If you’re looking for a career that gives you more freedom and lets you drive all over the US, trucking could be the perfect option for you. It’s a great career to have, especially when the job market is volatile.
According to ATA projections, there will be approximately 82,000 unfilled truck driver jobs in 2024, as the earlier workforce is getting older and freight demand increases. So, if you’re interested in a career in trucking or truck owner-operator, this post will tell you why it’s worth considering, what the benefits are, and how you can get started.
Here are a few reasons why driving a truck — whether as a full-time owner-operator or as a small freight truck driver — could be the right career move for you.
If you are ready to put in the effort and start earning money early, a career in trucking may be the ideal option for you.
CDL training programs typically take 7-8 weeks to complete. Post-training requirements vary depending on the location, but you will not need to dedicate years to preparing for a career; instead, you will be able to gain experience on the job and begin to generate income quickly.
Truck driving jobs are well-known for their high-paying, high-growth careers. The pay depends on your skills or how many years you’ve been in service as well as whether you’re an owner-operator or work for a large retailer or shipper.
However, it’s common for truck drivers to make over six figures a year. If you’re looking for a high-paying career that doesn’t require years of training, a truck driving job is the way to go.
Surely, there’s a lot of paperwork and training required to get your CDL and license, but the pay is usually worth it. You don’t have to worry about big upfront costs, either if you work for an independent company or a trucking company.
If you’re an owner-operator, you’re in luck! Not only do you get great pay, but you don’t have to worry about finding freight. The demand for truckers is always on the rise, so there’s always room for growth in your trucking career.
Additionally, you can expect to have a career in trucking for the rest of your life. There’s no shortage of jobs out there, and according to BLS, there’s no end in sight. They predict a 6% growth in the number of trucking jobs until the year 2030.
Employee benefits are a common feature of many truck driver positions, including entry-level roles.
Depending on the carrier, truck drivers may be eligible to receive health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance if they are employed as full-time employees.
Additionally, some carriers may offer retirement savings plans and bonus incentives, as well as referral bonuses, among other benefits. These benefits may vary depending on the trucking company and the driver’s position. Examples of employee benefits include paid holidays, overtime, and more.
Have you ever desired to be your own boss? About one of the nine truck drivers in the US works for themselves, meaning they fill their trucks with whatever they want that is usually found on the load boards and have the freedom to set their own schedule.
For sure these owner-operators have to keep up with their equipment, but they love the freedom that comes with being their own boss.
You don’t have to start working for yourself or get your own truck right away. Instead, most commercial drivers start by working for carriers to get experience first. Later, when they have enough money, they purchase their own truck and use it to carry freight whenever they want. Basically, this way, the business possibilities are endless. And, you probably can become one of the few lucky ones when you follow in this footsteps.
Have you always wanted to travel? Were you a fan of road trips as a teenager?
If you’re passionate about driving and exploring new places, then long-haul trucking could be the perfect career for you.
With an average weekly mileage of 2,000 to 3,000 miles, professional truck drivers and owner-operators make up some of the most experienced travelers in the United States of America.
Most companies will expect you to have a high school degree or a similar one. They also like to hire people who have truck experience or have taken training courses, like truck driving schools.
At the same time, there are private schools, but you can also take classes at your local community college. These classes usually last between three and six months. You’ll get a certificate when you finish the training. They’ll teach you about truck laws and give you tips on how to drive trucks safely on the roads.
You’ll need to get your commercial driver’s license before you can drive a truck professionally. You’ll usually have to take a written test and a driving test as well as ensure you have a clean driving record.
Every couple of years, you have to take physical exams and also have to be tested for drugs and alcohol whenever required by the highway patrolling officer.
Once you are employed by a carrier, it is likely that you will receive a number of weeks of on-site training, including the use of a trained driver who will accompany you on the job. This additional training will enable you to advance your truck driving skills and gain a better understanding of company regulations and the specific equipment that you will be driving.
If any of the above-mentioned reasons sound familiar, it might be time to think about making the career jump to truck driving.
The good news is that truck driving is one of the highest-paying jobs in the USA. Truck drivers make a huge difference in the success and quality of life in our nation. If it weren’t for our long-distance truck drivers and the other drivers who move 70% of the country’s goods, our country wouldn’t be able to run at all.
If you want to be an owner-operator and professional driver, you’ll make a difference. You’ll get paid well and have the flexibility to get away from the 9-5 job and pursue a career that gives you an opportunity to travel across the country as well as get a decent remuneration.
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