The Benefits of Being a Truck Driver
Demand Ensures Employment Opportunities
According to Zippia, grocery stores would run out of food in just three days if truckers parked their vehicles. That’s because these professionals move 72.5 percent of the U.S.’s freight, which means they play a vital role in keeping a massive amount of the economy rolling along. In fact, almost every aspect of the American economy is touched by the trucking industry, which employed some 3.5 million drivers and earned more than $875 billion in 2021. With the importance of trucking, it’s easy to understand why truck drivers are in high demand. People with the right skills and experience will have no problems finding a job.
Training Is Quick and Affordable
Many desirable careers are hard to access because the training required takes years and carries an expensive price tag. Truck driving is different. Obtaining your commercial driver’s license is all that’s necessary to open the door to your first job. While each state has its own specific requirements, many people find success by enrolling in a driver’s training course. These courses generally take a few months and often come with assistance in navigating the required testing and locating job opportunities.
Is being a truck driver worth it? As with any field, you might not land your dream job initially. However, professionals who gain experience and skill while demonstrating that they are safe, reliable drivers will find that they are in high demand. As a result, they’ll be able to choose from a variety of interesting opportunities.
Benefits Are Plentiful
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is heavily involved in supporting the health and safety of truck drivers and the trucking industry. When discussing the benefits that driving a big truck brings, FMCSA is quick to point out several:
- Job stability
- Competitive pay
- Bonuses
- Travel
- Flexible hours
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plans
Freedom Is Real
Is being a truck driver worth it? Steering a big truck across the highways and byways does come with certain responsibilities and deadlines, so it can be stressful at times. However, it also offers a massive amount of freedom. Unlike a traditional office worker, you’re not stuck making the same mind-numbing commute to sit in a cubicle doing the same repetitive thing. Your cab is your office, and you set the agenda. The view is always changing, and every day is a little different. You can listen to audiobooks or music while you drive, and you control what is played. Many companies also allow drivers to bring along a pet for company.
The Community Is Supportive
Driving a truck can be isolating because your life experience is so different. At the same time, taking your seat behind the wheel makes you part of a unique community. While the trucking community may be spread across roads and roadsides around the country, it is connected by its understanding of what this job requires. It’s a very supportive community, and the people in it are willing to share information and advice. That makes it easy to build positive relationships.
Entrepreneurship Is an Option
If you are interested in being your own boss, driving a truck could help you map out the route to your goals. Many trucking companies offer lease-purchase opportunities that allow you to lease a truck. Generally, you’ll operate as an independent contractor and make payments until the purchase is complete. Then, you’ll be considered an owner-operator. Truck drivers who own their vehicles have greater freedom when it comes to choosing their routes and jobs. However, they also have more responsibilities regarding maintenance, taxes, and other details.