The world has rapidly been changing over the course of the last six months. There are some professions drying up quite considerably — whereas others are booming in nature. With the ever-present need of transporting items to and from major shipping hubs, truck drivers continue to make a great living.
While long hours across expansive chunks of land might not be everyone’s cup of proverbial team, it is a profession which can pay the bills. This piece will look into the in’s and out’s of the truck driving profession. In the process, those searching for a new career might be intrigued by what they read in this piece.
How Does It Work?
In order to operate a large truck, the potential drive needs to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This is different from a normal driver’s license. Not only will this license allow the driver to operate a large vehicle, but it’ll also let the operator guide vehicles with trailers and ones carrying hazardous materials. There are three classes (A, B, C) within the license program.
One must be 21 years of age in order to receive the license. The driver must wait 14 days from the point of earning the driving permit before taking the actual test. Truck driving schools can be found all over the country. Attending one of these schools is imperative in order to fully grasp all potential scenarios when out on the road. Many major trucking companies will either have their own schools, or hire from many predominant schools.
Costs Associated With Program?
Trucking schools aren’t cheap — as some can vary in cost between roughly $2,500 to $8,000. However, there are a number of financial plans which can help those in need of help. There are grant-aid packages, as well as financial aid, potential tuition reimbursement (once the course is finished), and even training which can be paid up-front.
Scome companies will even pay the drivers each week during the four-week course. The start of the course can translate to full-time employment depending upon the company and their specific stipulations.
Pros and Cons of Position
There are both pros and cons to the position of being a truck driver. For those who like the open road — and hate the idea of a traditional 9-to-5 office job — this is an ideal profession. Truck drivers have the benefit in experiencing a number of different cities and states. In some cases, contract truck drivers can be hired for big-money stints abroad (in Europe, Asia, and even Africa).
Assuming one’s driving record is clean, there’s always going to be opportunity for work. Truck drivers are in high demand, and the significance society has on commerical goods will not be ending anytime soon. It’s a low-maintenance profession without much interaction from superiors or anyone else. One can take breaks whenever they want, and a formal dress code is far from mandatory.
On the other side of the equation, life on the road — for weeks at a time — can be very lonely. This is especially the case for someone who has a family, or is a social person by nature. Sitting in a vehicle for upwards of 24 hours also doesn’t leave a lot in the way of exercising or eating healthy. Additionally, one can get quite fatigued when traveling large distances over a relatively short timespan.
Image Source: LA Truck Driving School