Currently, 91% of all truck drivers work for a corporation. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of being one of these drivers is crucial since they make up such a sizable portion of the market. All the details about working as a corporate driver are provided here.
What is a Company Driver?
A company’s driver is a truck driver employed by another party, often a private firm or transportation carrier.
What Kind of Pay Do Company Drivers Get?
Company drivers are not paid a defined wage. Everything relies on your haul, your location, and your experience. Nevertheless, it’s generally believed that the typical US corporate driver earns roughly $65,000 per year. But be careful to avoid getting too dependent on that figure; it may be greater or lower depending on the considerations above.
Benefits of Driving for a Company
Excellent for New Drivers
It is practically a given that you will first be a corporate driver if you are starting in the trucking industry. These positions are fantastic for learning the ins and outs of driving without taking on the whole financial risk of an owner-operator.
Benefits Packages
Health coverage is costly. You should be able to enroll in a health insurance plan provided by your carrier as a corporate driver. As a consequence, you may relax knowing that you, as well as your family, have access to cheap medical care.
Low Risk
There’s a minimal financial risk while driving for a firm. You don’t have to worry about expenses, bookkeeping, or the carrier’s general financial situation. You arrive, take a drive, and get paid.
Your time at home is also yours. Don’t worry about obtaining the finest insurance or reducing your expenses in your leisure time.
Drawbacks of Driving for a Company
Less Money… Usually
It is well known that owner-operators often earn more than corporate drivers. The whole pie is presented to you by the client, not the courier, who usually hands out slices.
But be wary about falling for this trick. You may earn money as an owner-operator but also need business acumen.
When you work as a business driver, your main concern is moving your load from point A to point B. As an owner-operator, you do that and manage your own company. Consider your expenses, such as those for insurance, medical care, gasoline, and more.
Even if you are an owner-operator doing everything correctly, you might still be surprised by a decline in the freight market, as we experienced after COVID. Because of this, many drivers work for the same firm their whole careers. Less money, but also less risk.
Less Control
You have little influence over the cargo you tote or the route you take as a commercial driver. When seeking a job, you have alternatives, but once you have one, you must do what your boss man instructs.
Sometimes, this power goes beyond dictating what and when you should haul. In addition to installing speed limiters on the truck’s engine and driver-facing cameras within the driver’s cab, carriers may also install GPS systems that monitor every vehicle turn.
While some drivers won’t be bothered by this omission, others could be and start considering their alternatives for going it alone as an owner-operator.
The basic conclusion is that you should continue driving for a firm if you’re still somewhat new to trucking. It’s time to think about switching when you believe you have gained sufficient experience and are financially prepared to buy a vehicle.
Consider creating a free profile with Drive My Way if you’re searching for a new position as a corporate driver. Drivers with and without a CDL are matched with employment based on their credentials and lifestyle choices.
