The freedom of the open road has long been a celebrated part of American culture. If you enjoy being behind the wheel, a career spent driving may sound appealing. And when you can picture yourself in the driver’s seat of an 18-wheeler, it’s only natural to wonder, “Is being a truck driver hard?”
Is Being a Truck Driver Hard?
There are roughly 3.5 million truck drivers currently working on American roadways, according to Gitnux. Experts expect steady growth in the trucking industry because freight transportation plays such a vital role in the supply chain. As a result, the need for drivers is likely to remain high, so anyone entering the field can expect to find steady work.
Is being a truck driver hard? That may depend on your perspective. Like any other job, it has its pros and cons. Exploring those can help you decide if the perks of driving a truck outweigh the challenges.
Entry Is Easy and Quick
Getting your foot on the career ladder can be difficult in some fields. Many require college degrees before you can even be considered, and snagging that first job is tough when every job posting lists experience as a must. Truck driving is different. Entry into this field is relatively easy and quick. As the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates, you can generally get a commercial driver’s license in a matter of weeks. No college classes are needed. Instead, you’ll look for a driver’s training program. Many of these programs will help you with job placement, and jobs are waiting.
Pay Is Rewarding
Truck drivers have a chance to earn a solid income while doing a job they enjoy. As Fit to Pass reports, truck drivers earn an average of $51,000. Those who specialize in long-haul routes that keep them out for longer periods earn more. They bring home an average of $64,000. Drivers can also earn bonuses that increase their income. Owner-operators, drivers who own their trucks and operate their own small businesses, can see the greatest profit. They also enjoy the most freedom.
Independence Is Part of the Daily Routine
If the thought of heading into an office, sitting in the same chair, being surrounded by the same cubicle walls, and being micromanaged gives you the shivers, truck driving may be your ideal job. While drivers do have to meet goals, interact with dispatchers and receivers, and respect deadlines, they spend the majority of their time independently. As they guide their trucks safely along the highways, their cab is their kingdom. They control the details of their day-to-day work.
Stress Is Part of the Job
Driving can be fun. However, driving for hours a day for several days at a time inevitably involves some stress. This is especially true when you’re dealing with bad weather, traffic-clogged routes, and drivers who don’t realize or respect the difficulties involved in maneuvering a large truck. It also involves sitting for long periods, which can be physically stressful. Learning how to manage that stress effectively is part of a professional driver’s job. Choosing to work for a good company that outfits its vehicles with the latest safety equipment and builds a supportive culture certainly helps. Developing a collection of audiobooks or music playlists to keep you company may also be useful. Exploring stretches and other ways to fit in physical activity while on the road can also aid your efforts to manage stress.
Benefits Are Bountiful
Because there’s such a demand for truck drivers, you’ll find the job comes with numerous benefits. Some are the expected ones, including healthcare, vacation, and retirement plans. Other perks are more unusual. For example, some employers will offer the chance to become an owner-operator with leasing plans. For anyone interested in being a business owner, these opportunities are certainly attractive. Are you an animal lover? Many employers allow drivers to bring pets with them. As a truck driver, your dog could be riding in the passenger seat!
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Driving trucks is challenging but also immensely rewarding.
Looking to begin your career as a truck driver? Contact BLC Transportation today. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance with registering for an LLC, and more. Join our team today!