. Truck platooning could represent a positive evolution for the sector and truck drivers, but there is much to improve in the truck industry culture and mainly, at the level of truck drivers working conditions. Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy | Site Map. Youll need to avoid illicit drugs and meet other personal conduct standards to maintain your position, but this job is one that you can enjoy for your entire career if you want. 18 Key Pros and Cons of Being a Registered Nurse, 19 Pros and Cons of Bezel Set Engagement Rings with Wedding Bands, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. The movement of freight tonnage is the secret to the success of the American economy. What are the vacancies for this individuals Japan? Unsafely Changing LanesChanging lanes is dangerous no matter what in a large commercial vehicle. Missing from this list is driver health. So way is truck driving still on the list? Once you get behind the wheel, youll discover that some companies dont follow those regulations by the book. by Michael H. Belzer, Michael H. (Assistant Research Scientist Belzer, Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations University of Michigan), Assistant Research Scientist at the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations and Teaches Industrial Relations Michael H Belzer. 10. Trucker Job ProfileAdvantages of Being a Truck DriverWorking as a truck driver gives you a feeling of freedomTruck drivers can work rather independentlyYou will not have a boss looking over your shoulder all day longTruck drivers can see the countryYou can meet many other truck driversYou can improve your driving skillsYou can help your friends when they have to moveTruckers can make decent moneyYou can work inside your truckTruckers are important to keep our economy runningYou can avoid working in classical office jobsPerfect job if you love drivingYou dont need fancy education for becoming a truckerDisadvantages of Being a TruckerRisk of accidentsTruck drivers dont make a fortuneTruckers are away from home quite oftenCan be problematic for your private lifeDrivers have rather irregular working hoursYou may have to work on weekendsRather poor work-life balanceWorking as a trucker can be lonelyYou need an additional drivers licenseTime pressure can be significantYou may get finedYou are replaceable as a truck driverRather questionable future job prospectsTeleworking is not possible for truckersMany drivers suffer from being overweightSleeping problems are rather common among truckersBack pain can become a problemYou will not have the highest social standingProblems in the dating marketYou will get stuck in traffic jams quite oftenMany truckers get bored in the long runHard to switch fields as a truck driverTop 10 Being a Trucker Pros & Cons Summary ListShould You Become A Truck Driver? And oh, the cameras, theyre everywhere. You face delays, deadlines, poor directions, and traffic constantly. This makes us targets. The new Hours of Service and its hard enforcement has too many trucks stopping at the same time. If you like to eat certain meals or struggle with a snacking habit, becoming a truck driver could be potentially dangerous to your health. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. By far, the crowded highways of summer claim more lives and cause more injuries than winter storms. There will be days when you must rest when you dont feel tired. Join Our Community of Food People! The best way to become a truck driver who earns a six figure income before hitting retirement age is to not only own his or her own truck, but to also own a distribution or shipping company. When one is forced to park for 10 hours in an abandoned lot, on an off ramp or some other isolated makeshift spot, that driver sleeps with one eye open. You are going to spend long periods of time alone on the highway when you work as a truck driver. More families are on the road for summer vacations. Safely drive trucks to and from remote dispatch sites. Although the rate of fatalities per thousand is down slightly, the total number of fatalities are up with the higher amount of people travelling. Truckers drive, deliver and pick up in some of the worst parts of Americas cities. Here are a few big ones. People in this industry have a lot of feedback and. Consignees and shippers will load you when its convenient for them, and there is much you can do about that issue. There is a lot of independence in the truck driving industry. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If you have a passion for driving and love to travel to different places at any given time, then you are a suitable person for this job. Even if you find that most of your time is on the highway, there is something about seeing the open road that creates a relaxing experience. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". About this job Find your commute . Without drivers and this industry, it would be impossible for families to have access to what they need every day. Trucks are tracked via satellite and cell tower. CareerBuilder TIP. Even if you haul local loads only, youre going to be on the road all day without much human contact. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A person with a good driving experience can earn more than $65,000 per year and an entry level driver can earn up to $40,000 per year. Youll just need to be adaptable. Video advice: Why The Trucking Industry Is So Fragmented And Chaotic. Benefits medical, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, strong safety culture, and much more! Why are truckers still at risk with all the industry advancements? Register to the FMCSA Clearinghouse*. Truck drivers are needed more than ever to keep the supply chain so that food, soap, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies get to store shelves. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They had pay phones, CB radios and little else. Getting behind the wheel might mean that you can to see a lot of new faces and places, but it also creates problems for your body. Must be able to pass DOT physical. Indexes for the industry in 2019 surged nearly 7% higher than the year before for activities. Before getting lost in the weeds of the how and what, focus your approach by pausing to reflect on why you're doing it. Truck drivers drive an estimated 140 billion miles per year, and a single semi drives about 45,000 miles a year on average. There is a worker shortage in the industry. There are some truck drivers who struggle to adapt to rapid environmental changes. That figure represents all routes and hauls that you might do. Youre only working when youre on the road, so loading and unloading on the same day means putting in four hours of time where you get no compensation. Truck drivers are one of the least happy careers in the United States. This shortage is made up of several components. 8. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The movement of freight tonnage is the secret to the success of the American economy. Truck driving is a great career choice because all that's needed is a clean driving record, a CDL, and a strong work ethic. In conclusion, the reasons that you should consider a career in trucking number one it's cool every kid knows the sound of an air horn and every truck driver loves pulling the air horn for kids who do with this. If you're a trucker who is feeling discouraged at this point, all is not lost. If a driver wants to blame his poor health on a career choice, hes welcome to do so. 7. Only the top 10% of truck drivers make more than $58,000 per year. It can also cause them to quit. Once you earn the license, you can begin working right away. Get trucking news and insights, plus job alerts and trending gear delivered straight to your inbox. Truck driving offers many benefits like high pay, growth opportunities, and plenty of employment opportunities that people typically think you can only achieve with a degree from a four-year college program. Inexperience is a huge factor in all of the above risk factors. Indexes for the industry in 2019 surged nearly 7% higher than the year before for activities. Modern GPS systems and giant leaps in weather forecast technology have not only improved safety for truckers, it has saved thousands of lives in the airline and shipping industry. You can even become an instructor or trainer with a CDL company based on your experiences on the road. Getting a good meal isnt always easy. The American Trucking Association expects an increase in tonnage of at least 25% in the United States by 2030. Doing the work that drivers are responsible for. 3. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. For some, its a tangible skill that puts them in demand and in control of their career. Another 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Sitting behind the wheel wont leave you with the same aches and pains that construction work or other blue-collar jobs like to leave behind. To start a new career, it often takes years of training to get certified or to complete a degree. Personal hygiene can be a problem as a truck driver. $18.75 - $25.55 . Long hours? Is being a trucker good money? Trucks keep rolling in all but the worst of conditions. ", House's Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act gets Senate version, Senate votes to avert strike by railroad unions; goes to Biden to sign, Speeding tops list of violations found during CVSA's Safe Driver Week. Its a continuous cycle that ensures businesses, and the economy at large stay afloat. There is plenty of stress in driving professionally for a living. If you have a passion for driving and love to travel to different places at any given time, then you are a suitable person for this job. With us it's easy to find the job you want! Over 70% of all the tonnage moved across the United States goes on trucks. Trucking is an adventure, a lifestyle and a great career choice. Many reliable sources put the figure at the median of $62,000 a year1. Think again! Truck driver: He isnt the primary pilot, but a teams truck driver has a very important job. Est. " If you hate having someone looking over your shoulder and constantly micro-managing you, then truck driving is the way to go. Here are 5 reasons why you should become a truck driver. You cant help how fast your truck can climb an incline, even if some people driving around you think that youre a miracle worker. Commercial truck drivers are usually paid in a way that is different than most workers. Is Truck Driving a good career? Minimum of six months commercial driving experience or three months commercial driving experience in the food and/or beverage delivery industry required. Here's just a few reasons why truck driving makes a great career. You can embrace your love of driving. Tri-County Training offers an 8-week course in Arizona to get licensed, and 90% of their graduates find work within two weeks of obtaining their credentials. Pros: Many people love being behind the wheel all day and find great satisfaction in hauling the freight that people use on a day-to-day basis. You are going to be dealing with people every day on the road. US Foods is one of the largest food distributors with a culture and history of promoting from within, excellent training programs and a continuous improvement focus. It has been good to me, however it did and does come with it's challenges like most other career fie. Even more pressure on available parking is the result. You can use your CDL in other ways. Allergies can be a significant problem with the climate differences you encounter as well. Getting your CDL, keeping your driving record cleaning, and meeting your delivery deadlines will unlock your success. Many truck drivers use bottles for their urine so that they dont need to stop for the bathroom, which means stops often smell terrible as everyone throws their waste away. 5 Ideas to Capture a Recruiters Attention, How you can Show Remote Experience in your Resume, Responsibility disclaimer and privacy policy, 2 The possibility of an unhealthy lifestyle. What are some examples of how providers can receive incentives? They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. Great! Truckers earn a median annual wage of $37,930, which is $4,000 more than the median wage for all jobs, according to the BLS. If youre overweight, eating garbage and failing to exercise in any meaningful manner, its your personal choice. Why truck driving is a bad career? Yes, I did steal a Dr. Seuss quote there. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. And, yes, truck driving was 17th. Low pay? However, what you do is better than a lot of other jobs, including: So, when youre stuck in traffic or have to wait three hours to unload and have just two hours left on your clock, just think, you could always be driving a busload of kids or be stuck in traffic in a cab in downtown Chicago. . Survey: Paying monthly bills tops list of truckers concerns, New CDL program coming to Alabama community college, Colorado trucking group celebrates members for safety, Real Women in Trucking files EEOC complaint over Facebook job ads, The group's members "have been routinely denied job advertisements on Facebook for truck driver positions because of their gender. 6 million Class 8 heavy-duty trucks operate to serve this hauling needs. Laurel, MT 59044. PLEASE APPLY DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR INTERNAL WORKDAY CAREER SITE. Trucks are nowhere near as nimble or maneuverable as those minivans and SUVs. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. I'm fortunate because I get a couple of days home every 2 weeks. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you are a self-starter who is independent and patient, then being a truck driver can be a successful experience. The Mayo Clinic describes job burnout as a special type of work-related stress, which can lead to physical or emotional exhaustion, a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity. The average starting pay for a truck driver with a CDL is $35,000 in the United States. Most people dont know who you are, but you know that youre making their lives better by what you do. Today we have one of the worlds most impressive interstate highway systems. Why is truck driving a good career choice? If you work in a team to create faster deliveries and meet other bonus goals, it is not unusual for an operator in their first five years to start clearing at least $100,000 annually in income. The divorce rate in this industry is significantly higher than it is for many other careers. 5 billion tons of freight goes across U.S. roads every year, with even more in Europe and the rest of the world. You can even invest in your own truck if you wish and call the open road your home if you prefer more of an independent lifestyle. Flatbed trucks are a popular option because the jobs tend to pay more, which means you will haul everything from sod to airplanes. There are several laws in the United States that govern where, how, and when you get to sleep during every 24-hour cycle of driving. This prevents just anyone from becoming a commercial truck driver. Most companies offer a 24-hour layover at home after spending 5-7 days on the road. Lets just say the poor training and lack of experience is a safety risk upon itself. They typically go to and from retail and distributions centres or manufacturing plants, working any hours of the day or night. Register to the FMCSA Clearinghouse*. Here's 5 reasons why truck driving could be a great career choice for you! 1. Add in a couple of lazy consignees and some bad weather and youve got a recipe for a tremendous disadvantage. Weve all driven by the jackknifed trucks in the ditch after a big storm. Answer (1 of 9): As one who chose a trucking career over working as an engineer, I can say it's only as bad as you make it. Although some programs allow you to bring people with you, most professionals in this industry operate alone or with a co-driver. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. There are delays at shippers and receivers, bad directions, bad weather, bad traffic, bad drivers, bad food, bad roads, and on and on. If you dont have patience for delays, accidents, fueling needs, and problems at the dock, then this job is going to grind you down quickly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for truck drivers is $43,680. Research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking generally analyzes three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and inefficacy. But, still, do you consider truck driving your chosen profession to be one of the worst jobs in America? Our drivers at Dillon are among the top earners in the industry. Like most full-time workers in the United States, that means youll qualify for medical insurance, dental, life, vision, and a retirement plan. Eating a sandwich at a rest stop is not the same experience as having a home-cooked meal. There is a lot of time spent away from home. Get Paid To Travel The Country. If expensive two- or four-year programs don't suit you, you're not alone. It all depends on how you decide to structure your job and what type of hauling you want to do. 4. Being away from family for so long can be depressing for some. Yes, driving a truck can be hard. Certainly, but its not a risk factor unique to trucking. Starting pay is $28.20 / hour depending on experience plus eligible new hires will also receive a $10,000 Sign-on Bonus. Old technology and the pressure of keeping up with building demands helped keep logging at the top of the dangerous job list. TruckingPodcast.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com. It can get lonely working as a truck driver. It can also cause them to quit. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. There are others who can adapt to it because its their best option to earn some money. 5. If you do decide to get behind the wheel, then youll want to invest in a good pair of flip-flops to wear when youre trying to get clean. This means a truck driver will have fewer routes and can easily take a week off during the holidays to spend with family and friends. The bottom line is that, yes, truckers get vacation time and holiday time off. It was between construction worker (16th) and buyer (18th). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Loggers still top the list with a fatality rate of 135.9 per 100,000 in 2016. Over 10.5 billion tons of freight goes across U.S. roads every year, with even more in Europe and the rest of the world. So you are looking for your next career and truck driving has caught your eye. Over 10. If youre looking for a new job, a job in the truck driving industry is worth considering. Sleep can be a problem for some truck drivers. If you find yourself in the position where you are not making money, and youve met with the carrier and voiced your concerns about being paid for your down time or waiting time or whatever it is, and you and your carrier dont seem to be able to work it out, its time to start looking for a better carrier. Dont underestimate the satisfaction that you feel by downing that youre making a difference. Siren On The Moon. An over-the-road driving career offers an earning bracket of $50,000 to more than $85,000 annually, depending on the quality of the driver's work and experience. The need to get from Point A to Point B by a specific time leads to the development of some habits that a lot of people find to be disgusting. If these key points make it seem like earning a CDL is the right move to make, then there is no better time than now to start looking for a licensing program in your area. Dependability and responsibility: Driving a truck is not something that can be micromanaged, so it's important to be dependable and able to stay on time and on task in ever-changing conditions. Thats why some of the most successful owner-operators are married couples since they can avoid this disadvantage. Trucking can Copyright 2022 - BDJobsToday.org. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Reflect on your why If you're planning to start or grow in your career as a truck driver, it's important to consider why. By becoming a business owner and therefore evolving from an independent contractor, a truck driver can increase his or her chances of making a substantial truck driver salary. There are also opportunities to be owner-operators in the trucking industry that can also help you to earn a lot more. Here are three appealing factors truck driving has to offer. Some agencies offer their drivers paid holidays and vacation time. A recent survey by CareerCast thinks so. Yet Time Magazine still lists truck driving as 7th in its list of Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs In America. More Positive Attitude Among Everyday Civilians It's no secret that there is excessive litigation in the trucking industry. The bathrooms that you encounter can be even worse. Due to a lack of paying customers, the truck stops with larger lots are closing at a record rate. Pros: Many people love being behind the wheel all day and find great satisfaction in hauling the freight that people use on a day-to-day basis. All rights reserved. You will get paid to see some amazing things. How you handle the dangers of the job and what you refuse to do will also make or break you. It can also be a place that seems lonely and difficult. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26,000 pounds and often lose sleep to meet strict delivery deadlines. So there is some variation in weekly pay since it may differ from week to week. Stress is an inevitable component of the trucking industry. From that, a truck driver stands to earn over $5,000 per month which is more than an entry-level nurse and an investment analyst can make. https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/15774644/why_is_trucking_so_dangerous.mp3, 7 Tools To Finding Higher Paying Truck Loads. The pay isn't bad: Truckers earn a median annual wage of $37,930, which is $4,000 more than the median wage for all jobs . Most programs cost between $3,000 to $7,000. The average starting pay for a truck driver with a CDL is $35,000 in the United States. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. While were on the Jalopnik kick, how about a Flying Jeep? Getting behind the wheel for an employer will get you plenty of benefits in addition to your salary. But unlike the book, many of these places arent good. Solo drivers take home up to $109,000 a year, while team drivers . ADDITIONAL Benefits for Route Ready/Relief Drivers: EXTRA $1.75/hr on top of your starting pay rate. Today we have a mix of causes for the truck parking shortage. Research into the link between burnout and turnover in trucking generally analyzes three dimensions of burnout: overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and inefficacy. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. As bad as that is, we know the rate was considerably higher in the post WWII baby boom 50s and 60s. Many times it will be at the side of the highway, sitting in the cab with the emergency lights on. There are numerous benefits for adults, whether coupling or going solo, to get . If you love driving, then this job is an opportunity to bring a lot of happiness into your life. That means 3.6 million Class 8 heavy-duty trucks operate to serve this hauling needs. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 6 Why is truck driving a good career choice? Loading and unloading freight, picking up and dropping trailers and other mundane tasks are known to cause personal injury. Like any career, trucking and the transportation industry have good points and bad. Stress is an inevitable part of a career in trucking. Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26. You have the ability to explore major cities like Miami, New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles, all while also seeing some of the forgotten gems of the country like Galena, Illinois or Berlin, Maryland. Even when you do your best to follow the published guidelines, your work schedule and sleep patterns are almost always guaranteed to change. If you take a look around at what people wear, the foods they eat, or the smartphones they stare into every day, those items got into their possession because of a delivery. There are high levels of stress that truck drivers must endure. Full-time. With comprehensive medical insurance to 401(k) and contributions and bonuses, truck drivers can expect a stable and supportive career for both today and the future. Driving a truck long distances over the road, and being away from home for days at a time, isn't for everyone. They are paid based on their productivity, usually by the mile driven or the total load. For a lot of experienced drivers, what makes the job hard is the stress. The payment can include much more than the annual salary. Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. There are several reasons why people wouldn't like this profession. If you get stuck somewhere during a layover, then you have an even better chance to go look at stuff. Again, this post is number 3 in a series. The truck driving industry plays an important role in the economy. If you enjoy getting behind the wheel, then being a truck driver is a natural career fit. There is plenty of stress in driving professionally for a living. Depending on where you live, 17 to 20 dollars an hour may or may not be Low. I have spent over 33 years in the Industry, in various sectors of the career field. While there is required training and paperwork that goes into getting your CDL and authority, the pay is often worth it for truck drivers. But I dont buy it. Postal Service. If you want a better life, job or improved fitness, make better choices. Truck driving offers good pay due to the shortage of drivers, and it has actually increased over the past couple years. This industry has been moving the economy and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Since there are a lot of things that you can see on the highway that will remind you of the people you love, the loneliness you experience in this career can be a significant disadvantage for some people. Answer (1 of 5): I have to say that Truck Driving is an Honorable career, as a whole; but it's not for everyone. Showers for drivers can be hit-and-miss in their cleanliness. Urgently Hiring. 3. HOW IT WORKS Long-haul trucking may be a one-person job, but it doesn't have to be a lonely one. 3. Is truck driving hard? In an industry with a turnover rate of over 100%, some companies burn through drivers. Truck owner fakes her own kidnapping to avoid meeting payroll. If something happens, its usually going to be with the other guy. This pride makes truck driving worth it. There are several different training programs available in the United States and around the world that will let you earn your CDL. 8. Every job has expectations and deadlines, but the communication comes from miles away instead of sitting next to you in the cab. Stick with me since I will show you all the pros and cons of being a truck driver in the following chapters. What is thought to influence the overproduction and pruning of synapses in the brain quizlet? Whether you're interested in the high earning potential or you want to experience the beauty of our country's landscape (while getting paid), we have 13 reasons why you should consider getting your CDL (Commercial Driver's License). Depending on experience AND eligible for overtime ! Some truck drivers have the chance to earn bonuses when they decide to take specific loads that are not highly desired by others. High Turnover And Poor Training In an industry with a turnover rate of over 100%, some companies burn through drivers. That means youre almost guaranteed to find a job if you earn your CDL. Statistics on Truck AccidentsIn 2019 there were 4,119 fatalities due to truck accidents. Trucking is not only fun and adventurous, but also gives you a secure future where you will be in demand. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If you want to work as a truck driver, then youll need to know how to operate these vehicles. You'd be hard-pressed to find another career out there that allows you to make . Theres the stress of being away from home and worrying about your family when youre gone. 7. Your email address will not be published. It all depends on who you are and what you expect out of life. Ballantine, MT 59006 . I could go on and on with this list, but the parking issue is another part of driver fatigue. Ship wrecks and airline fatalities have dramatically dropped over the decades. This screening helps to weed out any bad drivers who may more easily cause truck accidents by partaking in bad habits while behind the wheel. Depending on experience AND eligible for overtime ! You can earn bonuses for taking certain routes. You are making a difference in the lives of other people. Trucker Job Profile I like guys who drive trucks. Burnout impacts drivers' personal life, health, and job performance. Inga Cadranel, ActressYou consider becoming a truck driver but are not entirely sure whether this job is good for you or not? The lanes you run, where you park and what you haul will all play into your ability to keep safe. Some of them are not going to be the best drivers, but they will blame you for the problems they encounter. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Mileage reimbursement (commuted miles in personal vehicle to assigned yard) 70 hours sick leave. Trucking companies require drivers to avoid toll roads by taking surface routes that may not have truck parking available. Truck drivers are sometimes written off by society because they embrace the wanderlust or live like a vagabond. Although many do park and wait out the big storms, a good percentage of trucks generally push on as long as the road is open. You can speak with other drivers over the radio as well, which means the interstate gets to be your office. Posting id: 793517983. . There are delays at shippers and receivers, bad directions, bad weather, bad traffic, bad drivers, bad food, bad roads, and on and on. Chevy Colorado airbags deploying in light off-roading applications. Truckers no longer take breaks when they need or want them. If youre willing to drive across the country and only have weekends at home, you can earn double that amount in your first year. How much is a wristband at the Arizona State Fair? Full-time . 2. There are many trucking companies that require . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. That means 3. There's the stress of being away from home and worrying about your family when you're gone. If you drive across the country, then your home is going with you the entire time. It comes with the job. If you decide that this line of work isnt right for you after earning your license, then you can transition into delivery services for companies like UPS, FedEx, or even the U.S. Truck driving is a great career for those who want to start earning a high annual salary without spending years on training. There is a lot of job security in this industry. The pay is a big part of what makes truck driving a good career. Who wrote the music and lyrics for Kinky Boots? Large companies force their drivers to fuel where the parking is severely limited. Truckers have been awakened abruptly in the middle of the night and robbed at gunpoint. Because of this high turnover rate, the training is less than stellar. You get to earn the same benefits as most other workers. It could be as simple as earning a good living or supporting a family, but maybe there's more to it. Because of this high turnover rate, the training is less than stellar. Artists Contributing to the Show- If you are thinking about a new career or want to earn steady pay without much professional experience, then the pros and cons of being a truck driver are for you. This puts even more pressure on the few spots available. The heavier the traffic, the greater number of collisions, injuries and fatalities. Lets look at 7 top reasons. When examining the pros and cons of being a truck driver, it is clear that some people are ready for life on the road. As it turns out, truck drivers rate their career happiness 2.7 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 10% of careers. I found this one at Jalopnik.com. Another reason is that we have a baseline of 70 hour work weeks. This market is secure even during times of recession, which means there is always a chance to bring home a paycheck. Our Delivery Drivers can make up to $40.25 / hour! Others find it an easy way to get out of unemployment/underemployment considering no college degree is required. You face stringent state and Federal rules that limit the number of hours you can drive in any given period of time . The booming economy has more freight being shipped, equaling more trucks on the road. The downside is that driving jobs dont have a lot of growth potential; unless youre an owner-operator and start expanding your own fleet, dont expect much upward mobility. That figure represents all routes and hauls that you might do. The advantage is that YOU determine how hard you want to work and how much you want to make. Apply online instantly. Yes, trucking is a good career for the future because the compensation is high. 1. You might need to drive when you are tired. The Trucking Podcast is a trademark of Thomas Ballard, sole owner of The Trucking Podcast and truckigpodcast.com. Main Ingredients of the Job. Is Trucking a stressful job? Why is truck driving a good career choice? Situational awareness: This is extremely important in the military and in a career as a professional truck driver. Today drivers fight the traffic like everyone else in an effort to maximize their 11 hours of allowable driving time within the government mandated 14-hour window. Video advice: Is It Worth Getting Into Trucking in 2022? Truck drivers are basically the middlemen between companies, retailers, and customers. Finally, 16% were truck drivers and occupants. What does it mean that the Bible was divinely inspired? In 2021 the average base salary in the United States was $66,160 per year for truckers. Truck driving careers can be rewarding, satisfying, and full of adventure and there are many benefits to the job. You will become familiar with numerous cities across the country, getting to see lots of incredible things along the way. One of the first things you need to do, is learn how to handle that stress and take it in stride. Everything from tarping a load of lumber to installing snow chains on the side of a highway bring dangerous risks. Because there is such a shortage of truck drivers in the United States, this advantage can begin on your first day of employment. There will always be risks with driving, but most trucks are the biggest vehicle on the road. Why do truck drivers quit? Many companies offer performance-based rewards, too. This amount is in addition to your salary and whatever benefits you earn. Over the last few months, truck driving jobs in Australia have been advertised between 50k and 100k. I know fat accountants, bankers, etc., trucking cant be an excuse for bad behavior. 1. $18.75 - $25.55. 5. Must be at least 21 years of age. Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job . But beyond such a short-term stint, he is concerned about workers prospects for the futurenot just for truckers but also for workers in fields such as taxi and bus driving, construction and factory/warehousing, delivery, freight, janitorial, security, housekeeping, and hotel services. And, yes, truck driving was 17th. Back in the day it was an excess of narrow 2 lane roads, little or no snow removal, and poor communication between drivers and their employers. If you work for a company, there may be a program that lets you earn your CDL without cost in exchange for driving for the organization for a specific time period. Wait-Times Kill Driver Income . When you drive across the United States as part of your usual route, then there are periods when you might be spending more than 20 days in your vehicle before returning to your family. Apply Now. Apply for a US Foods CDL A Truck Driver job in Shepherd, MT. We help YOU make it! Your choices for food may be limited as well since your options tend to be restaurant fare or items picked up at a convenience store. Most of them tell us about a manager or coworker who wouldn't give them space and kept "breathing down their back. It comes with the job. Help us improve CareerBuilder by providing feedback about this job: Report this job Job ID: 63593e14e17e3d44312ec366. Truck drivers working in unregulated intrastate commerce, out of reach of the DOT, may have no standards at all. Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The benefits that you earn extend to your family, even if you are a new driver for most agencies. They provide an essential service to industrialized societies. In fact, those 4-wheelers arent even as nimble as their drivers might think. Below are seven reasons why driving a truck either as an owner-operator or for a small freight carrier might be the perfect career choice. Truck drivers are also required to take a 30 minute break within 8 hours of logging on. Common sense dictates working 6 hours before you take a break, otherwise the driver risks having to take another 30 minutes off before the 14-hour clock runs out. Est. Truck drivers deliver raw materials to different manufacturing industries. Even though there's a bad reputation out there, there are reasons to improve it - and know this: your reputation can be fixed. Truck driving as a career doesnt require any degree,. Some drivers will go a month or longer before getting to see home. These companies then produce and export finished products to various distributors through truckers. There are several reasons why people decide to pursue this profession. They take a break when the E-log forces them. You don't want to spend years training for a career. When you work as a truck driver, then the meals you need arent as consistent as they ought to be. There are specific logs and reports youll need to track and file, but you get to be in control of what you do. You must be exceptionally patient when driving. Your email address will not be published. A truck driver is someone who earns a living driving a truck, transporting goods and materials over land. 1. Some companies will provide extra money for loyalty to the company or for having an excellent safety record. Hard work, common sense and street smarts will protect most drivers from the overwhelming dangers any driver will encounter. Today. Shortages of truck parking in this country are nothing new. BECOME A US FOODS DRIVER! To become a commercial truck driver, you must pass further testing and certification. There are opportunities to earn them for meeting specific distance ratings throughout the year. . Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. Our Delivery Drivers can make up to $40.25 / hour! Without drivers and this industry, it would be impossible for families to have access to what they need every day. Along with the interstate freeway system, the trucking industry has the benefits of communication systems we couldnt have imagined in the past. Ready to build a career with a company that's leading the foodservice industry? US Foods is one of the largest food distributors with a culture and history of promoting from . 1. It is one of the few industries today where you can earn a significant salary without even holding a high school diploma or a GED. ADDITIONAL Benefits for Route Ready/Relief Drivers: EXTRA $1.75/hr on top of your starting pay rate. Earn a 6-Figure Income. Even in some of the truck stops, a driver can be easily victimized. (Pros and Cons, Past, Present & Future Projections). List of the Pros of Being a Truck Driver1. Some people think with long working hours that truck drivers are rich. The American Trucking Association expects an increase in tonnage of at least 25% in the United States by 2030. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Must have valid CDL Class A issued by the state of legal residence with necessary endorsements and DOT qualifications. Is it a risk factor? That is a good income with all consideration that other professions have lower medians than this job. 2. CDL A Truck Driver - Now Hiring . If you have a passion for driving and love to travel to different places at any given time, then you are a suitable person for this job. Loading and unloading freight, picking up and dropping trailers and other mundane tasks are known to cause personal injury. The open road can be a place where you can clear your head and think. Join 40,000 company drivers who get helpful insights and important news delivered straight to their inbox with the, By providing your email, you agree to our. Those foggy freeway pileup videos also go viral, but those types of chain collisions are quite uncommon. Having a CDL qualifies you to take on several different loads or driving options in the future. All Right Reserved. 67% of those fatalities were passengers or drivers of regular non-commercial vehicles. Even parked within the false security of a big named truck stop, robberies occur. Truck driving as a career doesnt require any degree, but you need to be excellent at driving and you have to be time sensitive. Local Independent Contractor Box Truck NON CDL Driver. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. There are nutritional considerations that can become problematic for some people if they eat fast-food options as a way to meet their deadlines. If you're ready to get working and get paid, a trucking career might be the perfect career choice for you. Video advice: 6 Reasons Why You Shouldnt Become A Truck Driver, Is Trucking Worth it? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. As a reminder, we started with the question Is Trucking Worth It? We answered that question with a resounding YES! Truck driving as a career doesn't require any degree, The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If you are thinking truck driving might be a good career for you, consider driving for Dillon Transportation. You have a lot of independence and personal freedom when trucking. Drivers no longer have the luxury of waiting out the rush hour by grabbing a meal, going for a walk or taking a nap. Good Pay and Benefits By this time in many people's lives, children are gone, and you are simply working to save more money for retirement. Truck drivers typically earn a high salary right away. They ranked the worst jobs in the U.S. based on job stress, satisfaction, safety, pay, future job prospects, and job security. Though the projected job growth for truck drivers is only slightly lower than for the average American job, this career could be at risk of disappearing as companies like Tesla continue to develop autonomous driving technology. Stress is an inevitable part of a career in trucking. Each of those vehicles requires a driver to pick up goods and then deliver them to their intended destination. Weather is probably one of the first things that come to mind in the list of truckings hazards. Truck driving as a second career is a popular choice when it comes to those reaching retirement age. Trucking, though it sounds fun, requires a lot of training and licensing. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Over 70% of all the tonnage moved across the United States goes on trucks. It's important to notice the signs of burnout, keep an eye on the early warning signs of stress, and ward off burnout when possible. One of the first things you need to do, is learn how to handle that stress and take it in stride. 9. Each of those vehicles requires a driver to pick up goods and then deliver them to their intended destination. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In its report on the survey, USA Today said of trucking: Though the projected job growth for truck drivers is only slightly lower than for the average American job, this career could be at risk of disappearing as companies like Tesla continue to develop autonomous driving technology. Good Wages. Great Pay for Little School. 35 Major Pros & Cons Of Being A Truck Driver, 19 Biggest Pros and Cons of Being a Truck Driver, Top 7 Bad Driving Habits: Dangerous Practices by Truck Drivers, Sweatshops on Wheels: Winners and Losers in Trucking Deregulation, Human Interaction, Emerging Technologies and Future Systems 5, Beyond the Valley: How Innovators around the World are Overcoming Inequality and Creating the Technologies of Tomorrow, Is A Career In Commercial Real Estate Good Choice, Is Truck Driving A Good Career To Get Into, What Is A Good Profession To Go With Alchemy, How To Calculate Mandatory Employment Related Costs Ontario. A person with a good driving experience can earn more than $65,000 per year and an entry level driver can earn up to $40,000 per year. Driving a large commercial vehicle takes the utmost concentration. Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a97131eadc73a2217b21d9b58bdb9543" );document.getElementById("ae49f29f56").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. View this and more full-time & part-time jobs in Shepherd, MT on Snagajob. If you're willing to drive across the country and only have weekends at home, you can earn double that amount in your first year. Its a chance to earn some money as a second career, and you can even lose weight or manage chronic conditions if you take care of yourself while youre on the road. 4. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. . Being home every weekend as a guarantee only means that they schedule you there before midnight Monday morning. You are dealing with weather events on a regular basis. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This feeling of exploration is something that most jobs cannot offer. Truck drivers typically earn a high salary right away. We are rarely home. BECOME A US FOODS DRIVER! While you might imagine that truckers dont get much holiday time, they do. Most people are glued to their city and surrounding area, but as a truck driver, you can drive coast to coast. 2022 Randall-Reilly, LLC. Apply Now . (Based on. If your employment beats up your body on a daily basis, then you might want to consider becoming a truck driver. Is truck driving a good career choice? 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