Truck driving can be a fulfilling and challenging career. There are pros and cons that come with this career, much like with any other job. Below is information that can help you decide if there is a big rig out there with your name on it.
Requirements
To begin driving commercial trucks on the road, drivers have to be qualified through training and various tests to receive their commercial driver's license, or CDL. People can begin pursuing their CDL at the age of 18. Once a driver has acquired a CDL, he or she can begin driving within the state of licensing for an employer. Out-of-state driving can begin when a driver turns 21. It is also possible to pursue endorsements that allow for a wider range of loads and vehicles.
Salaries
Truck drivers' salaries can range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on whether a driver works for a company or if they are owner operators. Truck drivers employed by big-name companies usually get paid either by the miles they drive or by the load that they carry. If you were to get paid by the miles you drive, there are regulations required by every state when it comes to how many hours can be spent on the road.
The ideal position in a truck-driving career would be an owner operator position in which you are essentially self-employed. This cuts out the "middle man" and results in much higher pay. With that being said, driving for a company has perks that include insurance, gas cards, and company lounging. Ultimately, these decisions depend on whether you would like to work for someone or for yourself.
Work Conditions
Truck drivers have reasonably lenient work schedules. The big companies will make sure to try their hardest to regulate your hours so they will not overwork you, and if you are an owner operator, you assign your own hours. Drivers can even form driving teams, which means that you may have a chance to drive around the country with a friend or relative as a teammate.
Unfortunately, if you cannot take your loved ones with you on the road, you may not see your family or friends for periods of time. If you enjoy a great deal of social interaction, trucking may not be the best choice for you. The job can quickly become monotonous without interactions with others. You should also keep in mind though that truck drivers may find themselves with limited physical activity due to driving, which can be detrimental to health.
If the positive aspects of truck driving outweigh the negatives for you, it's a good idea to begin studying for your CDL test. You may soon find yourself driving the open road and being paid to travel in no time.
