In 2021 the average base salary in the United States was $66,160 per year for truckers. High Turnover And Poor Training In an industry with a turnover rate of over 100%, some companies burn through drivers. This pride makes truck driving worth it. A truck driver is someone who earns a living driving a truck, transporting goods and materials over land. Truck driving careers can be rewarding, satisfying, and full of adventure and there are many benefits to the job. People in this industry have a lot of feedback and. Get trucking news and insights, plus job alerts and trending gear delivered straight to your inbox. 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. 1. 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. Truck driver: He isnt the primary pilot, but a teams truck driver has a very important job. There are many trucking companies that require . There are delays at shippers and receivers, bad directions, bad weather, bad traffic, bad drivers, bad food, bad roads, and on and on. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The driver must always be aware of the dangers. You will get paid to see some amazing things. Truck owner fakes her own kidnapping to avoid meeting payroll. $18.75 - $25.55 . 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. So you are looking for your next career and truck driving has caught your eye. 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. I have spent over 33 years in the Industry, in various sectors of the career field. (Based on. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Eating a sandwich at a rest stop is not the same experience as having a home-cooked meal. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If you take a look around at what people wear, the foods they eat, or the smartphones they stare into every day, those items got into their possession because of a delivery. Although the truck and trailer are heavily damaged, the drivers usually walk away. That means youre almost guaranteed to find a job if you earn your CDL. Most of them tell us about a manager or coworker who wouldn't give them space and kept "breathing down their back. 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. There's the stress of being away from home and worrying about your family when you're gone. We help YOU make it! Answer (1 of 5): I have to say that Truck Driving is an Honorable career, as a whole; but it's not for everyone. Some people think with long working hours that truck drivers are rich. There are numerous benefits for adults, whether coupling or going solo, to get . They take a break when the E-log forces them. Many reliable sources put the figure at the median of $62,000 a year1. Back in the day it was an excess of narrow 2 lane roads, little or no snow removal, and poor communication between drivers and their employers. 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. Thats why some of the most successful owner-operators are married couples since they can avoid this disadvantage. One of the first things you need to do, is learn how to handle that stress and take it in stride. 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. Truck drivers are needed more than ever to keep the supply chain so that food, soap, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies get to store shelves. For some, its a tangible skill that puts them in demand and in control of their career. The bathrooms that you encounter can be even worse. Every job has expectations and deadlines, but the communication comes from miles away instead of sitting next to you in the cab. If you are thinking truck driving might be a good career for you, consider driving for Dillon Transportation. 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. 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. They typically go to and from retail and distributions centres or manufacturing plants, working any hours of the day or night. You can speak with other drivers over the radio as well, which means the interstate gets to be your office. There are several different training programs available in the United States and around the world that will let you earn your CDL. Like any career, trucking and the transportation industry have good points and bad. Each of those vehicles requires a driver to pick up goods and then deliver them to their intended destination. ", 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. 1. Weather is probably one of the first things that come to mind in the list of truckings hazards. Spending hours on the road is a day that some people love even with all of the challenges that come with such a position. If you're ready to get working and get paid, a trucking career might be the perfect career choice for you. Trucks are tracked via satellite and cell tower. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Our Delivery Drivers can make up to $40.25 / hour! 3. Trucking companies require drivers to avoid toll roads by taking surface routes that may not have truck parking available. Another reason is that we have a baseline of 70 hour work weeks. Even when you do your best to follow the published guidelines, your work schedule and sleep patterns are almost always guaranteed to change. Ship wrecks and airline fatalities have dramatically dropped over the decades. The new Hours of Service and its hard enforcement has too many trucks stopping at the same time. Benefits medical, dental, vision, employer paid pension, life insurance, strong safety culture, and much more! Earn a 6-Figure Income. It does not store any personal data. Register to the FMCSA Clearinghouse*. Help us improve CareerBuilder by providing feedback about this job: Report this job Job ID: 63593e14e17e3d44312ec366. This shortage is made up of several components. 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. Trucking, though it sounds fun, requires a lot of training and licensing. Full-time . CareerBuilder TIP. While trucking isn't a great career choice for . 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. Its a chance to earn some money as a second career, and you can even lose weight or manage chronic conditions if you take care of yourself while youre on the road. Yes, driving a truck can be hard. You face delays, deadlines, poor directions, and traffic constantly. 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. Stress is an inevitable component of the trucking industry. Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26. Minimum of six months commercial driving experience or three months commercial driving experience in the food and/or beverage delivery industry required. As a reminder, we started with the question Is Trucking Worth It? We answered that question with a resounding YES! Trucking can Make sure to check out all the pros and cons of being a truck driver in this article first! Low pay? It has been good to me, however it did and does come with it's challenges like most other career fie. PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE. Add in a couple of lazy consignees and some bad weather and youve got a recipe for a tremendous disadvantage. 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. Is it a risk factor? 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Yes, you'll find yourself working 70 hours a week instead of 40. 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. 1. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. 5. 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. Over the decades, drivers have always faced an element of danger. Although some programs allow you to bring people with you, most professionals in this industry operate alone or with a co-driver. 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. If you decide that this line of work isnt right for you after earning your license, then you can transition into delivery services for companies like UPS, FedEx, or even the U.S. Commercial truck drivers are usually paid in a way that is different than most workers. 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. Stress is an inevitable part of a career in trucking. Statistics on Truck AccidentsIn 2019 there were 4,119 fatalities due to truck accidents. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". There is a lot of job security in this industry. 67% of those fatalities were passengers or drivers of regular non-commercial vehicles. Trucking is not only fun and adventurous, but also gives you a secure future where you will be in demand. This flexibility is one of the best benefits that occur when you decide to pursue a career as a truck driver. 6 million Class 8 heavy-duty trucks operate to serve this hauling needs. You can use your CDL in other ways. 7. Flatbed trucks are a popular option because the jobs tend to pay more, which means you will haul everything from sod to airplanes. What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet? I could go on and on with this list, but the parking issue is another part of driver fatigue. Old technology and the pressure of keeping up with building demands helped keep logging at the top of the dangerous job list. Research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking generally analyzes three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and inefficacy. You are dealing with weather events on a regular basis. If you want to work as a truck driver, then youll need to know how to operate these vehicles. There is a lot of independence in the truck driving industry. Aside from fatalities, there are approximately 130,000 people that suffer from injuries each year, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, neck injuries, and more. You might find yourself in a tropical heatwave one day and be on snow-packed roads the next. Local Independent Contractor Box Truck NON CDL Driver. You can earn bonuses for taking certain routes. This pride makes truck driving worth it. There are high levels of stress that truck drivers must endure. Why are truckers still at risk with all the industry advancements? By far, the crowded highways of summer claim more lives and cause more injuries than winter storms. Because of this high turnover rate, the training is less than stellar. The level of certification that you want to achieve will determine the final cost of your education in this area. Is Trucking a stressful job? That is a good income with all consideration that other professions have lower medians than this job. Depending on the program, CDL training programs . Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job. 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. Stress is an inevitable part of a career in trucking. Inexperience is a huge factor in all of the above risk factors. Trucking is not only fun and adventurous, but also gives you a secure future where you will be in demand. 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. Is truck driving a good career choice? Solo drivers take home up to $109,000 a year, while team drivers . 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. 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. 11. 6. Must be at least 21 years of age. Most programs cost between $3,000 to $7,000. Tanker trucks can carry hazardous materials. Being home every weekend as a guarantee only means that they schedule you there before midnight Monday morning. Loading and unloading freight, picking up and dropping trailers and other mundane tasks are known to cause personal injury. To start a new career, it often takes years of training to get certified or to complete a degree. We are rarely home. You cant help how fast your truck can climb an incline, even if some people driving around you think that youre a miracle worker. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Most people are glued to their city and surrounding area, but as a truck driver, you can drive coast to coast. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. . Everything from tarping a load of lumber to installing snow chains on the side of a highway bring dangerous risks. ADDITIONAL Benefits for Route Ready/Relief Drivers: EXTRA $1.75/hr on top of your starting pay rate. It can also be a place that seems lonely and difficult. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed. Siren On The Moon. Today we have one of the worlds most impressive interstate highway systems. Finally, 16% were truck drivers and occupants. Reefer trailers will move refrigerated goods, while bull haulers are necessary for moving livestock. Main Ingredients of the Job. 20 Pros and Cons of Being a Truck Driver. There are several reasons why people decide to pursue this profession. 10. Video advice: Why The Trucking Industry Is So Fragmented And Chaotic. 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 also opportunities to be owner-operators in the trucking industry that can also help you to earn a lot more. (Pros and Cons, Past, Present & Future Projections). 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. The average starting pay for a truck driver with a CDL is $35,000 in the United States. If you're a trucker who is feeling discouraged at this point, all is not lost. 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. Over 70% of all the tonnage moved across the United States goes on trucks. You can even become an instructor or trainer with a CDL company based on your experiences on the road. Without drivers and this industry, it would be impossible for families to have access to what they need every day. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Why is truck driving a good career choice? Driving a large commercial vehicle takes the utmost concentration. 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. 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. Although the rate of fatalities per thousand is down slightly, the total number of fatalities are up with the higher amount of people travelling. Long hours? Indexes for the industry in 2019 surged nearly 7% higher than the year before for activities. Being away from family for so long can be depressing for some. The Trucking Podcast is a trademark of Thomas Ballard, sole owner of The Trucking Podcast and truckigpodcast.com. Depending on experience AND eligible for overtime ! You will become familiar with numerous cities across the country, getting to see lots of incredible things along the way. When you work as a truck driver, then the meals you need arent as consistent as they ought to be. Those foggy freeway pileup videos also go viral, but those types of chain collisions are quite uncommon. It comes with the job. Is Truck Driving a good career? Even in some of the truck stops, a driver can be easily victimized. . Register to the FMCSA Clearinghouse*. Truck driving as a career doesn't require any degree, Starting pay is $28.20 / hour depending on experience plus eligible new hires will also receive a $10,000 Sign-on Bonus. The heavier the traffic, the greater number of collisions, injuries and fatalities. There is a lot of time spent away from home. You'd be hard-pressed to find another career out there that allows you to make . The booming economy has more freight being shipped, equaling more trucks on the road. Yes, trucking is a good career for the future because the compensation is high. Some truck drivers have the chance to earn bonuses when they decide to take specific loads that are not highly desired by others. 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. 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. I'm fortunate because I get a couple of days home every 2 weeks. 2. Est. This feeling of exploration is something that most jobs cannot offer. If these key points make it seem like earning a CDL is the right move to make, then there is no better time than now to start looking for a licensing program in your area. If youre working as a truck driver, then you are going to be on the road full-time. . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Driving a truck is easy on your body. There are several reasons why people wouldn't like this profession. Shortages of truck parking in this country are nothing new. There are some truck drivers who struggle to adapt to rapid environmental changes. Truck driving is a great career for those who want to start earning a high annual salary without spending years on training. It can also cause them to quit. Great! Here are three appealing factors truck driving has to offer. Youre the one planning routes, scheduling breaks, and controlling how your time gets used. Trucks left to burn in I5 fire, from Overdriveonline.com. Getting behind the wheel for an employer will get you plenty of benefits in addition to your salary. Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. There is plenty of stress in driving professionally for a living. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? While you might imagine that truckers dont get much holiday time, they do. Another 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. US Foods is one of the largest food distributors with a culture and history of promoting from . It can get lonely working as a truck driver. Trucking is an adventure, a lifestyle and a great career choice. If you get stuck somewhere during a layover, then you have an even better chance to go look at stuff. 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 . Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. You don't want to spend years training for a career. 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. Truck driving offers good pay due to the shortage of drivers, and it has actually increased over the past couple years. 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. 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. This amount is in addition to your salary and whatever benefits you earn. 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. They are paid based on their productivity, usually by the mile driven or the total load. Many times it will be at the side of the highway, sitting in the cab with the emergency lights on. Over 10. Good Wages. Truck driving as a career doesnt require any degree, but you need to be excellent at driving and you have to be time sensitive. One of the first things you need to do, is learn how to handle that stress and take it in stride. What are the vacancies for this individuals Japan? Here are 5 reasons why you should become a truck driver. Inga Cadranel, ActressYou consider becoming a truck driver but are not entirely sure whether this job is good for you or not? The American Trucking Association expects an increase in tonnage of at least 25% in the United States by 2030. Some of them are not going to be the best drivers, but they will blame you for the problems they encounter. Why do truck drivers quit? Again, this post is number 3 in a series. You think about becoming a trucker? If you want a better life, job or improved fitness, make better choices. That figure represents all routes and hauls that you might do. If you love driving, then this job is an opportunity to bring a lot of happiness into your life. Youll just need to be adaptable. Apply online instantly. Our Delivery Drivers can make up to $40.25 / hour! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Full-time. Trucks keep rolling in all but the worst of conditions. If you like to eat certain meals or struggle with a snacking habit, becoming a truck driver could be potentially dangerous to your health. There will always be risks with driving, but most trucks are the biggest vehicle on the road. It can also cause them to quit. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Mileage reimbursement (commuted miles in personal vehicle to assigned yard) 70 hours sick leave. 7. Consignees and shippers will load you when its convenient for them, and there is much you can do about that issue. Copyright 2022 - BDJobsToday.org. 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. Only the top 10% of truck drivers make more than $58,000 per year. Without drivers and this industry, it would be impossible for families to have access to what they need every day. I found this one at Jalopnik.com. View this and more full-time & part-time jobs in Shepherd, MT on Snagajob. The advantage is that YOU determine how hard you want to work and how much you want to make. 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. There are several laws in the United States that govern where, how, and when you get to sleep during every 24-hour cycle of driving. If youre looking for a new job, a job in the truck driving industry is worth considering. For others, its a chance to get out of the office and enjoy the outdoors. Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26,000 pounds and often lose sleep to meet strict delivery deadlines. Truck drivers deliver raw materials to different manufacturing industries. More families are on the road for summer vacations. Ready to build a career with a company that's leading the foodservice industry? 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. So there is some variation in weekly pay since it may differ from week to week. 5. A recent survey by CareerCast thinks so. 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. How much is a wristband at the Arizona State Fair? This industry has been moving the economy and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Trucks are nowhere near as nimble or maneuverable as those minivans and SUVs. The open road can be a place where you can clear your head and think. Wait-Times Kill Driver Income . Urgently Hiring. If a driver wants to blame his poor health on a career choice, hes welcome to do so. When examining the pros and cons of being a truck driver, it is clear that some people are ready for life on the road. BECOME A US FOODS DRIVER! Benefits medical, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, strong safety culture, and much more! 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. Mileage reimbursement (commuted miles in personal vehicle to assigned yard) 70 hours sick leave. And, yes, truck driving was 17th. Before getting lost in the weeds of the how and what, focus your approach by pausing to reflect on why you're doing it. While there is required training and paperwork that goes into getting your CDL and authority, the pay is often worth it for truck drivers. 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. Most people dont know who you are, but you know that youre making their lives better by what you do. Truck drivers typically earn a high salary right away. This market is secure even during times of recession, which means there is always a chance to bring home a paycheck. All rights reserved. Yes, I did steal a Dr. Seuss quote there. 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. Burnout impacts drivers' personal life, health, and job performance. 1. You have a lot of independence and personal freedom when trucking. You face stringent state and Federal rules that limit the number of hours you can drive in any given period of time . Truckers have been awakened abruptly in the middle of the night and robbed at gunpoint. Others find it an easy way to get out of unemployment/underemployment considering no college degree is required. Sleep can be a problem for some truck drivers. For a lot of experienced drivers, what makes the job hard is the stress. 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. If you are a self-starter who is independent and patient, then being a truck driver can be a successful experience. 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. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? Drivers must operate these vehicles without distraction, aggression, or arrogance. 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. If expensive two- or four-year programs don't suit you, you're not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for truck drivers is $43,680. 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. More Positive Attitude Among Everyday Civilians It's no secret that there is excessive litigation in the trucking industry. https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/15774644/why_is_trucking_so_dangerous.mp3, 7 Tools To Finding Higher Paying Truck Loads. This makes us targets. Apply for a US Foods CDL A Truck Driver job in Shepherd, MT. Research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking generally analyzes three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and inefficacy. Many companies offer performance-based rewards, too. Why is truck driving a good career choice? Video advice: 6 Reasons Why You Shouldnt Become A Truck Driver, Is Trucking Worth it? Once you earn the license, you can begin working right away. Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy | Site Map. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. Burnout impacts drivers' personal life, health, and job performance. Must be able to pass DOT physical. Must have valid CDL Class A issued by the state of legal residence with necessary endorsements and DOT qualifications. 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. It doesnt take much to get your CDL. There are nutritional considerations that can become problematic for some people if they eat fast-food options as a way to meet their deadlines. The average starting pay for a truck driver with a CDL is $35,000 in the United States. It can be immensely satisfying to know that youre playing such a critical role in todays world. Here are a few big ones. For a lot of experienced drivers, what makes the job hard is the stress. Join Our Community of Food People! 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. Having a CDL qualifies you to take on several different loads or driving options in the future. Its a continuous cycle that ensures businesses, and the economy at large stay afloat. 4. 8. Minimum of six months commercial driving experience (any industry) OR three months commercial driving experience in the food and/or beverage delivery . Drivers no longer have the luxury of waiting out the rush hour by grabbing a meal, going for a walk or taking a nap. Allergies can be a significant problem with the climate differences you encounter as well. There are others who can adapt to it because its their best option to earn some money. It could be as simple as earning a good living or supporting a family, but maybe there's more to it. Over 70% of all the tonnage moved across the United States goes on trucks. In an industry with a turnover rate of over 100%, some companies burn through drivers. When to look for a better trucking carrier? The lanes you run, where you park and what you haul will all play into your ability to keep safe. If you enjoy getting behind the wheel, then being a truck driver is a natural career fit. You will have little schooling because trucking is a relatively easy job. Why truck driving is a bad career? Missing from this list is driver health. Truck drivers are basically the middlemen between companies, retailers, and customers. 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. Great Pay for Little School. It was between construction worker (16th) and buyer (18th). Class A CDL courses, (license that's required to drive a commercial vehicle) often last for only a month or two. Truck drivers are one of the least happy careers in the United States. Hourly rates average $20-30 an hour, with night shifts having even more attractive pay rates. The movement of freight tonnage is the secret to the success of the American economy. CDL A Truck Driver - Now Hiring . There are opportunities to earn them for meeting specific distance ratings throughout the year. Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job. 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? 2. 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. 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. Slow trucks and even slower RVs on heavily congested highways frustrate drivers of all sized vehicles. Heavy traffic, aggressive driving and todays high rate of distracted driving due to cell phones are causing wrecks at an alarming rate. As bad as that is, we know the rate was considerably higher in the post WWII baby boom 50s and 60s. Truck drivers are sometimes written off by society because they embrace the wanderlust or live like a vagabond. Video advice: Is It Worth Getting Into Trucking in 2022? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Your email address will not be published. Truck driving as a second career is a popular choice when it comes to those reaching retirement age. But unlike the book, many of these places arent good. HOW IT WORKS Long-haul trucking may be a one-person job, but it doesn't have to be a lonely one. . Along with the interstate freeway system, the trucking industry has the benefits of communication systems we couldnt have imagined in the past. Today we have a mix of causes for the truck parking shortage. This prevents just anyone from becoming a commercial truck driver. They provide an essential service to industrialized societies. 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. It comes with the territory. There is a worker shortage in the industry. Hard work, common sense and street smarts will protect most drivers from the overwhelming dangers any driver will encounter. Even parked within the false security of a big named truck stop, robberies occur. Situational awareness: This is extremely important in the military and in a career as a professional truck driver. Truck driving as a career doesnt require any degree,. 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. 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. And, yes, truck driving was 17th. Even if you haul local loads only, youre going to be on the road all day without much human contact. It comes with the job. Loggers still top the list with a fatality rate of 135.9 per 100,000 in 2016. If you drive across the country, then your home is going with you the entire time. About this job Find your commute . Driving a truck long distances over the road, and being away from home for days at a time, isn't for everyone. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You are going to spend long periods of time alone on the highway when you work as a truck driver. That means 3.6 million Class 8 heavy-duty trucks operate to serve this hauling needs. $18.75 - $25.55. BECOME A US FOODS DRIVER! Truckers drive, deliver and pick up in some of the worst parts of Americas cities. It was between construction worker (16th) and buyer (18th). Showers for drivers can be hit-and-miss in their cleanliness. 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. 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. List of the Pros of Being a Truck Driver1. Stick with me since I will show you all the pros and cons of being a truck driver in the following chapters. Due to a lack of paying customers, the truck stops with larger lots are closing at a record rate. 9. The payment can include much more than the annual salary. So way is truck driving still on the list? 3. Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job . Postal Service. One of the primary benefits of being a truck driver is that you dont have someone always looking over your shoulder. Lets just say the poor training and lack of experience is a safety risk upon itself. There will be days when you must rest when you dont feel tired. 5 billion tons of freight goes across U.S. roads every year, with even more in Europe and the rest of the world. If you find yourself in the position where you are not making money, and youve met with the carrier and voiced your concerns about being paid for your down time or waiting time or whatever it is, and you and your carrier dont seem to be able to work it out, its time to start looking for a better carrier. Trucker Job Profile I like guys who drive trucks. If your employment beats up your body on a daily basis, then you might want to consider becoming a truck driver. Dont underestimate the satisfaction that you feel by downing that youre making a difference. You get to earn the same benefits as most other workers. You are going to be dealing with people every day on the road. Getting your CDL, keeping your driving record cleaning, and meeting your delivery deadlines will unlock your success. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Getting a good meal isnt always easy. Safely drive trucks to and from remote dispatch sites. Some drivers will go a month or longer before getting to see home. This puts even more pressure on the few spots available. Truck driving is a great career choice because all that's needed is a clean driving record, a CDL, and a strong work ethic. Lets look at 7 top reasons. If youre overweight, eating garbage and failing to exercise in any meaningful manner, its your personal choice. The American Trucking Association expects an increase in tonnage of at least 25% in the United States by 2030. Because of this high turnover rate, the training is less than stellar. I know fat accountants, bankers, etc., trucking cant be an excuse for bad behavior. " If you hate having someone looking over your shoulder and constantly micro-managing you, then truck driving is the way to go. While were on the Jalopnik kick, how about a Flying Jeep? Is being a trucker good money? Some agencies offer their drivers paid holidays and vacation time. To become a commercial truck driver, you must pass further testing and certification. With us it's easy to find the job you want! 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. A recent survey by CareerCast thinks so. 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. We all know that over 80% of accidents involving big trucks are caused by 4-wheelers. Today. 8. Truck drivers working in unregulated intrastate commerce, out of reach of the DOT, may have no standards at all. If you decide to take a long haul route regularly, then you will face a bevy of different weather conditions. Yet Time Magazine still lists truck driving as 7th in its list of Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs In America. Here's just a few reasons why truck driving makes a great career. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Certainly, but its not a risk factor unique to trucking. Even more pressure on available parking is the result. Do you think traveling for work is a perk enjoyed only by flight attendants or consultants? You must be exceptionally patient when driving. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The pay is a big part of what makes truck driving a good career. Because there is such a shortage of truck drivers in the United States, this advantage can begin on your first day of employment. Your email address will not be published. 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. If something happens, its usually going to be with the other guy. There are delays at shippers and receivers, bad directions, bad weather, bad traffic, bad drivers, bad food, bad roads, and on and on. Here's 5 reasons why truck driving could be a great career choice for you! Join Our Community of Food People! Number two, employment the only unemployed truck driver is the truck driver that wants to be unemployed. Must have valid CDL Class A issued by the state of legal residence with necessary endorsements and DOT qualifications. Our drivers at Dillon are among the top earners in the industry. Truckers no longer take breaks when they need or want them. The truck driving industry plays an important role in the economy. Large companies force their drivers to fuel where the parking is severely limited. 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. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. 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. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Each of those vehicles requires a driver to pick up goods and then deliver them to their intended destination. Doing the work that drivers are responsible for. Posting id: 793517983. . By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You are making a difference in the lives of other people. There is plenty of stress in driving professionally for a living. If youre willing to drive across the country and only have weekends at home, you can earn double that amount in your first year. Is truck driving hard? Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26,000 pounds and often lose sleep to meet strict delivery deadlines. Like most full-time workers in the United States, that means youll qualify for medical insurance, dental, life, vision, and a retirement plan. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And oh, the cameras, theyre everywhere. 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. Chevy Colorado airbags deploying in light off-roading applications. The benefits that you earn extend to your family, even if you are a new driver for most agencies. Truck driving offers many benefits like high pay, growth opportunities, and plenty of employment opportunities that people typically think you can only achieve with a degree from a four-year college program. These issues may be outside of your control in some circumstances. They had pay phones, CB radios and little else. Apply Now. From NewsWeek.com. Get Paid To Travel The Country. Apply Now . Required fields are marked *. Indexes for the industry in 2019 surged nearly 7% higher than the year before for activities. You can embrace your love of driving. 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. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. 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. Truck drivers typically earn a high salary right away. But, still, do you consider truck driving your chosen profession to be one of the worst jobs in America? Lets just call it a given that each of the 6 industries ahead of us on the danger list have also advanced. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. 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. 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. Once you get behind the wheel, youll discover that some companies dont follow those regulations by the book. 2022 Randall-Reilly, LLC. These companies then produce and export finished products to various distributors through truckers. How you handle the dangers of the job and what you refuse to do will also make or break you. In fact, those 4-wheelers arent even as nimble as their drivers might think. 3. Loading and unloading freight, picking up and dropping trailers and other mundane tasks are known to cause personal injury. Some companies will provide extra money for loyalty to the company or for having an excellent safety record. Truck drivers drive an estimated 140 billion miles per year, and a single semi drives about 45,000 miles a year on average. Even though there's a bad reputation out there, there are reasons to improve it - and know this: your reputation can be fixed. 1. And, yes, truck driving was 17th. But I dont buy it. Think again! Theres the stress of being away from home and worrying about your family when youre gone. That means 3. The movement of freight tonnage is the secret to the success of the American economy. Weve all driven by the jackknifed trucks in the ditch after a big storm. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Depending on experience AND eligible for overtime ! There are specific logs and reports youll need to track and file, but you get to be in control of what you do. It all depends on how you decide to structure your job and what type of hauling you want to do. Truck drivers are heavily in-demand right now. 6. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Depending on where you live, 17 to 20 dollars an hour may or may not be Low. It's important to notice the signs of burnout, keep an eye on the early warning signs of stress, and ward off burnout when possible. You might need to drive when you are tired. 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