Did you know that small business trucking companies comprise 90% of the industry? If you like working for a small business and you’re looking for a career change, a career as a commercial truck driver may be right for you.
The trucking industry offers a variety of rewarding career opportunities for many people. A four-year college degree is not necessary for commercial truck driving, and you can typically travel almost anywhere, at your own pace. However, there are some things you should know about how the modern truck driver spends their day.
A day in the life of a modern truck driver may look something like this:
- Earlier Days
- Long Road Trips
- Night Time Rest Stops
- Flexible Scheduling
- Drive with Drive M&W
Earlier Days
As a truck driver in today’s society, you’ll typically be on the road much earlier than the average driver. Depending on the company, truck drivers may have to report to work as early as 5am. However, as we will discuss later, a commercial drive will likely end before dark.
Once they’re on the road, truck drivers are often held to a strict schedule. It is important for drivers to examine their trucks, check the weather and route conditions, and fill out any required logs before hitting the road. It is important that drivers be aware of delays, slow vehicles, or accidents that may occur. However, the more frequent delays may show up due to inclement weather or equipment failure.
Long Road Trips
In accordance with federal regulations, truck drivers may work up to 11 hours a day, but they won’t be expected to travel continuously. It may take about nine hours to drive without taking breaks for food and bathroom. With those stops included, a drive can rack up a bit more time.
In addition to paying attention to traffic around them, commercial truck drivers must consider their destination while driving. Trucking companies often provide effective routes to drivers so they can make the most of their time. Despite these routes, many hours can still be spent traveling due to unpredictable delays.
Learn more about Drive M&W’s driver requirements and benefits!
Night Time Rest Stops
In most cases, trucking companies do not want their drivers on the road at night. Consequently, being a commercial driver will likely mean you’ll have your evenings to yourself. The majority of this is a result of safety concerns.
As commercial trucking companies will want their drivers in the best shape possible, at the end of the day, a truck driver will probably be ready to take a break, eat and sleep. Some trucks have sleeping units so drivers can spend the night in their vehicles. On the other hand, if this is not possible, drivers may rest in various trucking facilities or hotels.
Flexible Scheduling
On average, a commercial truck driver spends his or her days alone. It is common for truck drivers to chat with family or friends during their lunch break or at night after their drive. Commercial truck driving may be a great career choice for those who thrive off of alone time.
While working shifts, truck drivers can pass the time by listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or listening to their favorite music. As trucking companies have changed over the past few years, they have made improvements to benefit their drivers. With this in mind, several processes can be implemented to reduce long hours behind the wheel, such as more efficient routing to keep drivers closer to home and even more flexible delivery and pickup windows.
Drive with Drive M&W
Drive M&W, like most trucking companies, offers flexible schedules to offer employees the option to select what work they can realistically be involved in. The truck driving industry can offer you the robust, independent, reliable job you’ve been looking for.
When applying to a trucking company, make sure you feel comfortable with the salary and benefits offered to you so that you’ll feel confident in your career path. A truck driver might earn over $76,000 a year, and once you reach the top of the ladder, you may even join the ranks that make up to $200,000. Control your own career, income, and life with a truck driving job.
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 jobs in Nashville, TN have 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.
