Becoming a truck driver: The pros and cons of driving a truck and how much money you may make
79
Truck driving is a popular career in America, and millions of Americans are employed as truckers, and chances are, they are making more money than you are. Unless gas prices go to the sky.
Have you thought about becoming a truck driver? I had thought about it, and researched heavily. I compiled a list of pros and cons as to becoming a trucker.
The pros:
-Income potential. As a beginner you can make about 30,000-50,000 a year depending on who you go with. As a company driver you can do up to 70,000-80,000 a year. As a team driver you can do over 100,000 a year.
-Business opportunity - you can become an owner-operator, drive independently delivering loads for companies freelance, and then expand it by buying more trucks and hiring drivers.
-cheap training, and sometimes, free training.
-The lone wolf lifestyle. Just you, the truck and the road ahead.
-You become a part of a community - truck drivers stick together, similar to military.
-You get to travel all over America (or wherever you live) without having to spend money to travel. And you get to eat at little local joints all over America that often serve very good food.
The cons:
-You're away from home a LOT. If you want to settle down or be with your family a lot, this is not your career, unless you are currently single, and thus can do your 2-3 years over the road (OTR), then try to get a job as a local driver.
-HIGH driver turnover. And, as with other trades, your workload and job security is VERY dependent on the economy.
-Dangerous job - it is one of the most dangerous jobs in America.
-You're never really a lone wolf - the bosses and dispatchers are still breathing down your back every second.
-It can feel like a third world job - sometimes you will stay in very run down, crappy little motels and eat at some of the worst places.
-Lack of respect - truck drivers have the image of being idiots or hicks,
-Dealing with idiots and hicks in your own profession can and will get grating.
-No free training anymore, due to the recession - companies like Schneider, Swift and CR England do not train for free anymore (the only way to train to become a trucker, without paying to train, is to join the military and be a trucker there).
-Lot lizards. Enough said.
Although I am doing what I recommended two paragraphs up and joining the military, I am not joining as a truck driver. I decided not to go for it as a career. But you might read the above, and decide that the pros outweigh the cons and choose trucking as a career. If you do, happy trucking!
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (3)
- Funny
- Awesome (1)
- Beautiful
- Interesting (1)
CommentsLoading...
If you are serious about becoming a truck driver,learn from an experienced truck driver.
Read:'Driving a big truck or how I became a professional tourist' by 'Steve Richards'.He is very educated,smart and also experienced driving trucks for quite a few years.
This is an offshore Trucking jobs advert. Fortiesoilfields (UK) is currently seeking Heavy Truck drivers willing to work abroad on contract basis for 3 yrs term with relocation benefits and free housing to support the provisions of Jobs against the rising unemployment in the transportation industry. Send in ur resume/CV via email: jobs.fortiesoilfields@live.com
truck driver has a dangerous job but its fun, you see alot of thing
Many thanks for this Trucking post. Some good information that all truckers and managers of trucking companies could use. Continue the excellent articles!
Do you think people with milatary exp will have a better shot since regular peopl complain about being away from home. Ive been deployed for years at a time away from home in the battle field so hire me
Hello I'm thinking of becoming a trucker for long haul driving. I'm single guy only have a small bull dog think she could live in my truck with me? Is it hard to get work? In this feld of work?
wondering how you make money if you make 38cents a mile and get 8miles to a gallon.mmmmm someone please explain that the math does'nt add up
To the post from the wife who can't put up with it...
I am a mother of three ages 3, 9, and 10, all are active in sports and music, and my husband is a trucker. I am able to stay at home with the children, and he works, when he is home, we make the most of every second we have. Only insecure and needy women could not have a husband as a truck driver. It is an amazing paying job, and it can work for a family if you have what it takes.
truckerswife, ty gor your comment. I am thinking of becoming a trucker and my wife is all for it. Lately I've been Mr.Mom and she's been the bread winner. Long Story short - she's better at it than I am and she wants desperately to raise our kids and be at home. It's nice to know that secure, confident women can handle the separation because she is certainly secure and confident. She wants this high pay rate as much as I do, and she'll do her part while I do mine.
i been a truck driver for about a year now, i found a local job driving chip truck but find myself working grave yard hours plus 12hr days. so yes im home but still feel like im not...the equipment being used is not in the best of shape and only senior drivers have the new stuff. i dont like being away otr but its been steady $ and im finding out i was happier doing it. My spouse understands and knows that the area we live in, the local gig i have now is about all there is but i find myself beginning to hate it...hard decision but i am looking to possibly return to my old otr job.
I would like too drive in the UK. I am in South Afrika driving driving Trucks I'm wander if there or enay people the on the ather side telling me what to do and how to get there. 0799224640
jtboswell 2 years ago
Long distance truck driving is really hard on famlies my husband does it and I everyday I wonder how much longer will I be able to put up with it. If you are married this not the job for you. If you want to keep your family intact don't think about doing it. This is a career for men and women who are single and unattached with no kids. Trust me..