Becoming a truck driver isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a potential career option. But for some people, truck driving can be an excellent career path.

Many businesses and our daily activities depend on the transportation industry. And truck drivers are the most crucial part of that industry. So, good drivers are always in demand. Currently, there aren’t enough drivers to deal with this massive workload.

Despite what you might think, you can become successful in this career. And if you’re considering becoming a truck driver, now is the best time. Because of such a shortage of truck drivers, companies are providing higher wages and better benefits to retain their drivers. Meaning, you’ll never be out of work, and you’ll always find better offers.

In this post, I’ll give you 8 great reasons to consider truck driving as a career.

Let’s dive in.

No Shortage Of Jobs

Due to the increasing demand for truck drivers and a shortage of truck drivers to complete the job, there’s an abundance of work available. The market has become competitive to the point where companies have to compete with each other to keep their best drivers.

With almost every industry being dependent on trucks for its supplies, the transportation industry has been the busiest it has ever been. But there aren’t enough drivers to meet that demand. So, companies are increasing their pay, offering better benefits and compensations and better working conditions to retain and recruit drivers.

So there’s always a spot in some company, and there’s almost always a better offer. So, you’ll never struggle to find a job.

Great Pay

Truck drivers get a pretty good starting salary, but there are a lot of growth opportunities. As you gain experience and become a better driver, your earnings increase significantly.

In 2018, the median pay of a truck driver was $43,680, which amounts to somewhat $21 per hour. According to Glassdoor, as of 2020, the average annual salary of a professional truck driver is around $60K.

A first-year driver usually earns about $35,000 per year. But sign-in bonuses can be up to $5,000. And you also receive bonuses for safety and retention. And as you work for a company for a long time, retention bonuses and compensations increase.

As a truck driver, you can expect to make an average of $58K to $60K a year. And you don’t need a college degree for this career. So, you’re thousands of dollars on tuition fees here.

Travel

As a truck driver, your job is to travel the country, delivering goods. So, it’s the perfect job for people who love traveling. You get to spend almost the entirety of your work hour traveling all over North America.

Many drivers will tell you that the best way to see the country is by sitting on their rigs and driving across the country. For people who hate the idea of a desk job, this is a great opportunity to go on an adventure every day and get paid for it.

Truckers stop at a different location every night. They’re at a different location every day. And you get a front-row seat to enjoy all of this. Some companies even let the drivers choose the routes and locations based on availability. So, you can travel anywhere your heart desires as long as it’s available.

Community

Truck driving is kind of a unique job, setting it apart from other professionals. This is why most truck drivers describe their work as a lifestyle rather than a job. Only a truck driver can understand what another truck driver faces on a daily bases.

Because of the unique nature of their profession, they develop a strong bond. Their comradeship is almost like a military unit. This is why people with a military background enjoy this trucking profession.

This strong bond creates a community of truck drivers who truly understand each other’s daily hurdles, looking out for each other.

Job Security

Job security is one of the most important things to consider before choosing a career. Choosing a stable and thriving industry is probably the best choice.

If you’re concerned about job security, then truck driving can be a great option. With the current shortage of truck drivers, companies are increasing their pay and benefits to stop their drivers from joining competing companies. And the shortage is predicted to grow by 6% in the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The trucking industry makes millions of dollars every year. So companies are constantly looking for good drivers and trying to retain the existing ones. So, the trucking industry provides incredible job security.

Compensation

Truck driving is a well-paying job, especially for people without a degree. Although salaries can vary depending on the location, the national average for a truck driver is $71,090 per year.

Apart from the main salary, truck drivers also get compensation. They get sign-on bonuses up to $5,000. They also get bonuses for doing extra work like driving dangerous cargo and unloading trailers. Some companies even cover daily food and lodging costs. So, there are opportunities to make more money besides the base salary.

Minimal Training Required

Most jobs require you to do training for at least 6 months. Some can even take 1 or 2 years. That’s a pretty strong commitment. If you want to avoid such a long and grueling training regimen, then truck driving can be the right job for you.

It usually takes 7 weeks to complete the training for a commercial driver’s license. Depending on the company, the requirements may vary a bit. But you don’t need years of training for it. Rather, you’ll get hands-on experience while working and earning money. So, if you’re looking for a job right after graduation or a job that doesn’t have a long and grueling training regimen, then trucking is just for you.

Flexibility With Schedules

A truck driver has the flexibility to choose his schedule. You can decide when you want to work. This option may vary from company to company because some companies only offer fixed schedules.

But if your company allows it, it’s a great option. Especially for drivers who drive locally. Usually, local goods are transported at that time. So, you can adjust your schedule and work during the day, avoiding working very early in the morning or late at night. You can even work on weekends and free up some other day. You can even take breaks during your tips, as long as you deliver the products on time.

To Wrap It Up

Choosing a career can be a daunting task. But choosing a career that’s well-paid and offers room for growth is crucial.

Look at those above-mentioned reasons to choose truck driving and decide for yourself if trucking is for you. I’m sure this post will help you decide your career path.