Is it worth being a truck driver?

Truck drivers can earn a good income. How much does a truck driver make? On average drivers earn $50,909, while Over The Road (OTR) drivers who haul freight over long distances earn on average nearly $64,000 per year. Private fleets- those that deliver freight only for one company- often have much higher levels of pay.

Is trucking still a good career?

Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. A person with a good driving experience can earn more than $65,000 per year and an entry level driver can earn up to $40,000 per year. As you start gaining more experience, your pay starts increasing. Some truck drivers earn up to $85,000 per year.

Can you make a good living as a truck driver?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truckers earn a median annual wage of $43,680, which is more than the median wage for all jobs, and the top 10% of truck drivers make more than $60,000 per year.

Do truck drivers make enough money?

The bottom 10% of truck drivers earned a median of $25,740, while the top 10% brought home a median of $61,150. It's important to note, however, that truck drivers are typically not paid an annual salary or hourly wage, as with many other careers. Company drivers are paid on a cents per mile basis.

What are the pros and cons of being a truck driver?

Truck Driver Salary: Here's What It's REALLY Like to Be a Truck Driver!!

Why do truckers quit?

But due to low pay and less than desirable working conditions, many are leaving the industry, in search of a better career. Others are lured into the trucking industry as drivers, thinking they will fill these positions and make a good living for themselves and their families.

Why do truckers get fat?

"For most drivers, the reason why they're overweight or obese has a lot to do with their metabolism, which is related to their sleep cycles, circadian rhythms, accumulated sleep debt and stress," Baleka contends.

Can truckers make 100k?

Yes. You can earn $100,000 or more a year as a truck driver. It generally takes a few years, and usually means that you have become a trainer or work as a team driver. Drivers who transition from company drivers to owner-operators often earn more than six figures annually.

Is truck driving hard?

Truck Driving Can Be Hard, But Rewarding

Truck driving isn't always easy, but once you complete TDI's three-week truck driving school and launch your career on the road, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. A career in truck driving is a unique experience and defies the demands of a normal office job.

What is the highest paying truck driving job?

Tanker Hauler

With the increase in transport difficulty, tanker haulers have one of the highest paying trucking jobs, earning up to $99,500 per year according to ZipRecruiter.

What are the disadvantages of being a truck driver?

How is the life of a truck driver?

Driving Limits: Truck drivers typically work up to 70 hours within an eight-day period. Most aren't allowed to drive more than this. After 70 hours in a truck driver's workweek, drivers must take a mandatory 34 hours off.

How often do truck drivers come home?

Most regional truckers drive about half of what long haul drivers do, on average about 50,000 miles per year. In some cases, when you are driving locally you will be able to get home every night, though many local drivers work very long days. Many regional drivers come home two to three times each week.

Are truck drivers in demand in 2022?

According to an analysis of data accrued by FTR Intel, rising demand spiked spot trucking rates upwards of 24%, compared to January 2021. Furthermore, freight spot load postings increased almost 44% at the start of 2022.

Is driving an 18 wheeler hard?

Most truck drivers agree that while driving an 18-wheeler isn't necessarily hard, there is a learning curve when it comes to operating such a large vehicle. You need a lot more space to do things like make a turn, back up, or change lanes, and you'll have significantly larger blind spots to adjust to.

Is truck driving stressful?

A 2019 survey by CareerCast rated the trucking profession as one of the highest stress jobs in America. We were kind of surprised to see that the survey ranked truck driving as more stressful than professions in masonry, welding and food service.

What's the hardest part of being a truck driver?

How do I know if trucking is for me?

Are truck drivers in demand?

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The American Trucking Association estimates the U.S. is 80,000 truckers short of where it needs to be.

Do local truck drivers make good money?

On average, local truck driving jobs pay less than the average OTR position. According to Ziprecruiter, local drivers in the United States earn an average of $51,355. Consider your personal budget and whether the finances work for you in the short and long term.

Do most truckers own their trucks?

Though many drivers view owning their own trucks as a gateway to greater personal freedom, they may find that their business responsibilities outside of driving are eating up more time than they expect. Many owner operators own their own rigs but work for existing freight carriers, giving them the best of both worlds.

How do I get rid of my truck belly?

Among the best ways include going for a walk, substituting snacks for vegetables, drinking water instead of coffee or soft drinks, eating grilled foods instead of fried or greasy options and eating smaller portions. Walking: One of the easiest ways drivers can stay fit on the road is to walk a mile whenever they stop.

Are truck drivers obese?

Statistics from the National Institute of Health show that more than 50 percent of truck drivers are obese, compared to the national rate of 26.7 percent.

Why are truck drivers unhealthy?

Exercise can be tough to fit in because most of their time is spent sitting behind the wheel. Three of the biggest health problems truckers face today are obesity, sleep apnea, and smoking-related health issues (half of all truckers smoke); all three the results of poor and unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits.