What are the benefits of truck driving? It comes with a plethora of impressive perks. Take, for instance, the opportunity to travel as part of your job and the flexibility to choose your work schedule. If a career as a truck driver piques your interest, it’s worth delving into the various benefits associated with the role. In this article, we elucidate the nature of a truck driver’s job and enumerate 11 distinct advantages that may come your way.
Competitive Salary
The average national salary for a truck driver stands at $67,457 per year. Earnings may vary based on factors such as company size, job location, and the driver’s experience. The high demand for truck drivers ensures a reliable and steady income. Moreover, bonuses may be on the horizon for taking on specific routes that other drivers might shy away from, and incentive programs reward a commendable safety record or covering substantial distances.
Exploration
Truck drivers have the privilege of exploring diverse locations while being compensated for it. While job duties necessitate driving to different parts of the country, the free time can be utilized to visit landmarks and attractions. For those yearning to see more of the United States, trucking opens up a gateway to travel.
Independence
The nature of transporting goods often means truckers are alone, fostering a sense of self-supervision. While employers provide directions for deliveries, drivers often have autonomy in choosing their routes, the trucks they drive, and their work schedules.
Career Advancement
Those who find joy in the trucking profession can pursue additional training for higher salaries and career growth. Opportunities include becoming a certified instructor at a truck driving school, progressing into a management role, or venturing into entrepreneurship as an owner-operator running their own trucking company.
Employee Benefits
Entry-level truck drivers often enjoy a range of employee benefits, from medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage to retirement plans and referral bonuses. Paid time off, including holidays and vacation time, is also commonly offered, though specifics may vary by position and company.
Flexible Schedules
To be a truck driver means having the luxury of crafting your own schedules, fostering a healthy work-life balance. Whether opting for weekday-only work to reserve weekends for family time or choosing between day and night shifts, the flexibility extends beyond the conventional 9-to-5 routine.
Education Cost Assistance
To be a truck driver, the path involves attending driving school to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), typically an eight-week process. Some trucking companies cover the costs of the CDL exam, and reimbursement for a portion or all of driving school tuition is not uncommon. This financial support eases the burden of education expenses for prospective truck drivers.