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The trucking industry, like any other, has its highs and lows. Here are 4 key factors to consider before becoming a part of it.
The road transport industry offers steady income, labor benefits, and the opportunity to travel to new places. Many choose this profession as a second career after facing difficulties in their previous work life, as it provides stability, flexible hours, and independence while driving. Additionally, training in this sector is less expensive and quicker compared to other options, making it easier to start a new chapter on the road.
However, before taking the final step, it’s crucial to ask yourself if you are truly willing to completely change your lifestyle to begin a career in transport. While the industry has its advantages, a strong stomach is needed to adapt and thrive. Cliff Abbott, a commercial driver with 40 years of experience, shares four key aspects to consider before becoming a trucker in The Trucker. Below is a summary of his advice.
4 key steps before starting a trucking career
1. Analyze the industry and its current state
The road transport industry, like any other, has its ups and downs. In addition to being aware of the personal sacrifices it may involve, it’s essential to research the current state of the industry to prevent its economic fluctuations from affecting your personal life. Many drivers and their families don’t have a full picture of what this career entails, so understanding both the benefits and the drawbacks is a key step before starting.
Road transport can offer great earnings, but it also comes with high expenses and stress that affect both drivers and their personal relationships. This sector is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how it will change your life and that of your family before deciding to enter it.
2. Get proper training in the industry
Starting a career in road transport requires obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through specialized training. There are various types of schools offering this training. Private schools usually provide shorter programs but with less content, while publicly funded schools, often part of community colleges, offer more comprehensive training at a lower cost. Some transport companies also have their own schools or partnerships with training centers to educate new drivers, sometimes covering the costs in exchange for a work commitment.
It’s crucial for future drivers to fully understand the costs and requirements of the training, especially if they opt for a program funded by a transport company. Some companies offer free or reduced-price courses but require the driver to work for them for a set period. Additionally, the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools provides a helpful map to assist students in finding nearby training centers.
3. Accept major changes to your lifestyle
The long hours on the road mean being away from family and loved ones, which is one of the toughest aspects of being a trucker. To handle this, all family members must adapt and accept the reality of the distance. While the separation varies depending on whether you do local or long-haul trips, it is always a factor in the industry.
Most truckers seek to spend more time at home, leading them to opt for local jobs, though these tend to pay less than interstate driving. As a solution, many drivers alternate between high-paying long-haul jobs that keep them away from home and local jobs that allow them to be with their families, but which don’t always meet their financial needs.
This is a challenging aspect but not impossible. There are various ways to stay in touch with loved ones despite the distance. Ultimately, the most rewarding part is knowing that you are making a sacrifice for the well-being of your family.
4. Ensure your financial stability
The salary scale is one of the top concerns for drivers, according to a survey by the American Transportation Research Institute. In a recent study by the Professional Driver Agency and Conversion Interactive Agency, 82% of respondents expressed a desire for a predictable salary within the industry.
Personal expenses during OTR trips also present a challenge, particularly due to the high costs of restaurants at truck stops. As a result, many truckers choose to bring prepared or easy-to-cook food in the truck, allowing them to save money. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this change will also require an initial adjustment.
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