Being a truck driver is a unique and challenging career; a job choice that isn’t for everyone, but those that choose truck driving as a career love what they do. What exactly is the allure of truck driving for truckers and why would anyone choose it as a career?
Trucking matters
One positive outcome of the recent pandemic is that it shone a spotlight on exactly how important truck drivers our to our country. Sure, people understood that truckers move items from point A to point B, but recent events have drastically changed the public’s awareness of how essential trucker drivers are to the economy of our nation. Of course, truck drivers knew this all along, but it’s nice that everyone else knows it now too!
Freedom of the road
Many drivers choose this profession because of the sense of freedom it provides. As a truck driver, you get the opportunity to explore the open roads without being tied to a desk or working the usual 9 to 5 schedule. Truckers can often choose how many hours they take on, where they’re going or how long they’re away from home; that’s not an option for many other jobs out there! Their “office” is their desk, and many truckers get to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country from the luxury of their “desk”!
Bring your pet (or partner) to work options
Many truck drivers out there seldom travel alone. Depending on the company they work for, many trucking companies allow if not encourage truckers to bring their pets along for the ride. Coldliner Express supports our fur baby family and encourages our truckers to take them along on their routes. Several trucking companies also allow trucking teams; spouses or partners that help work the route. Not many jobs out there allow you to take your pet or partner to work every day!
Well-paying career
There is always a need for good truck drivers, so truckers know how lucrative the career can be. Reputable companies pay well with impressive benefits such as vacation, health insurance, and much more. What’s more, with the increased demand for truck drivers, compensation continues to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers’ annual mean wage in 2021 was $52,240 with full-time employment — but depending on the employer and role, truck driver salaries can be higher. The salary a truck driver can expect will vary depending on several factors such as hours worked, experience, miles driven, etc.
Numerous training options are available
The road to becoming a professional truck driver isn’t time or cost prohibitive. Though requirements vary by trucking companies, most require a high school diploma or GED, as well as a CDL, also known as Commercial Driver’s License. To drive a commercial motor vehicle in the United States, the driver must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License, or “CDL.” To obtain a CDL, a driver must pass several knowledge and skills tests. Getting a CDL varies by state, and some trucking companies may assist in obtaining the proper training while others require a CDL and experience before applying for a trucking job.
Strong trucking community
There is truly a vibrant trucking community throughout the United States. Numerous blogs, podcasts, and publications are aimed specifically at truckers and the unique needs, interests, and challenges that come along with the job. Such resources provide industry news, opportunity, tools, and community for millions of drivers. Truckers support one another, and share tips, advice, road conditions, and the best places to eat! They share pictures and videos of their travels and continuously support one another. The trucking community understands that trucking isn’t for everyone, and the job has several challenges, but as a community, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Many truckers consider fellow truckers their family.
The trucking industry may not be a career choice for everyone, but for those who chose the profession, it’s because they love it! Think a career in trucking might be right for you? Get more information on becoming a trucker with Coldliner Express!