Did you know trucking is one of the largest occupations in the United States, with over 3.5 million professionals working as truck drivers? Like most of us, when choosing a career, you’ll want to find a position or professional path that you love.
When you work in the trucking industry, you’ll find that you have the opportunity to travel almost anywhere, at your own pace. Plus, to obtain a trucking license, all you need to do is complete a three-week course. If driving commercial trucks has ever peaked your interest, you may make a great addition to the trucking industry.
Here are 5 simple ways to know if you would be a good truck driver:
- You’re Passionate About the Road
- You Enjoy Travel
- You’re Very Independent
- You Want to Control Your Own Income
- You Take Driving Seriously
You’re Passionate About the Road
Does the open road excite and energize you? Are you a lover of long late night drives? Then you may qualify as someone who is passionate about the road. For many truck drivers, one of the greatest joys of the job is feeling connected to the highway system in the United States. This can make you feel like the world is simply all right at your fingertips.
If you love the roadway system, and enjoy being behind the wheel, why not become a truck driver and turn your love into a career.
You Enjoy Travel
Did you know that 54% of Americans have traveled to less than ten of the 50 states? If you’re keen on lots of travel, or have a goal to traverse various state lines, trucking may be the best career choice for you.
As a truck driver, you will have the rare opportunity to travel the country on your employer’s dime. And, when you’re not on the road, you have the chance to visit all sorts of exciting places along your journey.
If the typical 9 to 5, office job is something that scares you because of the confinement, let the trucking industry send you wherever you want to go, all while getting great pay and benefits.
Learn more about Drive M&W’s driver requirements and benefits!
You’re Very Independent
When thinking about your career path, it’s important to understand what type of person and professional worker you are. Do you enjoy the social hustle and bustle of multiple co-workers? Maybe you’re more of a solitary worker who enjoys being productive alone.
While different people enjoy different working environments, if you enjoy a quieter, solitary paced lifestyle, truck driving may be just the job you need. As an independent natured person, you’ll be able to enjoy all the alone time you want in your commercial vehicle. When you join the trucking industry, you’ll be able to spend every work day cruising down the road with your favorite music.
You Want to Control Your Own Income
Many trucking companies offer flexible scheduling, allowing you to choose how much work you want to take on. Larger companies often offer bonuses as well for various individual accomplishments. An industry rich with opportunities, the trucking industry can keep you and your family financially secure.
Did you know that the average truck driver makes about $76,000 each year? As you work your way up in the industry, some truckers even make more than $200,000 per year, with added benefits depending on your company. When applying to a trucking company, make sure you feel comfortable with the salary and benefits offered to you.
You Take Driving Seriously
As a truck driver, operating your commercial vehicle safely is very important. Just as when driving your non-commercial car, you’ll need to follow proper roadway laws as well as the legal regulations of the trucking industry- that you’ll learn in your courses.
Safety is of the utmost importance for truckers as the vehicles you drive can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In order to earn your CDL, commercial driver’s license, your personal driving record will need to be spotless. If you take driving and roadway laws seriously, truck driving may be a good career path option for you.
While no career is ever perfect, the trucking industry is built to support and uplift its truckers. With many advantages to an independent traveler, truck driving has become a fulfilling profession for many. If any of the points above spoke to you, you could become a great truck driver.
If you’re ready to jumpstart your trucking career, connect with our team of recruiters or apply at Drive M&W today.
