Truck driving jobs are still plentiful despite the economy. People have in their minds a certain image of the average trucker. They think truckers are driving because they can't do anything else. This also implies that anyone could become a professional truck driver.
You may be reading this saying, "Well, anyone can get a truck driving job".
I beg to differ. Many, certainly can get their CDL license and then jump behind the wheel of a big truck but they will never become a professional truck driver. They won't be able to turn it into a successful career because they will be on the road disgusted.
Where are there bad truck drivers on the road that are not professionals? Too many drivers get on the big road without asking enough questions about becoming a trucker. They don't realize how taxing it is on family life until they become truckers out on the road away from home for weeks.
They didn't know that there were so many uncontrollable situations that easily turns stressful on a bad day. They didn't realize along with the travel and site seeing there was also breakdowns and unexpected detours. Some people become truckers before they realize they would have to deal with four wheelers who seems to care little about safety on the highway or just don't understand. Drivers also find that it is expensive on the road if they don't plan ahead for being on the road. Spend in the truck stops every day will eat up a paycheck, then of course what's the point.
These types of truck drivers usually make bad drivers and don't last long on the big road before they leave to do an easier job. This is one of the reasons that there is always a need for truck drivers. This is fine and desirable, we need drivers out here who love trucking. Anytime a person is not enjoying their job or if the job is causing problems for them they are better off doing something else.
Why would someone take a truck driving job?
People become professional driver for many reasons, some want to get paid as they travel but they understand that it is a job first so they are happy. Some choose trucking to escape a negative environment. Many truckers were introduced to trucking at a young age by a father or uncle or grandfather and knew from that very point in time they wanted to become a trucker driver. Some people become drivers simply to experience the adventure. Often a person will retire from another career such as military, or police officer and take a job as a driver. Some people change careers from an even more stressful jobs. I have met a Doctor, Lawyer and Accountant who switched to trucking. Some become truckers because of the potential to make good money with benefits.
It's truly unbelievable how diverse the background of drivers are and the reasons they decide to drive. Any reason is fine for the person who knows what he or she is getting into.
Ok, so what are some things that should be taken into consideration before taking a truck driving job?
The candidate for the open road should be self reliant and responsible. He must be disciplined and dependable. Drivers need to be on time to pick up and deliver their loads. How else will goods show up on shelves when they are supposed to?
The right person means that if family is involved they must also be of a certain type for having a trucking parent and or spouse over the road and be happy. It is not a decision that the potential driver should make alone. Before taking a truck driving job there should be serious discussion. Also, proper care must be taken to ensure that the stay at home spouse can handle all the business.
You can't guarantee that you will make it back by certain dates to handle things. Yes, this also mean you can't guarantee that you will make it home for some of your kids important events. Relax, you won't miss all of the events if you plan ahead and keep your dispatcher clued in but your definitely won't make them all.
How do you find the best truck driving job to suit you?
First remember the phrase, best truck driving job to suit you. There is no perfect job or trucking company. (Just like there is no perfect driver, yes me included!)
One of the best ways to get the information you need to determine if trucking is for you and choosing the right company is to visit your nearest truck stop. There are a dozen or more trucking magazines there that lists companies and their profiles. These are nice to get a general idea of who to contact and use for comparison of benefits, wages, traffic lanes (this is the area that a carrier commonly travels). You will see that a lot of companies only hire in certain areas. (This is good for both of you)
After identifying a selection of companies you like, get your pad call them and ask them questions like -
-How often will you get home?
-How many days will you get off when you do get home?
-Ask about benefits you need. (People have different insurance requirements, etc)
-Find out if they have a rider program if that is important to you. Not every company allows riders.
-Ask about the pay structure, including how much you can expect the first year. (Some of the figures you see in the magazines are based on achieving bonuses, raises, performance, etc. Also, they may not be the pay for the first year of trucking)
-See if they will allow you to carry a dog if you plan to have a dog. Not all companies will allow that or some will allow it and charge you.
After talking to the companies about the truck driving job, this will usually be the recruiter, go back to the truck stop and see if you can spot drivers for that company. (Of course, the smaller the company, the harder this will be to accomplish). Ask the drivers the same questions you asked the company to see how closely his answers match the recruiters.
This will give you a more accurate information about home time. How the company will handle certain situations, pay raises and other things that some companies may not be completely forthright about.
Cruising the internet may also help you narrow down choices of companies. Also keep in mind, there are many types of truck driving jobs, ranging from dump trucks to heavy hauling and hauling anything in between. While your on the internet and while talking to drivers
Be sure you consider what it means to be away from home 2 or 3 weeks at a time before deciding you want to become a trucker. I always recommend that a person pretend he or she is gone away from the home for 3 weeks and let the spouse handle everything in the home just as she would if you were gone.
This will help insure you didn't forget to cover something before you leave away from home on the big road.
Truck driving jobs are a solid career path with lots of potential for growth. You can buy a truck, buy several trucks (You must find top quality drivers if you do this) and lease on to a company or get your own authority. You could develop relationships and establish contacts while your driving so that you can build your trucking company with your own contracts.
There are many other arrangements and opportunities in trucking just remember, trucking is far more than a job, trucking is a lifestyle. The entire family lives a certain way because of a parent and/or spouse become a trucker.
Now, if I haven't scared you away, good luck if you so desire to take on one of the many truck driving jobs around the country. I hope to see you out here one day on the big road.
Hi my name is Hervy.
I have been driving for over 10 years in excess of 1,000,000 miles all across this great country.
If you need more in depth information about becoming a trucker or about the many different types of truck driving jobs feel free to visit my website Life as a trucker.
