In today’s economy, the trucking business is quite essential. Raw materials are delivered to various industrial companies by truck drivers. These businesses then manufacture and ship completed goods to various wholesalers using trucks. It is a never-ending cycle that keeps businesses and the economy afloat. The major pros of truck drivers in the economy includes
In this article, you’ll get a look at some of the positive aspects of being a truck driver. In addition, you’ll learn why it might not be right for you after all.
Pros of Life as a Truck Driver
There are definitely some advantages to being a truck driver, like:
- Truck drivers serve as liaisons between businesses, merchants, and customers
- Truck drivers help to take finished goods to where it is needed
Great Pay
A new truck driver makes an average of $45,000 per year, which is a pretty respectable wage for a blue-collar profession. As you earn more experience, this number rises. Your pay will also be determined by the route you choose, the weight you transport, and the distance you go; long-distance drivers are typically paid more.
Easy To Qualify
Several people may not have the desire or the financial means to attend college. Fortunately, the trucking industry is available to both natives and expats. There is no requirement for a college education or prior experience. All you need is a CDL license, which can be obtained in less than three months. Expats, on the other hand, will need to present proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency to obtain this license.
Travel Opportunity
As a truck driver, you’ll see plenty of gorgeous scenery as you transport cargo from one location to another. While the sights vary depending on the route, it is reasonable to assume that truck drivers see landmarks, skylines, and attractions, to mention a few.
Freedom
Truck driving allows you to travel instead of being confined to a desk all day. While you must adhere to service hours, no one is watching your every step. You can drive whenever you want and take breaks whenever you want, as long as you deliver the items on schedule and per legal regulations.
Flexibility
Truck drivers can select whether they wish to drive local, long-distance, or cross-regional hauls. While long-distance trips need dedication, many firms attempt to maintain a work-life balance for their drivers by offering flexible work hours. Some drivers, for example, work continuously for two weeks a month and take the other two weeks off.
Truckers Are In Demand
There is a massive shortage of truck drivers in the industry presently. This is because some drivers are aging and increase in freight volumes that ship more goods across the country. Also, people don’t want to work in this industry because of the presumed rough lifestyle. So, employments await you if you decide to be a truck driver.
Opportunity to Grow
With the shortage of truck drivers, there’s a big room for growth and promotion. Experienced drivers haul different loads like tanker trucks, auto trucks, or hoppers, which will earn them more money. You may start your trucking company or become a trainer if you have plenty of experience.
Job Security
Due to the existing shortage, truck drivers enjoy job security; also, drivers are needed in almost all industries. Job security increases when you are reliable and safe.
Benefits and Perks
Because of the nature of the job, trucking companies offer enticing benefits like medical covers, retirement plans, life insurance, and many more.
Friendship
Truck driving is a lifestyle and only drivers would understand. Truck drivers have special relationships amongst themselves just like the military, making them eager to help each other.
Impact
As a truck driver, you make an impact in the life of others, because of the clothes people wear, the smartphone and laptops people use, and the food people eat got to them because of your delivery. You either deliver the raw materials to the company or the finished goods to them; which means you’re making an impact in people’s lives.
Cons of Life as a Truck Driver
This section shows the disadvantages of being a truck driver, as well as outlining some of the risks. Unfortunately, like any other job, the good can sometimes outweigh the bad.
Loneliness
Truck driving is most times a one-man job. Even if you prefer to be on your own, spending hours on the road can be extremely lonely.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
Driving for many hours can make you sit in a place without movement, and if you’re bored, you may end up eating snacks or junk, which can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. That’s why truck drivers are at the risk of becoming obese.
Physically Demanding
Even if you maintain good posture, use seat cushions, stretch regularly, driving for long takes a toll on the body, putting truck drivers at risk of having knee, shoulder, and back pain.
Irregular Weather and Sleep
Shifts are most times irregular; this most times affects the sleep pattern of drivers, such that it affects their circadian rhythm because sleep is important to the body. Also, driving through states can make you experience different weathers, and this could be bad for some drivers.
Fatigue
Sitting and driving for long can wear someone out. Also, experiencing irregular sleep, eating junk, staying in noisy or dangerous parking lots can wear a driver out. This will make them feel fatigued at the end.
Risks
Because of the fatigue and irregular sleep, drivers may feel fatigued; this can increase the risk level of accidents on the road. Some drivers drive on icy roads that can easily cause accidents; these roads can increase the risk of hazardous events. Overall, the risks of trucking can include:
- Obesity
- Fatigue
- Crashes and accidents
- Missing important events and milestones
Long Hours
Truck drivers tend to work for longer hours. Most times, all they do is sit, hold the steering wheel, watch, and drive all day; they sometimes do this for 2-3 weeks. If you know you love being mentally stimulated or you’re particularly prone to white-line-fever, trucking should be avoided.
Stressful
You can’t avoid stress if you are a driver because you have to meet the deadlines, regardless of situations like bad weather, bad directions, city traffic, and many more. If you struggle with issues like anxiety or high blood pressure, trucking may not be a great idea for you.
Relationships Can be Hard
Drivers are usually away for weeks; so, it is hard for them to build a meaningful relationship. Except if you’ve understanding partners, relationships tend to get spoilt. Issues also often arise for truck drivers with children; you may miss important events or milestones.
Boring Routine
For drivers that drive along the same route or meet the same people daily, driving can be boring for them. If you know you like meeting new people and going to new places, try to find a trucking job that prevents some of the monotony that can come with being a truck driver.
Conclusion
Examining the pros and cons of life as a truck driver shows that some people are ready and built for this. Depending on who you are, you can easily adapt and make money in this industry. The road can be a place where you think and clear your head; on the other hand, it can be difficult and lonely.