Truck driving jobs constitute over 3 million jobs across the country. There are actually 4 main types of shipping: air, rail, ships and trucks. Out of these 4 shipping modes trucks are the most versatile and the most essential. With little exception, virtually every product sold uses at least a part of its transport on a commercial motor vehicle.

The work of the truck driver is to either pick up or deliver freight. Shipments might have to be hand unloaded by the driver, even though this is not often the case, furthermore a commercial motor driver must adhere to all Department of Transportation laws and regulations and have a commercial driver’s license nearly always.

The Life of a Truck Driver

It is actually a driver’s job to figure out what road he or she can travel. Not all roads are truck routes. And even though it is reasonable to believe that such roads are going to be clearly marked as non-truck routes, this is simply not the case. Hence a driver needs to take time in preparation of his or her route to figure out the best roads to travel.

Truck driving is really tough; drivers could spend almost half of the day sitting behind a steering wheel, working with customers and non-commercial drivers. It is really a difficult job and could even take a toll on your overall health.

Drivers spend considerable time away from their homes and families. They are expected to work at night, on the weekends and on holidays sometimes.

At the time of natural disasters like floods, hurricanes and tornadoes it is the truck drivers that are usually first on scene with trailers loaded with life-saving product. It’s an important position essential to the economy.

Demand for Truck Drivers

The trucking industry has an increasing demand for truck drivers; many are having difficulties finding certified drivers. With the beginning of the Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) program, only safe and sound drivers are on the highways nowadays. And there is a great need to change drivers that have been taken off the road for regular safety violations.

Truck driving is a skillful profession, which means that, all drivers who work with a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Hence, a truck driver has to obtain the required training to be able to receive a CDL. A number of drivers will choose a truck driving school, others might learn at a vocational school and there are several organizations that provide on-the-job training.

As outlined by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the trucking and freight industries are anticipated to grow around 3 % over the next 10 years. The national average annual earnings for drivers are around $60,000, even though that amount can differ widely depending on location. A number of drivers are not salaried and are as an alternative paid by the hour or by miles traveled. The more you work the more money you would make.

Truck driving is a great career in that it is stable, the industry is thriving and it offers a family-sustaining income. Additionally it plays an important role in the nation’s economy.