February 2019

You know you are joining the right job when the people who have been doing it a long time still seem to really enjoy their work. The same is true in the trucking industry. You’ll hear road warriors telling stories of the places they’ve been and the things they’ve accomplished with a sense of great pride. They have done and seen incredible things through their careers in trucking. Here are 5 things you can look forward to in your new career on the road!

Travel

There are very few careers with the opportunity to see every state in the continental United States. But most experienced over-the-road drivers have the chance to be everywhere from Tampa, Seattle, Boston, and LA. They’ve seen the sun dropping behind the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachians, and the deserts, and watched it rise over rivers, fields, and forests.

Training Opportunities

Respect comes with experience in the trucking industry. Experienced drivers are given the opportunity to train new drivers. The chance to pass along their skill to another generation of drivers and the responsibility for helping someone start their own career is highly rewarding. The added pay and miles are rewarding too!

Better Pay and Benefits

You become highly valuable as you gain skills and experience in trucking. Truck drivers are always in high demand, and skilled drivers are even more rare to find. Safe and experienced drivers are wanted by trucking companies everywhere. With the right amount of research, you will find a great place where you can build relationships and receive good pay and benefits. This is a huge perk of being an experienced truck driver.

Pride in your job

Trucking can sometimes be a challenging industry to be in. It tests your patience, requires skill, courage, and good sense. As you gain experience, you get the reward of knowing you have accomplished something challenging. Just the size of the rig can be intimidating, but experienced drivers start to feel the truck as an extension of themselves. Taking an 18-wheeler with a heavy load over a mountain pass, backing into shipping docks in different places, and doing it all with a badge of safety deserves applause. It’s certainly something to be proud of.

Relationships

If you get in the right place, trucking is a community. It provides you with a place to meet different people and build lasting relationships. Drivers meet a lot of new people along the way including dispatchers, managers, fellow drivers, customers, and mechanics. It’s a great career for meeting new people and building great relationships.

Becoming an experienced truck driver starts with the right CDL training. DriveCo CDL Learning Center can get you trained and ready for your new career in trucking in just 4 weeks! Contact us today to learn more!

Updated May 2024

As you begin your new career in trucking, one of the most important factors to consider is income and the questions that come along with the subject. How much money can you expect to earn in your first year? How much will your salary increase as you gain experience? What benefits are offered in the trucking industry? Having these answers and understanding your options will allow you to have realistic expectations when entering the trucking industry.

What is the Average Salary of a Truck Driver?

Salaries expectations for truck drivers can vary depending on a multitude of factors, including driving routes, type of equipment, and experience levels. Over-the-road (OTR) drivers make longer trips, earning more while spending more time away from home. Local and regional drivers make shorter trips and will earn less but are usually home every night. Another level of earning potential is for those transporting hazardous materials, as these loads require drivers with higher levels of skill.

It’s important to remember that the different types of trucking are not considered when calculating the overall national salary average. Keeping that in mind, the BLS reports that the median salary for truck drivers is $54,320, but Indeed puts the average for Indiana at $85,046.

The nice thing about trucking is that you’re in control, so your salary will steadily increase as you gain more on-the-road experience. The increased experience will also open doors to new job opportunities, allowing you to choose the routes you want to drive or even be promoted into more executive positions like fleet manager or company leader, increasing your salary exponentially.

What Benefits Do Truck Drivers Get?

In addition to a high earning potential, trucking is one of the few industries that still offers a full benefits package. Carriers are even offering additional benefits in an effort to combat the driver shortage that the U.S. is currently facing. These added benefits include higher wages and sign-on bonuses. Benefits already being offered include:

Financial bonus incentives for meeting performance milestones
Reimbursement for CDL training
401(k) investments with carrier match
Complete Healthcare Coverage (including Dental, Medical, and Vision coverage)
Paid vacation time

Industry Outlook

According to the American Trucking Association, There are currently more than eight million people working in trucking-related jobs. Each year, there are about 241,200 openings throughout the U.S., and the growth rate is steady at 4%. Due to a retiring workforce and the industry growing, the shortage of drivers continues to increase, making the demand for truckers higher than ever.

Trucking has always been an important industry, but post-covid, it’s even more respected than before. Truck drivers are imperative to the world we live in, and they’re continuing to be paid and benefited respective to their importance, making it the best time to join the industry!

Ready to take the first step towards your new career in trucking? DriveCo CDL Learning Center can get you trained and ready for your new career in just four weeks! To learn how to get started, give us a call!

Going on the road for the first time as an over-the-road truck driver can be a breeze with proper preparation. If you’re preparing to go on the road for the first time, or are considering trucking as your career choice, here are some steps you can take to ensure that you’re ready to hit the road!

Stay in Touch with Loved Ones

The biggest downside to life on the road is that you’ll have to spend time away from your family and friends. Creating a communication plan can help you stay in touch while you’re on the road. Before heading out on your first trip, there are a few things you’ll want to do to establish a communication plan with your loved ones.

It may seem obvious, but it’s critical to make sure you have a good cellphone. Your phone will be the main source of communication you have. Phones capable of video calling, that are Wi-fi capable, and that have a good network will help you keep up with your loved ones. Be sure to also keep a written list of your family and friend’s phone numbers, just in case. Let your family members know what to expect, and form a plan to keep in contact with them.

Make Your Health a Top Priority

It can be tempting to eat the easiest things you can find at rest stops. However, you’ll benefit greatly by planning ahead with healthier options. As you prepare to hit the road, make sure you sit down with a doctor or nutritionist to come up with a game plan so your health is not impacted. In addition to eating right, there are a few other preparations you can make to stay healthy on the road.

Establishing a sleep routine you can follow on the road will help ensure you’re alert for the whole route. If possible, study the routes you’re going to take ahead of time, so you can plan ahead. Find a few good audiobooks or podcasts to listen to during your journey. Download them in advance if possible to save data on your phone. Listening to audiobooks or podcasts is an easy way to stay entertained and engaged, which will aid in your mental health!

Stock Up On Essential Equipment

Part of preparing for your new career as a truck driver is making sure you have essential supplies you’ll need on the road. There are several tools and equipment that can help will make things easier. We’ve created a checklist of a few essential items you’ll want to make sure you have. You can download the new driver checklist here!

A few of these essential items include a portable toilet, spare sunglasses, and a drinking water supply. While it may seem silly, having a portable toilet will be a lifesaver if a restroom is not easily accessible. You’ll be so glad you packed a pair of spare sunglasses when you’ve lost your favorite pair and the sun is glaring in your eyes. A large water jug will come in handy when your water bottle runs dry in the middle of the night and you don’t feel like leaving your cabin. Be sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead with our new driver checklist!

Many trucking companies will supply new drivers the basics they’ll need. However, planning ahead and bringing additional supplies will ensure your safety and comfort on the road. If you want to know more about getting started in your new career, contact us! The professionals at DriveCo CDL Learning Center are here to help you succeed.