Being a professional truck driver has its ups and downs, as any job would. Many who are considering joining the trucking industry will want to know what to expect before they get started on their CDL training. Explore the pros and cons of trucking to find out if this is the right career path for you!
Pros of Truck Driving
Job security is virtually guaranteed in trucking as the current shortage of drivers is on the rise. High demand allows drivers to be selective when picking their employer. Drivers should take extra time to compare their options considering everything from pay, benefits, and how much vacation and hometime they will get. The amount of hometime is especially important for long-haul drivers. Depending on the carrier, hometime could be 3-5 days or even an entire week once or twice per month.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers can expect to earn about $43,000 annually during their first year. However, the earning potential of a truck driver can vary depending on the carrier and how experienced the driver is. For example, Walmart pays their average truck driver $73,000 annually and few trucking jobs can reach over $100,000 per year in wages alone. There are also plenty of opportunities for promotions into management or higher-paying jobs at virtually every large trucking company.
Cons of Truck Driving
The first year as a truck driver can be somewhat of a challenge. Drivers are typically required to gain experience by driving longer distances before they are considered for local positions. This can be a big con for some as they don’t want to spend the time away from home. The good news is that once that first year ends there will be a variety of local driving jobs to choose from. Experience is valued in the trucking industry and will open doors to more desirable jobs with much higher pay rates.
There are certain cons that naturally come along with over-the-road (OTR) trucking jobs. It can be difficult to spend so much time away from home. Aside from missing their families, many drivers are also concerned with the lack of healthy options on the road. That being said, many trucking stops are aware of this and are adding healthier options as a result.
These are just a few of the pros and cons of working in the trucking industry. With the level of job security and earning potential, it’s clear that a career in trucking is worth it. Are interested in getting your CDL and becoming a professional truck driver? DriveCo CDL Learning Center can get you trained in as little as 4 weeks! Contact us to learn how you can get started in a new career that you’ll love.
