Updated November 2021
In today’s economy, there are many reasons to consider becoming a truck driver. The transportation companies that employ truck drivers are crucial to almost all businesses that need to move their products, from food to pharmaceutical industries. They can even be viewed as the backbone of our markets. Due to this, trucking careers are not projected to stop growing anytime soon.
Here are 4 different reasons you should consider becoming a truck driver:
1. Expanding Job Market
Slow and steady wins the race here. The job market for truck drivers is projected to grow 3-5% in the next year as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic. Growth will level out around 5-6% per year from 2022 to 2030. The truck driver shortage continues to grow and was only made worse by the pandemic. Carriers need to hire more drivers than ever to meet the demand needed in the industry. People looking for a new career or just getting into the industry will have substantial opportunities with a trucking career.
2. Many Different Kinds of Work
The trucking industry does not belong to only tractor-trailer drivers. There is a multitude of different trucking jobs, such as the following:
- Dry Van Drivers: How many people usually start in the industry. “Dry van” is the trailer you see connected to trucks on the highway every day.
- Flatbed Drivers: Requires large objects to be tied down securely on trailers and thus promises higher pay.
- Tanker Drivers: Involves transporting hazardous or non-hazardous liquids and is often in high demand.
- Refrigerated Freight Drivers: Requires goods to be transported at a specific temperature. There is more responsibility, but more pay with it.
- Freight Haulers: A freight hauler specializes in transporting freight from one location to another.
- LTL Freight Drivers: For smaller shipments, an LTL driver is a good fit! Standing for “less than truckload,” these drivers transport smaller loads from place to place.
Whether or not you’re required to unload your own truck varies from employer to employer, so make sure to check.
3. Good Pay For a Good Life
The entry-level salary for truck drivers is estimated to be $66,000, which is up from an average of $40,000 a few years ago. Salary depends on the type of trucking job and carriers will have different salary ranges, but $60,000 is a current average across the industry. The pay increase is a direct result of the shortage of truck drivers. Trucking companies offer higher wages and benefits to recruit new drivers to the industry.
Drivers with experience earn significantly higher salaries and are estimated to reach $100,000 with only around five years of experience.
4. Simple to Get Started
It’s effortless to get started on this path and doesn’t take long at all. At DriveCo, you could earn your CDL in as little as four weeks full-time. Or, if you’re unable to dedicate to a full-time CDL, our 10-week part-time CDL training is right up your alley.
If you like to explore a career as a truck driver and are interested in a stable career, a trucking career may be an excellent fit for you.
If you have any other questions or want more information about our training, please contact us or call 219-336-8722.
