Truck drivers make, on average, $35,000 in their first year on the road. This makes it an extremely enticing job for those looking to see the country and make good money.
But is truck driving really for you? It’s an important thing to consider before you start taking steps toward a new career. While there are perks, there may be parts of the job that outweigh the benefits.
If you’re interested in truck driving careers, this article will help you make a decision by laying out the pros and cons of being a truck driver.
Pros and Cons of Truck Driving Careers
Take everything on this list with a grain of salt because something that we’ve listed as a “con” may actually be a “pro” in your opinion, and visa versa.
Pro: There is a High Entry Level Pay
As we’ve mentioned the average starting pay for a truck driver is somewhere around $35,000. Given the level of education required to become a truck driver, that amount of money is extremely high for someone at an entry level.
While most college graduates will make more starting out, those who don’t have a college degree, or even a high school degree in some cases, are able to make salaries comparable to those who have invested tens of thousands of dollars in college.
Pro: There is Little Educational Requirement
There’s no better way to make money without going to school. A CDL is required in most cases, but that typically takes about seven weeks to get.
The timeline will depend on your specific training and the kind of vehicle you’re intending to drive, but compare that with the four or five years it takes to get a college degree and truck driving starts to look pretty great.
Con: Getting a CDL Can Set You Back A Little
Truck driving school programs cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the level of certification that you want to achieve. That being said, completing school will set you up for a great career, one that will easily earn back the investment of paying classes.
Pro: Some Companies Will Cover Your Tuition
Call it a bonus, incentive, whatever; some companies will cover the cost of your truck driving school if you agree to work for them for an amount of time. You may have to commit for a year of working with that company but it’s likely worth it if you’re cut out for truck driving.
It’s exciting to find an option that covers tuition for you because you are lined up with a job and free schooling before you even start.
Con: Commitment
One of the biggest disincentives to being a truck driver is the fact that you are often required to be gone for weeks at a time. This all depends on the company that you drive for, but there are many truck drivers who have very irregular schedules. This means that family ties and relationships could be strained, as you will have less availability to make plans and be around consistently.
That being said, most companies are very understanding and will give you the ability to lay out your schedule and let you know when you’ll be driving. In that sense, you’ll have the ability to maintain a strong personal life if you can manage your time well. It is only the smaller, spur-of-the moment plans that you may miss out on.
Pro: Get Paid to See the Country
You’re going to be on the road, rolling cross-country, seeing all there is to see within the United States. While you’ll be locked into traveling for the most part, you will certainly have more opportunity to see the country than the average citizen.
This feeling of exploration is very freeing and personally rewarding if you’re a person who likes to experience new things. There will be a number of time-periods where you are stuck do to a layover. Many drivers take these opportunities to explore the area that they’re in and get to know other drivers around them.
Pro: Independence
One of the main perks of being a truck driver is that you don’t really have anyone to watch you, make sure you’re doing your work, or tell you what to do. Of course, you do have people directing you where to go and telling you when to be there, but those people are miles away and communicating with you via radio.
You have the ability to plan routes, go to the bathroom, take breaks, and be independent while making money. That being said, you need to be responsible about how you use your time while you’re on the road. You are often on a deadline and need to meet the tasks that are given, otherwise you could face consequences.
Con: Loneliness
If you’re a person who can’t handle long periods of time alone, truck driving may not be the best choice for you. Again, you could be spending up to 3 weeks alone at a time. There’s a lot that goes along with being on the road that reminds you of being home as well.
Meals are not as consistent as they could be, and when you do eat it’s often at a restaurant or a rest stop which doesn’t compare to a home-cooked meal. That being said, there are some programs that allow you to bring a family member along with you on the road.
Some people are cut out for life on the road, however, and this is certainly one of the cons that could be a pro, depending on who you are. The wide open road is a great place to think and clear your head, and if you’re a person who loves driving, you may be exceptionally happy alone on the road.
Start Your Career Today
If the pros and cons above make truck driving seem like a good fit for you, there’s no better time than now to start looking for places to get your CDL.
If you’re interested in finding more information on truck driving careers, we’ve got everything you need.
