Truck driving could be if you like the idea of making a living by spending time behind the wheel. Truck driving is a job that allows you to spend time on the open road making deliveries, and there are many benefits to this type of work. It is also a highly unique role, and there are a number of challenges to be aware of. With this in mind, this article will look at a few of the main things you need to know about truck driving that will help you decide if this is the right role for you and what to expect.
There Is A Truck Driver Shortage
One of the first things to be aware of is that there is currently a shortage of truck drivers, which has been the case for a few years. It was estimated that the US was short 78,000 truck drivers in 2022. While this means a lot of work is available, you need to consider why there is such a large shortage. Truck driving is not a line of work that is well-suited to all, and the working conditions are a key reason why there is a shortage.
It Can Be Demanding
Following on from this, one of the main reasons that there is a shortage of truck drivers is that the work can be incredibly demanding and stressful. You will be working to tight deadlines trying to complete deliveries and feel pressure to take on as much work as possible to maximize your earnings. Therefore, it is important that you can handle pressure, have a strong work ethic, reduce stress, and switch off in your free time.
You Can Be Your Own Boss
You could work for a trucking company, but many people prefer to work as an independent truck drivers. This allows you to be your own boss and set your own schedule, which can obviously bring a range of benefits to your life.
You Can Find Ongoing Work With Load Boards
As a truck driver, you want to ensure that you always have a job to which you can turn. If you have periods without finding a job, your earnings will suffer. This is why many truck drivers use load boards, which are websites that list thousands of available jobs. You can then pick the jobs that suit you and always have somewhere to turn to find shipping. This includes hot shot trucking jobs, which are time-sensitive deliveries that are better paid. You can pick up loads on the go, which will help you maximize the amount of money each day. For new truck drivers, load boards are perfect for shipping work as you can quickly and easily gain experience and start to build a reputation for yourself.
You Spend A Lot Of Time By Yourself
As a truck driver, you will inevitably spend a lot of time by yourself and away from home. For some people, the amount of solo time that you get will be a perk of the job, but even these people may feel isolated and lonely at times. This is why you must be in tune with your mental health as a truck driver and find ways to avoid loneliness. Keeping in touch with loved ones back home and keeping your mind occupied with podcasts and music can be helpful. Additionally, you will find pulling over for meals and coffee to be a chance to interact with others. Many truck drivers also enjoy being part of the truck driver community, which can be useful in terms of communicating with others, sharing your experiences, and getting advice from fellow truck drivers.
It Is Hard To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Leading on from this, it can also be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a truck driver. You often end up sleeping at odd hours, it is hard to exercise regularly, and the typical truck driver diet is not recommended by a doctor! Therefore, you need to prioritize a healthy lifestyle as a truck driver. On the road, you should make sure that you plan when you sleep, take healthy food with you, and avoid too much junk food and caffeine. You then need to make the most out of your time off with exercise, catching up on sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet.
These are a few of the main things to be aware of if you are thinking about becoming a truck driver. There are certainly many benefits to this type of work, but there are also some unique challenges to be aware of.
