Few industries are genuinely recession-proof. Although essential services are always necessary, only one tie binds us together: transportation.
Even during the 2020 lockdowns, truckers were on the road, delivering supplies to communities. They helped restock grocery stores, keep economies going, and bring us together.
There is arguably no more vital profession in the transportation industry than being a truck driver.
What Are the Best Reasons to Become a Truck Driver Today?
A truck driving career comes with some challenges, but it also brings numerous rewards. Here are some of the reasons why it makes sense to earn your CDL this year, even if you’re pursuing a different career opportunity.
1. More Job Stability
Trucking is an essential industry. Even when an opportunity disappears, your CDL is like a golden ticket that can get you hired almost anywhere. Since your job entails receiving, distributing, and delivering necessary products, there is consistent demand for drivers in multiple markets.
Some opportunities let you be a local driver. Others might have you on the road more or require relocation, but there will be numerous job opportunities to pursue.
2. Chance to Travel
Truck drivers in North America get to travel to numerous locations. If you love exploring new places or seeing the different landscapes across the continent, this job lets you have fun while delivering a competitive salary.
Most companies allow drivers to be on different routes based on availability.
You can also create a set route if you prefer more of a routine.
Some trucking companies offer transportation to Mexico or Canada, allowing for some international exploration.
3. Fewer Screening Requirements
When you apply for a trucking job, the primary consideration is whether or not you have a CDL. Even if you don’t have a license, many companies will pay for your training to earn it. You don’t need to have a specific college degree, soft skill set, or other application screening factors found in other professions.
Some companies look for older drivers because insurance costs for those under 25 are typically higher. Beyond that issue, you can get your CDL right out of high school to start your career.
4. Less Micromanaging
Truckers are responsible for timely deliveries. How you accomplish that result is often up to you in this career. Most drivers spend their days alone, not needing to interact with coworkers or supervisors.
If you’re a self-motivated person who loves to work independently, becoming a trucker could be the perfect career choice!
5. Competitive Compensation
The average salary for a truck driver in the United States was just under $70,000 at the start of 2022. Several benefits, ranging from a 401(k) package to vacation time, increase that amount in several ways. [[1]]
Truckers also get paid per mile. If you’re a company solo driver, the average range is about $0.40 to $0.64 for up to 3,000 miles per week. Company team drivers make about 15% more, while owner-operators can earn up to $1.79 per mile before expenses.
When comparing different entry-level jobs in the United States, especially for those right out of high school, there aren’t many other opportunities that pay this much right away.
6. Set Your Own Schedule
Although this benefit applies more to owner-operators than company drivers, almost everyone has more control over their schedule when working in this career compared to others.
An owner-operator is a contractor who owns their rig and sells their services to transportation companies. You get to determine what contracts you take in this position, how long you want to work, and if you’re going to take time off. [[2]]
There are still some rules you’ll need to follow when working as a truck driver. You’ll need to become familiar with Part 395 of the FMCSA safety regulations that dictate your hours of service requirements.
The table below shows a brief overview of the limitations you have when setting your own schedule.
| FMCSA Hours of Service Rule | What This Rule Means for Truck Drivers |
| The 11-Hour Rule | Truck drivers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours after taking ten consecutive hours off-duty. |
| The 14-Hour Rule | Once you begin your driving day after taking your 10-hour break, you are not allowed to continue after you reach 14 consecutive work hours. |
| The 30-Minute Break Rule | Drivers are not permitted to drive after an eighth hour without taking at least a half-hour break. It can be taken on- or off-duty, or in the sleeper, as long as you’re not behind the wheel. |
| The 70-Hour Rule | You cannot continue driving after putting in 70 hours in any eight consecutive days. Drivers can reset the clock for this rule by taking a 34-hour rest. |
| The 7/3 Split Rule | This rule allows drivers to split a 10-hour break into two segments. One of them cannot be shorter than seven hours, and the other must be three or more. Most carriers don’t allow split sleeper berth breaks to avoid confusion with rule compliance. |
| The 10-Hour Break Rule | Once a driver reaches their limit for the day, they must have ten consecutive off-duty hours. |
Several exceptions apply, especially for short-haul workers and those who face adverse driving conditions. [[3]]
7. Work with a Purpose
When you earn your CDL, you’re joining an industry that helps millions of people. Many countries rely on truckers to receive the essential supplies they need to do what they do best.
Drivers are sometimes responsible for hauling hazardous cargo, expensive items, raw materials, groceries, and more. The expertise you provide while completing these tasks is valuable along multiple points of the supply chain.
That means you can have confidence in the fact that the work you do as a trucker is helping the world become a better place.
After getting your CDL, you might find that trucking isn’t the right fit for your personal goals. Once you earn the license, several job opportunities can help you find the right fit in the transportation industry.
Here is a brief look at some alternatives you can try if you don’t want to get behind the wheel full-time.
- You could become a CDL instructor, coach, or mentor to teach students how to safely drive.
- Terminal managers and transportation supervisors with a CDL are highly coveted because they understand the logistics of the industry better.
- Couriers are responsible for local routes, loading and unloading packages, parcels, and pallets.
- You might decide to become a bus driver or a dispatcher, allowing you to do some light traveling while helping your community or staying connected to a career you love.
CDL licenses are broken into three different classifications: A, B, and C.
If you earn a CDL-A license, you can get behind the wheel of all vehicle classes. This license lets you operate any combination of vehicles with a GVWR higher than 26,000 pounds. [[4]]
With a CDL-B, you can tow a trailer that doesn’t exceed a GVWR of 10,000 pounds while still operating a Class C vehicle.
The CDL-C is necessary for anyone who transports more than 16 passengers in the same vehicle. Other career options based on the classifications found in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act are also possible. [[5]]
8. Early Retirement
If you’re tired of your current responsibilities, earning a CDL allows you to take an early retirement. You could try driving part-time, work short-haul routes, or split your day with the local school district to drive a bus.
Drivers that get into this industry right out of high school can often retire earlier than other workers. Many companies pay a per diem to help with daily expenses and a competitive salary. If you work hard, stay motivated, and provide consistent services, you can enjoy a slower pace of life without needing to worry about money.
9. Opportunities for Veterans
Driving trucks is a viable career for veterans after they finish their service. It offers a job that pays well, offers benefits, and time to reflect. Since you don’t need a college degree to earn a CDL, it’s an option for almost everyone.
Some companies want to hire veterans specifically because of the work ethic and dedication it takes to fulfill military duties.
If you’re still serving, consider earning your CDL before being honorably discharged or retiring to give yourself a jumpstart for when you’re ready to transition to your next career.
CDL Drivers Can Explore Additional Certifications
Some drivers are satisfied with their CDL and enjoy a fulfilling career after. Others want to explore new opportunities or maximize their income-earning potential.
You can earn several additional certifications for your CDL. The most common options are T (double or triple trailers), N (non-hazardous liquid tankers), X (hazardous liquids), and H (hazardous materials).
Before you can enjoy all the benefits of this essential career, you’ll need to earn your commercial driver’s license. It’s an investment in yourself that lets you explore the world and serve others, whether you stay local or have a route encompassing the entire continent.
[[1]] https://www.indeed.com/career/truck-driver/salaries?from=careeradvice-US
[[2]] https://www.forbes.com/sites/louismosca/2021/11/30/considering-a-trucking-career-think-again–it-could-be-a-bumpy-road/
[[3]] https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&=PART&n=pt49.5.395
[[4]] https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/gvwr.htm
[[5]] https://www.osha.gov/trucking-industry/transporting-hazardous-materials
