A bachelor’s degree is not required for employment in the driving industry. However, there are also steps to becoming a truck driver. A high school diploma or its equivalent is typically required of drivers. Getting licensed and completing the training are two necessary steps in becoming a truck driver. You need to get your CDL or commercial driver’s license by enrolling in a program that specializes in truck driving. This involves a short lecture on road safety and familiarizing the meaning of road signs. After that, you must pass the assessment required. After you have obtained your CDL, the next step will be to look for employment with a trucking company. Before an employer hires you, you must have an excellent driving record, and they might also want you to have a certain number of years of experience. However, if you’re a newbie, it likely starts with a probationary period before you can begin working as a long-haul truck driver.
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Can You Make A Lot of Money As A Truck Driver?
Yes, you can earn more money as a truck driver if you’re highly skilled and with more than five years of experience hauling heavy or oversized items such as rocks, appliances, mattresses, and other hazardous materials. Remember, the higher the salary, the greater the risk on the road you need to endure. For instance, ice road truckers can earn up to $250,000 in just three to four months of a full-time job. According to Indeed.com, a truck driver makes $91,727 annually in the United States.
How Hard Is It To Become A Trucker?
Many have asked, “is driving a truck hard?” Of course, no one could beat the profession of a truck driver as it is not as easy as others might think. They could often feel stiffness or numbness around their hand, feet, head, or entire body just because of long-driving hours. It’s also hard to know that they’re alone and away from their family, making them feel homesick. More importantly, truck drivers are prone to car accidents due to harsh terrain, slippery road, or faulty engine, leading their life to injury or death.
What Truck Loads Pay The Most?
It is no secret that truck driving can be a lucrative career. But with so many different types of trucking jobs available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. If you are looking to make the most money possible, here are five trucking jobs that tend to pay the highest rates:
1. Ice road trucking is the most complicated job, making it to be the most well-paid trucking job, too. Typically, its salary is $250,000 in just three to four months. This is due to the extreme sacrifices of truckers in freezing weather. Aside from that, they also frequently exert technical skills whenever their trucks need to be jumpstarted.
2. Tank hauling is also a high-paying job with an annual salary of $88,133 as they play an essential role in transporting dangerous flammable substances such as fuel.
3. Oversized load hauling is responsible for transporting large and bulky loads, such as heavy appliances, beds, furniture, etc. That said, truckers in this trucking type receive an annual salary of $67,913.
4. Flatbed truck hauling also receives an excellent salary of $63,274 per year as it is responsible for transporting heavy objects such as lumber, shingles, steel coils, pipes, machinery, and even military vehicles.
How Do Truck Drivers Get Paid?
Most truckers are paid based on how many miles they drive. Miles driven are usually measured with a GPS, which tracks the exact number of miles driven. This system benefits the trucker and the company by allowing flexibility and efficiency. This method is also standard because it will enable companies to pay their drivers weekly, which most truckers prefer. Truckers may also be paid hourly or by load, but these methods are less common. Hourly pay is often used for regional truckers who don’t have to travel as far, and load pay is reserved for the most experienced drivers hauling high-value or dangerous loads.
Conclusion
Truck driving can be a very rewarding career. Not only do drivers get to see the country, but they also earn a good income. However, remember that truck drivers’ salary varies based on the good they transport, the distance they need to cover, trucking experience, and even the road conditions. If you’re a truck driver, knowing these factors help you not be surprised when comparing your salary to your co-driver. That said, you could typically expect to earn from $50,000 to $250,000 per year.
