Driving a truck for a living is a concept that’s extremely tempting to some, and completely off-putting to others. There’s a lot to know about truck driving before selecting it as a career path, so if you’re thinking about trucking to earn a living, you need to do your research first.
Here are a few of the basics you’ll need to know about the job – what it entails, how much you’ll earn and what your life will be like as a trucker.
Job Role
As a trucker, your main responsibility will be to drive, of course. Your role will be to transport goods safely to their destinations all while driving efficiently. Sourcing heavy duty truck parts can form part of the maintenance side of the job, but if you’re only working as a driver this may not be a concern for you.
Keep in mind that these trips will be long-distance and will often require you to be away from home for weeks at a time.
There are a few different options you can look into regarding the nature of your employment contract, which will impact how you work, how much you work and how you get paid.
Requirements
Fortunately, there aren’t a lot of qualifications required to become a truck driver. For the most part, you’ll only need an appropriate driver’s license but some companies will require you to complete a few extra courses, such as driving skills and safety.
In terms of other general skills, good communication skills are always a benefit, and being in good general health will be helpful. As a driver, you might be required to assist in loading and unloading, which will require some physical strength.
Fortunately though, you’ll mostly be working independently and alone, which makes the role ideal for more introverted people.
Payment
The average truck driver’s salary is difficult to pinpoint, but some sources indicate an average of around $29 per hour, averaging out to an average of $60000 a year. However, this can vary depending on several factors ranging from experience to the company you work for.
One major financial benefit of this job is the fact that you’re unlikely to ever be out of a job or income. Trucking offers serious job stability since the service will always be in demand.
Lifestyle
The lifestyle of a truck driver is either for you, or it isn’t. You’ll spend long hours on the road for weeks at a time, which is a great gig for introverts and adventurers who are excited to travel loads and see the country.
However, if you’re an extrovert or a family-oriented person, you may find the time away from home and periods of isolation to be challenging. Your health is another lifestyle-related factor to consider. Being on the road all day makes it tough to eat well and exercise enough since you’re sitting all day and most of your options are fast food. However, you can always look out for healthier fast-food options, such as smoothie or salad bars.
