It can be difficult to navigate a job search. Often, you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into until you’ve completed all of your paperwork and signed on the dotted line. We can’t help you if you’re thinking about a career in neurosurgery or floral arrangement.
However, if you’re interested in a truck driver career, we’ve got you covered. To help you decide if this is the right field for you, consider the pros and cons of trucking.
Pro: Easy start in terms of getting a job
It is not necessary to have years of schooling or prior experience to work in the trucking industry. When you’re ready to take the plunge, all you need is a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a quick course to learn the basics (and when we say quick, we mean it — some courses can be completed in a matter of weeks). Whether you need a job quickly or just don’t like the idea of going to school, trucking makes it easy to get started.
Cons: The Possibility of an Unhealthy Lifestyle
When you’re on the road all day, your food options are usually limited to quick drive-thrus. It’s easy and tempting to pull off the highway when you see a McDonald’s sign, but too many soft drinks and burgers lead to a poor diet. Truckers must keep this in mind. When they’re on the road, they should look for more nutritious menu options and pack healthy snacks ahead of time.
Pro: An Independent Work Day is a plus
You don’t have coworkers to distract you or a boss looking over your shoulder all day if you work in the trucking industry. Truckers have the unique opportunity to work independently and flexibly. You have control over when you take breaks, what music you listen to while driving, and what you wear to work.
Cons: Spending the majority of the day alone
Having said that, trucking is frequently a one-man show. You don’t usually have coworkers with whom to gather around a water cooler or grab drinks after work. For some, this may not be an issue, but for others, it may become tedious or even lonely at times. To counteract this, there are numerous ways to have fun while driving alone.
Pro: Job Security
Truck drivers are in high demand, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon. With nearly three-quarters of freight tonnage arriving by truck, retail would come to a halt without trucking. That means truckers will have unquestionable job security.
As long as you have your CDL and a good driving record, you can work in the trucking industry for as long as you want. You can move across the country or leave a company you don’t like without fear of losing your job — something you can’t say for most industries.
What is the average pay for a Company Truck Driver?
While the average annual truck driver salary in a company in the United States is $55,804 per year, it seems that in 2023 there is a new trend of highly paid truckers that are bound to pull this average way up, with some earning $90,000-$100,000 per year!
So the variation is quite large and the question that remains, of course, is how to find the right trucking jobs. Also, obtaining an understanding of the trucking career, since increases in pay, advancements, skill level, location, etc. — they all factor in to the salary.
How to find a good truck driving job?
If you want to become a truck driver, there is no better time than now. There are numerous openings and opportunities available. To get started, simply conduct an online search. A quick online search will bring up truck driving jobs in your area, allowing you to compare companies, job openings, and rates all in one place. With this information and simple research, you can select the best fit and the highest salary.
