5 Reasons to be a Truck Driver

Driving a truck is a great career in high demand, and professional truck driving can be a great fit for you. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), approximately 3.4 million truck drivers work behind the wheel, keeping the country moving.

Are you considering becoming a truck driver? Here are five reasons a trucking career may be a good fit.

1. You don't need to spend years training for a career. Are you ready to work and get paid? A trucking career might be the perfect career choice. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs take a few weeks to complete. Don't spend years preparing for a career. Instead, learn on the road and start earning money quickly. CDL Training can include online theory training and behind-the-wheel training.
2. You want to get paid well. Truck driving careers are known for a great starting salary with excellent growth potential as your gain experience. Total compensation depends on many factors, including if you are an owner-operator or work for a large carrier. The 2022 ATA Driver Compensation Study found the median pay for truckload drivers increased by 11% year-over-year in 2021. The median salary for a driver in a private fleet came in at $85,000. It's common for those in the trucking industry to earn six figures. A truck driving job is a great career for anyone wanting to make a higher annual salary without spending years training.
3. You dream of being your own boss. Have you always wanted to be your own boss? About one in nine truck drivers in the US are independent, most of whom are owner-operators. Owner-operators own and maintain their equipment but can set their own schedule and express a love of the freedom that entrepreneurship provides. You don't have to work for yourself or own a truck right away. Most commercial drivers start out working for carriers to gain experience. You can purchase your truck later in your trucking career. The business potential is endless.
4. You love to travel. Do you like to see new places? Long-haul truck driving might be the perfect career choice if you love to drive and experience new places. Truck-driving professionals can drive 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week, making them some of the most well-traveled professionals in the country.
5. You want benefits. Many truck driver jobs include employee benefits, even entry-level positions. Many carriers offer health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and life insurance if you are a full-time employee. Some carriers provide 401(k) or other retirement savings plans, bonuses, and other benefits.