Surge In Demand For Truck Driving Jobs

Truck driver jobs typically involve transporting goods and materials along the supply chain, i.e., between retailers, manufacturers and distributors. Some truck drivers also take part in sales and customer service, among other activities.

Truck drivers have the following responsibilities:

  • driving long distances and deliver goods on time
  • loading and unloading cargo
  • refueling and cleaning the vehicle
  • knowing and respecting traffic laws
  • reporting road incidents to the dispatcher, if any
  • inspecting trucks and keeping a record of any issues
  • following accident procedures
  • planning routes using a GPS system
  • maintaining a good relationship as well as a positive attitude with their customers
  • keeping activities logged and log hours
  • reporting mechanical problems to maintenance personnel
  • keeping their commercial driver license up to date


Requirements to Work as a Truck Driver

To work as a truck driver, you need to meet certain requirements:
  • have a commercial driver's license (CDL)
  • pass a drug and alcohol test
  • have a clean driving record
  • have your own Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card
  • carry a valid motor vehicle record (MVR)
  • have a high school diploma
  • provide a medical certificate
In addition, truck drivers are expected to have basic repair work knowledge, given that their livelihood depends on their vehicle. They need to be able to identify when the vehicle is having mechanical trouble.

Also, basic knowledge is necessary when you spend so much time on the road. Knowing how to change a tire, measure tire pressure, jump start a vehicle, etc., is key.

They also need a good sense of direction and know how to read a map.


How much money do truck drivers make?

Truck driver salaries vary significantly across the United States (by 20k or more). According to a 2019 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average truck driver makes $21.76 per hour and $45,260 (2019) per year. In 2018, more than 1.9 million Americans worked as truck drivers but there area instances where Truck drivers can make upwards of $70k annually.

The states with the highest number of truck drivers are:

State Employment per thousand Annual mean wage
Texas 199,500 $45,940
California 146,730 $48,450
Florida 92,530 $42,700
Pennsylvania 86,370 $48,060
Ohio 77,150 $46,760
 
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Every professional has a life besides work, and so does a trucker driver. Therefore, a good truck driver should be in a position to balance work and life. Many people think that the nature of truck driving does not allow one to have a healthy work-life balance. However, it can be achieved.

To make sure you lead a healthy lifestyle as a truck driver, you need to plan your days off, take healthy food with you, make sure you stop every few hours to stretch and move around.

Your body needs always to be fit because it is the one that keeps the truck moving. Taking time to stretch prevents burnout.

Make sure your diet is healthy and has the necessary nutrients to ensure that your body is always in good health.

You need to spend quality time with your loved ones. Social life is an instrumental part of life, and truck driving can be an especially lonely profession, so whenever you can spend time with your family or friends.

Also, make sure you keep your mind active while driving. Listen to your favorite music or comedy shows while driving, stay active in both mind and body.



Related Topics