Truck driving is a tempting job because you get to see different parts of the country. When thinking about the perks, it is easy to forget about time away from home. To get a more realistic view, it is important to understand how companies divide time at home throughout the year.
How often do truck drivers come home? A truck driver with a regional job comes home every four to six weeks. If you are looking for a trucking job, you can spend more time at home by applying for jobs with a station near your home.
This amount of home time for truckers is only an average, considering many different truck driving jobs available. You can check into the unique status of each company before you apply for the job. There are several factors that contribute to the time spent at home. This may cause time spent at home to vary from the average range.
How Often do Truck Drivers Come Home?
Truck drivers are away from home more days out of the year than they are near home. As a driver, you can expect to come home every four to six weeks. Some companies may send you home a little less or more, however. Commitment to this type of job makes it necessary to change your lifestyle.
Long-haul driving jobs require several weeks away at a time. These can take drivers all over the country. There are generally several stops and checkpoints along the way. Long-haul truck drivers are usually home a few days at a time, adding up to several weeks during the year.
Short-haul truck drivers are home more often. Local drivers may drive as few as 100 miles in a day. Regional drivers may drive up to 500, taking them away from family only a night or two at a time.
Independent Truckers
Independent truckers can take the jobs they want and set their own schedules to a certain degree. These truckers still need to cover living expenses and must take work when it is available. It is just easier to take time off when it is necessary.
All expenses of the truck, insurance, and permit are the responsibility of the driver. This often makes it necessary to work more. This also makes it more likely to be out of work. If something goes wrong with the truck or permits, independent workers must have money set aside to take care of the issues.
While independent workers can take more time off, they may lose clients when they do. Clients may prefer working with a company that promises a consistent driver. Therefore, independent drivers may not end up at home any more than those committed to a company. They want to reman competitive to secure their jobs.
Working for a Company
Truck drivers with major companies don’t have to worry about the overhead expenses, however, they must adhere to a strict schedule. This may be set from the hiring date or adjusted to work with the needs of clients.
Time off may depend on how well a driver does the job. The dispatcher gives specific loading and unloading times at different locations. If you do not manage time well, you may end up late and miss some of your time off.
Drivers that are not punctual may also receive the most unpleasant routes. This may take you further than home than you wish to be. It is important for drivers to limit stops and navigate properly to get places on time.
The weeks off may be the same each year, however, the dates may vary. Truck companies take on new clients on a regular basis. You may have a few days of at a time, or an entire week. This depends on the available routes.
Dispatch Site
If you are hired in the same time you work in, there is a better chance seeing family more often, Even though you are dispatched all over the country, you may need to head to home base for truck replacements, repairs, or even to bring a new load.
Short-haul drivers may have friends or family willing to drive to the home base for a visit. For example, you may be at a dispatch site for repairs overnight. If you only live 100 miles away or less, you may be able to enjoy an evening with your family.
Even a quick visit with your kids can help keep family ties strong. Drivers can also have dinner with friends in different towns to break the isolation. Living close to the main dispatch site can at least save time when it is time for your break.
Finding Familiar Faces
The best part of going home is seeing familiar people. You can hug your kids, go out with your spouse, and visit favorite hangouts. It is important to find familiar faces on the road, as well. This helps to add some stability and human contact to life on the road.
Truck drivers can visit the same restaurants each time they stop in a different town to help build relationships on the road. You can also take a little time to visit with other truckers at the truck stop. The same truckers are likely to turn up repeatedly, giving you friends to talk to.
If you are driving and must stop for a day in a new town, get out and see the sights. There may be an interesting museum or fun park. Find something entertaining you would also do at home to bring some normalcy to your day.
Family Adjustments
The first year is often the hardest for truckers and their families. You may have to fit in a lot of family time in only a few weeks during the year. If you know ahead of time when there is time off, it is much easier to plan family activities.
Spouses may save their vacation days to match so there is more quality time. If the job requires you to be away on a major holiday, family and friends may adjust their celebration times. An entire week home may allow for a family vacation, as well.
Redefining Relaxation
It can be hard to redefine your idea relaxation when you do not go home each night. Exhaustion can easily set in when you do not have comforting daily routines. Truckers may find themselves waiting for days at home to truly relax.
Most trucks have a small living area behind the seats. This is where truckers sleep while parked at the truck stops. This area, however, can also have a television and other small comforts. Make it a place to relax, not just to sleep. This can help you form an evening routine, like the one at home.
Leave the truck stop social area in time to read, watch television, or call home each time you stop to rest. A night driving schedule can make this a little odd at first, however. You can also try to stick to other routines, such as brushing your teeth, showering, and changing into pajamas. A routine can help you relax more and ease stress.
Other People Asked
How can I maintain relationships while on the road with my trucking job?
Even if you are driving many hours each day, you can make a phone call home. This must be a priority. You can also use video calls to see your family while you talk. Send home postcards from different places or small packages for kids. Plan activities carefully while you are home so you get time with everyone.
What are some ways for truckers to pass the time while away from home?
Listen to audio books while driving for many hours to keep your mind engaged. If you have few extra hours on a stop, see a movie or visit a local attraction. Use your relaxation time before bed to catch up on a favorite television show that you may not have time to watch at home. You may also be able to fit in a short workout each day to keep up with health goals.