If you’re thinking of starting a career as a truck driver, you’re making an excellent choice. There is a high demand for truck drivers, and that demand will only increase. As the population grows and people continue to purchase more products, the trucking industry will require more qualified drivers. A career in trucking offers financial stability, and you’ll never need to worry about a lack of work. That said, there are some things to consider before you start your career.
Are you a good driver?
Now, this may seem obvious, but as a truck driver, your job will be predominantly driving. It’s essential not only that you enjoy driving but that you’re a good driver. You need to be proficient with road safety and take the time to upskill so you can drive a large truck. You’ll need a specialized license to drive a large vehicle, but companies will often pay for it for you. They will pair you with an experienced driver and give you on-the-job training to learn how to drive and become licensed.
Be honest with yourself regarding how much you like to drive and understand the risks involved with being on the road. Accidents can happen, and you could sustain injuries if the accidents are severe. Make sure you have contact with a company that is proficient at handling car accident injury cases just in case something does happen.
The long hours
While you may enjoy driving on short road trips or around town, being a truck driver requires 8-10 hours on the road daily. You’ll get stuck in traffic often, so patience is a good skill to have. You will have deadlines to meet and, therefore, may be unable to make frequent stops. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as many 9-5 jobs require you to sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, but when you’re on the road, you need to have total focus the whole time. As a truck driver, you’ll spend hours on the road and get many opportunities to see new cities and locations daily, which is one of the perks of the job.
The flexibility
Pursuing a career as a truck driver means not having your typical 9-5 hours. While you can find trucking opportunities that allow you to work locally, the majority require you to be away for days at a time. You may even spend weeks on the road, but then have a few weeks at home. Long-distance hauls will pay exceptionally well, but you have to be willing to be away for a while. Alternatively, if you only want to work 40 hours a week, you can usually find a trucking opportunity locally so you can still have a good work/life balance.
The variety of options makes a trucking career a great opportunity since you can choose how much or how little you want to work. You’ll get the chance to see new places on various routes and enjoy time out on the open road. If this all sounds good to you, then a career in trucking may be the perfect path.
