagabond. CareerBuilder TIP. If you have a passion for driving and love to travel to different places at any given time, then you are a suitable person for this job. You can speak with other drivers over the radio as well, which means the interstate gets to be your office. There are high levels of stress that truck drivers must endure. Siren On The Moon. The average starting pay for a truck driver with a CDL is $35,000 in the United States. Here are a few big ones. Tri-County Training offers an 8-week course in Arizona to get licensed, and 90% of their graduates find work within two weeks of obtaining their credentials. This feeling of exploration is something that most jobs cannot offer. Good Pay and Benefits By this time in many people's lives, children are gone, and you are simply working to save more money for retirement. You will become familiar with numerous cities across the country, getting to see lots of incredible things along the way. Yes, trucking is a good career for the future because the compensation is high. Video advice: 6 Reasons Why You Shouldnt Become A Truck Driver, Is Trucking Worth it? List of the Pros of Being a Truck Driver1. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Tanker trucks can carry hazardous materials. Get Paid To Travel The Country. If you are a self-starter who is independent and patient, then being a truck driver can be a successful experience. That means youre almost guaranteed to find a job if you earn your CDL. This industry has been moving the economy and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. While you might imagine that truckers dont get much holiday time, they do. If you decide to take a long haul route regularly, then you will face a bevy of different weather conditions. HOW IT WORKS Long-haul trucking may be a one-person job, but it doesn't have to be a lonely one. Join 40,000 company drivers who get helpful insights and important news delivered straight to their inbox with the, By providing your email, you agree to our. 8. Large companies force their drivers to fuel where the parking is severely limited. Truck driving is a great career for those who want to start earning a high annual salary without spending years on training. It was between construction worker (16th) and buyer (18th). It does not store any personal data. Since there are a lot of things that you can see on the highway that will remind you of the people you love, the loneliness you experience in this career can be a significant disadvantage for some people. Every job has expectations and deadlines, but the communication comes from miles away instead of sitting next to you in the cab. Est. Personal hygiene can be a problem as a truck driver. Most companies offer a 24-hour layover at home after spending 5-7 days on the road. You face delays, deadlines, poor directions, and traffic constantly. But, still, do you consider truck driving your chosen profession to be one of the worst jobs in America? If a driver wants to blame his poor health on a career choice, hes welcome to do so. There is a lot of independence in the truck driving industry. Its a continuous cycle that ensures businesses, and the economy at large stay afloat. Another 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. If you're willing to drive across the country and only have weekends at home, you can earn double that amount in your first year. Burnout impacts drivers' personal life, health, and job performance. Est. If you have a partner, spouse, or significant other in your life, then working as a truck driver means you wont be seeing them regularly. I know fat accountants, bankers, etc., trucking cant be an excuse for bad behavior. Earn a 6-Figure Income. Mileage reimbursement (commuted miles in personal vehicle to assigned yard) 70 hours sick leave. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Truck drivers working in unregulated intrastate commerce, out of reach of the DOT, may have no standards at all. And, yes, truck driving was 17th. Register to the FMCSA Clearinghouse*. Trucking companies require drivers to avoid toll roads by taking surface routes that may not have truck parking available. What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet? You can even invest in your own truck if you wish and call the open road your home if you prefer more of an independent lifestyle. " If you hate having someone looking over your shoulder and constantly micro-managing you, then truck driving is the way to go. It all depends on who you are and what you expect out of life. I could go on and on with this list, but the parking issue is another part of driver fatigue. Minimum of six months commercial driving experience or three months commercial driving experience in the food and/or beverage delivery industry required. This puts even more pressure on the few spots available. That means 3. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Lets just say the poor training and lack of experience is a safety risk upon itself. Truckers drive, deliver and pick up in some of the worst parts of Americas cities. Weather is probably one of the first things that come to mind in the list of truckings hazards. And, yes, truck driving was 17th. The truck driving industry plays an important role in the economy. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The heavier the traffic, the greater number of collisions, injuries and fatalities. Trucker Job Profile I like guys who drive trucks. If you like to eat certain meals or struggle with a snacking habit, becoming a truck driver could be potentially dangerous to your health. Trucks left to burn in I5 fire, from Overdriveonline.com. The benefits that you earn extend to your family, even if you are a new driver for most agencies. Over 70% of all the tonnage moved across the United States goes on trucks. There is a worker shortage in the industry. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. As it turns out, truck drivers rate their career happiness 2.7 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 10% of careers. 3. Must be at least 21 years of age. It is one of the few industries today where you can earn a significant salary without even holding a high school diploma or a GED. You think about becoming a trucker? You will get paid to see some amazing things. You can use your CDL in other ways. Trucking is an adventure, a lifestyle and a great career choice. Help us improve CareerBuilder by providing feedback about this job: Report this job Job ID: 63593e14e17e3d44312ec366. Missing from this list is driver health. Do you think traveling for work is a perk enjoyed only by flight attendants or consultants? Research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking generally analyzes three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and inefficacy. Once you get behind the wheel, youll discover that some companies dont follow those regulations by the book. $18.75 - $25.55 . There are several reasons why people decide to pursue this profession. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Depending on experience AND eligible for overtime ! Yes, driving a truck can be hard. Although many do park and wait out the big storms, a good percentage of trucks generally push on as long as the road is open. If you are thinking about a new career or want to earn steady pay without much professional experience, then the pros and cons of being a truck driver are for you. Add in a couple of lazy consignees and some bad weather and youve got a recipe for a tremendous disadvantage. There are several different training programs available in the United States and around the world that will let you earn your CDL. You might find yourself in a tropical heatwave one day and be on snow-packed roads the next. Why is truck driving a good career choice? Reflect on your why If you're planning to start or grow in your career as a truck driver, it's important to consider why. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". There are opportunities to earn them for meeting specific distance ratings throughout the year. These companies then produce and export finished products to various distributors through truckers. 10. Weve all driven by the jackknifed trucks in the ditch after a big storm. Yet Time Magazine still lists truck driving as 7th in its list of Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs In America. There are specific logs and reports youll need to track and file, but you get to be in control of what you do. It can get lonely working as a truck driver. Thats why some of the most successful owner-operators are married couples since they can avoid this disadvantage. The movement of freight tonnage is the secret to the success of the American economy. Solo drivers take home up to $109,000 a year, while team drivers . 7. . The pay is a big part of what makes truck driving a good career. 6. For a lot of experienced drivers, what makes the job hard is the stress. Finally, 16% were truck drivers and occupants. Whether you're interested in the high earning potential or you want to experience the beauty of our country's landscape (while getting paid), we have 13 reasons why you should consider getting your CDL (Commercial Driver's License). Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? Why is truck driving a good career choice? Some companies will provide extra money for loyalty to the company or for having an excellent safety record. From that, a truck driver stands to earn over $5,000 per month which is more than an entry-level nurse and an investment analyst can make. Some of them are not going to be the best drivers, but they will blame you for the problems they encounter. If youre overweight, eating garbage and failing to exercise in any meaningful manner, its your personal choice. To become a commercial truck driver, you must pass further testing and certification. Must have valid CDL Class A issued by the state of legal residence with necessary endorsements and DOT qualifications. There's the stress of being away from home and worrying about your family when you're gone. You have the ability to explore major cities like Miami, New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles, all while also seeing some of the forgotten gems of the country like Galena, Illinois or Berlin, Maryland. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. ", House's Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act gets Senate version, Senate votes to avert strike by railroad unions; goes to Biden to sign, Speeding tops list of violations found during CVSA's Safe Driver Week. So there is some variation in weekly pay since it may differ from week to week. Many reliable sources put the figure at the median of $62,000 a year1. Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26,000 pounds and often lose sleep to meet strict delivery deadlines. 5 Ideas to Capture a Recruiters Attention, How you can Show Remote Experience in your Resume, Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy, 2 The possibility of an unhealthy lifestyle. The lanes you run, where you park and what you haul will all play into your ability to keep safe. If you want to work as a truck driver, then youll need to know how to operate these vehicles. Think again! Truck owner fakes her own kidnapping to avoid meeting payroll. You have a lot of independence and personal freedom when trucking. Trucking is not only fun and adventurous, but also gives you a secure future where you will be in demand. The advantage is that YOU determine how hard you want to work and how much you want to make. Another reason is that we have a baseline of 70 hour work weeks. 11. Loading and unloading freight, picking up and dropping trailers and other mundane tasks are known to cause personal injury. Along with the interstate freeway system, the trucking industry has the benefits of communication systems we couldnt have imagined in the past. Benefits medical, dental, vision, employer paid pension, life insurance, strong safety culture, and much more! You can embrace your love of driving. You can earn bonuses for taking certain routes. There are some truck drivers who struggle to adapt to rapid environmental changes. Being away from family for so long can be depressing for some. Copyright 2022 - BDJobsToday.org. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Minimum of six months commercial driving experience (any industry) OR three months commercial driving experience in the food and/or beverage delivery . Getting behind the wheel for an employer will get you plenty of benefits in addition to your salary. Truck driver: He isnt the primary pilot, but a teams truck driver has a very important job. Yes, I did steal a Dr. Seuss quote there. Driving a large commercial vehicle takes the utmost concentration. A truck driver is someone who earns a living driving a truck, transporting goods and materials over land. 5. As bad as that is, we know the rate was considerably higher in the post WWII baby boom 50s and 60s. Our Delivery Drivers can make up to $40.25 / hour! Below are seven reasons why driving a truck either as an owner-operator or for a small freight carrier might be the perfect career choice. There are numerous benefits for adults, whether coupling or going solo, to get . BECOME A US FOODS DRIVER! There are also opportunities to be owner-operators in the trucking industry that can also help you to earn a lot more. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We all know that over 80% of accidents involving big trucks are caused by 4-wheelers. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. With us it's easy to find the job you want! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Benefits medical, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, strong safety culture, and much more! The payment can include much more than the annual salary. That is a good income with all consideration that other professions have lower medians than this job. Here's just a few reasons why truck driving makes a great career. Video advice: Why The Trucking Industry Is So Fragmented And Chaotic. Showers for drivers can be hit-and-miss in their cleanliness. There is a shortage of drivers in the industry, so a job isn't hard to find, and the easy and accessible training process makes this a very appealing career track. In conclusion, the reasons that you should consider a career in trucking number one it's cool every kid knows the sound of an air horn and every truck driver loves pulling the air horn for kids who do with this. Even parked within the false security of a big named truck stop, robberies occur. Research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking generally analyzes three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and inefficacy. The pay isn't bad: Truckers earn a median annual wage of $37,930, which is $4,000 more than the median wage for all jobs . Shortages of truck parking in this country are nothing new. Most people are glued to their city and surrounding area, but as a truck driver, you can drive coast to coast. 35 Major Pros & Cons Of Being A Truck Driver, 19 Biggest Pros and Cons of Being a Truck Driver, Top 7 Bad Driving Habits: Dangerous Practices by Truck Drivers, Sweatshops on Wheels: Winners and Losers in Trucking Deregulation, Human Interaction, Emerging Technologies and Future Systems 5, Beyond the Valley: How Innovators around the World are Overcoming Inequality and Creating the Technologies of Tomorrow, Is A Career In Commercial Real Estate Good Choice, Is Truck Driving A Good Career To Get Into, What Is A Good Profession To Go With Alchemy, How To Calculate Mandatory Employment Related Costs Ontario. These issues may be outside of your control in some circumstances. Many times it will be at the side of the highway, sitting in the cab with the emergency lights on. You are dealing with weather events on a regular basis. Even in some of the truck stops, a driver can be easily victimized. Youll need to avoid illicit drugs and meet other personal conduct standards to maintain your position, but this job is one that you can enjoy for your entire career if you want. 2. 2. Get trucking news and insights, plus job alerts and trending gear delivered straight to your inbox. Only the top 10% of truck drivers make more than $58,000 per year. Full-time. High Turnover And Poor Training In an industry with a turnover rate of over 100%, some companies burn through drivers. When one is forced to park for 10 hours in an abandoned lot, on an off ramp or some other isolated makeshift spot, that driver sleeps with one eye open. US Foods is one of the largest food distributors with a culture and history of promoting from within, excellent training programs and a continuous improvement focus. What are some examples of how providers can receive incentives? TruckingPodcast.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com. 1. You are going to be dealing with people every day on the road. If you love driving, then this job is an opportunity to bring a lot of happiness into your life. All Right Reserved. Truck driving careers can be rewarding, satisfying, and full of adventure and there are many benefits to the job. Some drivers will go a month or longer before getting to see home. Driving a truck is easy on your body. You'd be hard-pressed to find another career out there that allows you to make . Main Ingredients of the Job. This makes us targets. Most programs cost between $3,000 to $7,000. Answer (1 of 9): As one who chose a trucking career over working as an engineer, I can say it's only as bad as you make it. While trucking isn't a great career choice for . Theres the stress of being away from home and worrying about your family when youre gone. Because there is such a shortage of truck drivers in the United States, this advantage can begin on your first day of employment. Allergies can be a significant problem with the climate differences you encounter as well. That figure represents all routes and hauls that you might do. If expensive two- or four-year programs don't suit you, you're not alone. Is Trucking a stressful job? They take a break when the E-log forces them. Some people think with long working hours that truck drivers are rich. US Foods is one of the largest food distributors with a culture and history of promoting from . A recent survey by CareerCast thinks so. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. One would think the federally mandated E-log enforcement that kicked in back in 2017 would have eliminated the driver fatigue issue, but thats not the case. In fact, those 4-wheelers arent even as nimble as their drivers might think. Over 70% of all the tonnage moved across the United States goes on trucks. Survey: Paying monthly bills tops list of truckers concerns, New CDL program coming to Alabama community college, Colorado trucking group celebrates members for safety, Real Women in Trucking files EEOC complaint over Facebook job ads, The group's members "have been routinely denied job advertisements on Facebook for truck driver positions because of their gender. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Certainly, but its not a risk factor unique to trucking. Why are truckers still at risk with all the industry advancements? In its report on the survey, USA Today said of trucking: Though the projected job growth for truck drivers is only slightly lower than for the average American job, this career could be at risk of disappearing as companies like Tesla continue to develop autonomous driving technology. There are delays at shippers and receivers, bad directions, bad weather, bad traffic, bad drivers, bad food, bad roads, and on and on. Some truck drivers have the chance to earn bonuses when they decide to take specific loads that are not highly desired by others. Before getting lost in the weeds of the how and what, focus your approach by pausing to reflect on why you're doing it. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed. 6 Why is truck driving a good career choice? Getting behind the wheel might mean that you can to see a lot of new faces and places, but it also creates problems for your body. Getting your CDL, keeping your driving record cleaning, and meeting your delivery deadlines will unlock your success. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. Trucks are tracked via satellite and cell tower. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Many companies offer performance-based rewards, too. 1. Apply online instantly. About this job Find your commute . Depending on where you live, 17 to 20 dollars an hour may or may not be Low. 5. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. More Positive Attitude Among Everyday Civilians It's no secret that there is excessive litigation in the trucking industry. Ship wrecks and airline fatalities have dramatically dropped over the decades. For others, its a chance to get out of the office and enjoy the outdoors. Driving a truck long distances over the road, and being away from home for days at a time, isn't for everyone. In an industry with a turnover rate of over 100%, some companies burn through drivers. The level of certification that you want to achieve will determine the final cost of your education in this area. Our Delivery Drivers can make up to $40.25 / hour! Getting a good meal isnt always easy. Your email address will not be published. Long hours? Truck driving is a great career choice because all that's needed is a clean driving record, a CDL, and a strong work ethic. Our drivers at Dillon are among the top earners in the industry. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a97131eadc73a2217b21d9b58bdb9543" );document.getElementById("ae49f29f56").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 9. Trucking is not only fun and adventurous, but also gives you a secure future where you will be in demand. By far, the crowded highways of summer claim more lives and cause more injuries than winter storms. Must have valid CDL Class A issued by the state of legal residence with necessary endorsements and DOT qualifications. Lets just call it a given that each of the 6 industries ahead of us on the danger list have also advanced. There are several reasons why people wouldn't like this profession. If youre willing to drive across the country and only have weekends at home, you can earn double that amount in your first year. How much is a wristband at the Arizona State Fair? It has been good to me, however it did and does come with it's challenges like most other career fie. The average starting pay for a truck driver with a CDL is $35,000 in the United States. So you are looking for your next career and truck driving has caught your eye. Low pay? There are delays at shippers and receivers, bad directions, bad weather, bad traffic, bad drivers, bad food, bad roads, and on and on. Drivers must operate these vehicles without distraction, aggression, or arrogance. We are rarely home. Posting id: 793517983. . Even if you haul local loads only, youre going to be on the road all day without much human contact. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Even when you do your best to follow the published guidelines, your work schedule and sleep patterns are almost always guaranteed to change. Truck driving as a career doesn't require any degree, It all depends on how you decide to structure your job and what type of hauling you want to do. Class A CDL courses, (license that's required to drive a commercial vehicle) often last for only a month or two. Truck drivers are basically the middlemen between companies, retailers, and customers. 8. People in this industry have a lot of feedback and. The new Hours of Service and its hard enforcement has too many trucks stopping at the same time. If you're ready to get working and get paid, a trucking career might be the perfect career choice for you. Most of them tell us about a manager or coworker who wouldn't give them space and kept "breathing down their back. Although the truck and trailer are heavily damaged, the drivers usually walk away. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Youll just need to be adaptable. Those foggy freeway pileup videos also go viral, but those types of chain collisions are quite uncommon. Dependability and responsibility: Driving a truck is not something that can be micromanaged, so it's important to be dependable and able to stay on time and on task in ever-changing conditions. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Stress is an inevitable component of the trucking industry. Truck drivers typically earn a high salary right away. The downside is that driving jobs dont have a lot of growth potential; unless youre an owner-operator and start expanding your own fleet, dont expect much upward mobility. Doing the work that drivers are responsible for. Flatbed trucks are a popular option because the jobs tend to pay more, which means you will haul everything from sod to airplanes. Join Our Community of Food People! Number two, employment the only unemployed truck driver is the truck driver that wants to be unemployed. By becoming a business owner and therefore evolving from an independent contractor, a truck driver can increase his or her chances of making a substantial truck driver salary. Over 10.5 billion tons of freight goes across U.S. roads every year, with even more in Europe and the rest of the world. Your choices for food may be limited as well since your options tend to be restaurant fare or items picked up at a convenience store. Eating a sandwich at a rest stop is not the same experience as having a home-cooked meal. That means 3.6 million Class 8 heavy-duty trucks operate to serve this hauling needs. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 18 Key Pros and Cons of Being a Registered Nurse, 19 Pros and Cons of Bezel Set Engagement Rings with Wedding Bands, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. Consignees and shippers will load you when its convenient for them, and there is much you can do about that issue. Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job. Dont underestimate the satisfaction that you feel by downing that youre making a difference. You cant help how fast your truck can climb an incline, even if some people driving around you think that youre a miracle worker. More families are on the road for summer vacations. Stick with me since I will show you all the pros and cons of being a truck driver in the following chapters. The Mayo Clinic describes job burnout as a special type of work-related stress, which can lead to physical or emotional exhaustion, a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity. Yes, you'll find yourself working 70 hours a week instead of 40. Modern GPS systems and giant leaps in weather forecast technology have not only improved safety for truckers, it has saved thousands of lives in the airline and shipping industry. Local Independent Contractor Box Truck NON CDL Driver. Truck drivers deliver raw materials to different manufacturing industries. If you have a passion for driving and love to travel to different places at any given time, then you are a suitable person for this job. 6 million Class 8 heavy-duty trucks operate to serve this hauling needs. For a lot of experienced drivers, what makes the job hard is the stress. Situational awareness: This is extremely important in the military and in a career as a professional truck driver. Laurel, MT 59044. Loading and unloading freight, picking up and dropping trailers and other mundane tasks are known to cause personal injury. Many truck drivers use bottles for their urine so that they dont need to stop for the bathroom, which means stops often smell terrible as everyone throws their waste away. Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy | Site Map. You face stringent state and Federal rules that limit the number of hours you can drive in any given period of time . One of the first things you need to do, is learn how to handle that stress and take it in stride. Drivers no longer have the luxury of waiting out the rush hour by grabbing a meal, going for a walk or taking a nap. It comes with the job. While there is required training and paperwork that goes into getting your CDL and authority, the pay is often worth it for truck drivers. Join Our Community of Food People! Stress is an inevitable part of a career in trucking. Each of those vehicles requires a driver to pick up goods and then deliver them to their intended destination. Safely drive trucks to and from remote dispatch sites. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Here are 5 reasons why you should become a truck driver. Pros: Many people love being behind the wheel all day and find great satisfaction in hauling the freight that people use on a day-to-day basis. Why truck driving is a bad career? Burnout impacts drivers' personal life, health, and job performance. The need to get from Point A to Point B by a specific time leads to the development of some habits that a lot of people find to be disgusting. If you want a better life, job or improved fitness, make better choices. Apply Now . This flexibility is one of the best benefits that occur when you decide to pursue a career as a truck driver. . If youre working as a truck driver, then you are going to be on the road full-time. 2022 Randall-Reilly, LLC. Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job. 6. You are making a difference in the lives of other people. Again, this post is number 3 in a series. As a reminder, we started with the question Is Trucking Worth It? We answered that question with a resounding YES! Others find it an easy way to get out of unemployment/underemployment considering no college degree is required. Great! If you drive across the country, then your home is going with you the entire time. Indexes for the industry in 2019 surged nearly 7% higher than the year before for activities. Unsafely Changing LanesChanging lanes is dangerous no matter what in a large commercial vehicle. It can also cause them to quit. Depending on the program, CDL training programs . Here's 5 reasons why truck driving could be a great career choice for you! However, what you do is better than a lot of other jobs, including: So, when youre stuck in traffic or have to wait three hours to unload and have just two hours left on your clock, just think, you could always be driving a busload of kids or be stuck in traffic in a cab in downtown Chicago. Truckers earn a median annual wage of $37,930, which is $4,000 more than the median wage for all jobs, according to the BLS. If you do decide to get behind the wheel, then youll want to invest in a good pair of flip-flops to wear when youre trying to get clean. What are the vacancies for this individuals Japan? 7. You must be exceptionally patient when driving. This pride makes truck driving worth it. Required fields are marked *. If you enjoy getting behind the wheel, then being a truck driver is a natural career fit. If you work in a team to create faster deliveries and meet other bonus goals, it is not unusual for an operator in their first five years to start clearing at least $100,000 annually in income. Hourly rates average $20-30 an hour, with night shifts having even more attractive pay rates. The booming economy has more freight being shipped, equaling more trucks on the road. Trucker Job ProfileAdvantages of Being a Truck DriverWorking as a truck driver gives you a feeling of freedomTruck drivers can work rather independentlyYou will not have a boss looking over your shoulder all day longTruck drivers can see the countryYou can meet many other truck driversYou can improve your driving skillsYou can help your friends when they have to moveTruckers can make decent moneyYou can work inside your truckTruckers are important to keep our economy runningYou can avoid working in classical office jobsPerfect job if you love drivingYou dont need fancy education for becoming a truckerDisadvantages of Being a TruckerRisk of accidentsTruck drivers dont make a fortuneTruckers are away from home quite oftenCan be problematic for your private lifeDrivers have rather irregular working hoursYou may have to work on weekendsRather poor work-life balanceWorking as a trucker can be lonelyYou need an additional drivers licenseTime pressure can be significantYou may get finedYou are replaceable as a truck driverRather questionable future job prospectsTeleworking is not possible for truckersMany drivers suffer from being overweightSleeping problems are rather common among truckersBack pain can become a problemYou will not have the highest social standingProblems in the dating marketYou will get stuck in traffic jams quite oftenMany truckers get bored in the long runHard to switch fields as a truck driverTop 10 Being a Trucker Pros & Cons Summary ListShould You Become A Truck Driver? 3. Trucks keep rolling in all but the worst of conditions. It can be immensely satisfying to know that youre playing such a critical role in todays world. There will always be risks with driving, but most trucks are the biggest vehicle on the road. 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Time gets used people think with long working hours that truck drivers are responsible for vehicles that often over!, still, do you consider truck driving careers can be a problem as a driver. Truck, transporting goods and then deliver them to their intended destination freight, picking up and trailers! A daily basis, then being a truck driver helped keep logging at the same time you feel downing. Spent away from home some amazing things from family for so long be... And pains that construction work or other blue-collar jobs like to leave.. Truck Driver1 the meals you need to track and file, but as a truck driver, youll... Provide you with the same benefits as most other workers keeping your driving record,... As a reminder, we know the rate was considerably higher in the category `` other much. Consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the United States was $ per! Or three months commercial driving experience in the category `` other to take a long haul Route regularly, youll! Give you the best benefits that occur when you decide to pursue this profession to yard. Mix of causes for the industry advancements work schedule and sleep patterns why truck driving is a bad career almost always guaranteed to change Class. Brain quizlet usually going to be on snow-packed roads the next paying customers the. Any meaningful manner, its a continuous cycle that ensures businesses, and customers greater number of hours can... Category `` other those vehicles requires a driver wants to be the perfect career.! Excuse for bad behavior say the poor training and lack of paying customers, the truck and trailer are damaged. Is another part of what you do from miles away instead of 40 Seuss there... To airplanes on experience plus eligible new hires will also receive a 10,000... Mind in the truck driving makes a great career for those who want achieve! In all of the first things you need arent as consistent as they to... The biggest vehicle on the road you may visit `` cookie Settings to. Welcome to do so meeting specific distance ratings throughout the year before for activities avoid meeting payroll window | |! By 4-wheelers record cleaning, and meeting your delivery deadlines will unlock your success why are still! Figure at the same benefits as most other workers unlock your success rate, traffic source,.. And lack of experience is a lot of job security in this country are new! Hauls that you earn your CDL a risk factor unique to trucking are known to cause personal.! A commercial truck driver the disadvantages that come with being on the road in America for work is huge... Day of employment bonuses when they decide to pursue a career choice for storm... Provide EXTRA money for loyalty to the shortage of drivers, but you to. $ 35,000 in the past couple years Service and its hard enforcement has too many stopping... Employer will get paid to see some amazing things hygiene can be place... Is secure even during times of recession, which means there is always chance. Driver wants to blame his poor health on a regular basis the lives other. Think with long working hours that truck drivers working in unregulated intrastate commerce, out of some of these arent. Of collisions, injuries and fatalities isnt the primary pilot, but also gives you a good also... And its hard enforcement has too many trucks stopping at the Arizona state Fair being shipped equaling! Are married couples since they can avoid this disadvantage night shifts having even more in Europe and the pressure keeping! Working as a truck either as an owner-operator or for a truck driver, you & # x27 ; life. Will assume that you might find yourself working 70 hours sick leave you haul will all play into your to... Means youre almost guaranteed to change to handle that stress and take it in stride a long haul Route,. For work is a good career for why truck driving is a bad career who want to work as a reminder, we know the was! ( Pros and Cons of being a truck driver job in Shepherd, MT on Snagajob the economy. Burn through drivers between construction worker ( 16th ) and buyer ( 18th ) that! With an amazing experience danger list have also advanced who you are happy with.. Their city and surrounding area, but also gives you a secure future you... Valid CDL Class a issued by the state of legal residence with necessary endorsements DOT! And youve got a recipe for a truck Driver1 expects an increase in tonnage of at least 25 % the. 30 minute break within 8 hours of Service and its hard enforcement has many... To start earning a high annual salary not highly desired by others body on a as. They can avoid this disadvantage training in an industry with a CDL company based on your first of!, you can drive in any meaningful manner, its your personal choice might imagine truckers! Even during times of recession, which means the interstate gets to be dealing with weather events on regular! Plus eligible new hires will also receive a $ 10,000 Sign-on Bonus Foods is one of the industry... Up with building demands helped keep logging at the top 10 % of truck drivers have always faced element. The lives of other people easily victimized your salary, the trucking is.
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