Truck driving jobs remain plentiful despite the economy. People have a certain image of the average trucker in their minds. They think truckers drive because they can’t do anything else. This also implies that anyone could become a professional trucker.
You may be reading this saying, “Well, anyone can you get a job as a truck driver“.
I am sorry I disagree. Many can certainly get their CDL license and then get behind the wheel of a big truck, but they will never become professional truck drivers. They won’t be able to turn it into a successful career because they’ll be down the road upset.
Where are there bad truckers on the road who are not professionals? Too many drivers hit the big road without asking enough questions about becoming a trucker. They don’t realize how exhausting it is on family life until they become truckers on the road away from home for weeks on end.
They didn’t know that there were so many uncontrollable situations that easily become stressful on a bad day. They didn’t realize that along with the travel and site visit there were also unexpected breakdowns and diversions. Some people become truckers before realizing they would have to deal with four-wheelers who seem to care little about road safety or just don’t understand. Drivers also find it costly on the road if they don’t plan ahead to be on the road. Spending at truck stops every day will eat up a paycheck, so of course what’s the point?
Thesis types of truckers They are generally poor drivers and don’t last long on the big road before leaving to do an easier job. This is one of the reasons why there is always a need for truckers. This is fine and desirable, we need drivers who love trucks. Any time a person doesn’t enjoy their work or if the work causes them problems, it’s better to do something else.
Why would someone take a truck driver job?
People become professional drivers for many reasons, some want to get paid while they ride, but they understand that it’s a job first, so they’re happy. Some choose road transport to escape a negative environment. Many truckers were introduced to trucks at a young age by a father, uncle or grandfather and knew from that very moment that they wanted to become truck drivers. Some people become drivers simply to experience the adventure. Often a person will retire from another career, such as a military or police officer, and take a job as a driver. Some people change careers for an even more stressful job. I met a doctor, lawyer, and accountant who switched to trucking. Some become truckers because of the potential to earn good money with benefits.
It’s truly amazing how diverse drivers’ backgrounds are and the reasons they choose to drive. Any reason is fine for the person who knows what they are getting themselves into.
Ok so what are some things to consider before taking a truck driver job?
The candidate for the open road must be self-sufficient and responsible. Must be disciplined and dependent. Drivers must be on time to pick up and deliver their loads. How else will products appear on the shelves when they are supposed to?
The right person means that if family is involved, you also need to be a certain type to have a parent or spouse who hauls trucks on the road and be happy. It is not a decision that the potential driver should make alone. Before taking a truck driver job, there must be a serious discussion. Also, proper care must be taken to ensure that the stay-at-home spouse can handle the entire business.
You cannot guarantee that you will return on certain dates to handle things. Yes, this also means that you cannot guarantee that you will make it home for some of your children’s important events. Relax, you won’t miss every event if you plan ahead and keep your dispatcher informed, but you definitely won’t make it to all of them.
How do you find the best truck driving job for you?
First remember the phrase, best truck driving job for you. There is no such thing as the perfect job or the perfect trucking company. (Just like there’s no perfect driver, yeah, me included!)
One of the best ways to get the information you need to determine if trucking is for you and choose the right company is to visit the nearest truck stop. There are a dozen or more trucking magazines that list the companies and their profiles. These are good for getting a general idea of who to contact and use to compare benefits, wages, traffic lanes (this is the area a carrier commonly travels through). You will see that many companies only hire in certain areas. (This is good for both of us)
After you identify a selection of companies you like, call them and ask questions like:
-How often will you come home?
-How many days will you have free when you get home?
-Ask about the benefits you need. (People have different insurance requirements, etc.)
-Find out if they have a passenger program if that is important to you. Not all companies allow passengers.
-Ask about the salary structure, including how much you can expect the first year. (Some of the numbers you see in the magazines are based on achieving bonuses, raises, performance, etc. Also, they may not be your first year’s pay of trucking.)
-See if they will allow you to bring a dog if you plan to have a dog. Not all companies will allow it or some will allow it and charge you.
After talking to companies about the truck driving job, this is usually the recruiter, go back to the truck stop and see if you can find drivers for that company. (Of course, the smaller the company, the more difficult this will be to achieve.) Ask the drivers the same questions he asked the company to see how well their answers match those of the recruiters.
This will give you more accurate information about the local time. How the company will handle certain situations, pay raises, and other things that some companies may not be completely upfront about.
Browsing the Internet can also help you narrow down your company choices. Also keep in mind that there are many types of truck driving jobs, ranging from dump trucks to heavy hauling and every other type of transport. While you’re online and while you’re talking to drivers
Be sure to consider what it means to be away from home for 2-3 weeks at a time before you decide that you want to become a trucker. I always recommend that one person pretend to be away from home for 3 weeks and let the spouse handle everything in the house just as they would if you were gone.
This will help you make sure you didn’t forget to cover something before you head out on the big road.
Truck driving jobs are a solid career path with lots of growth potential. You can buy a truck, buy several trucks (You should find high quality drivers if you do this) and lease to a company or get your own authority. You can develop relationships and network while driving so you can build your trucking company with your own contracts.
There are many other arrangements and opportunities in trucking, just remember, trucking is much more than a job, trucking is a lifestyle. The whole family lives a certain way because one parent and/or spouse have become truckers.
Now, if I haven’t scared you off, good luck wanting to take one of the many truck driving jobs across the country. Hope to see you here one day on the big trail.