Truck Driving Job Opportunities
The majority of shipping across the United States is done with trucks. Thousands of dollars, if not millions, worth of goods are shipped across the country every day. Every single one of these shipping trucks need a qualified driver. Truck Driving, a job that is constantly in high demand, sees men and women driving shipping trucks from supplier to market. Virtually every product you can think of, from produce to electronics, from medical supplies to cars, can be shipped by truck. In the current state of the world, truck driving has never been more important.
Truck drivers ensure that supply chains function, and shortages of important products, such as medical supplies, are available where they are most needed. Truck driving jobs, like any job, has both advantages and disadvantages. With a competitive salary, multiple employment options, and relatively easy entry requirements, Truck driving can be an attractive option. Even better, truck drivers are almost always in demand, and the total trucker jobs available in the United States increases every year. And while some people may not enjoy the long driving hours and the extended periods of isolation, many truckers enjoy the work, and consider it a fulfilling and engaging career.
What Exactly Is Truck Driving?
Truck driving is exactly as described in the name. You are paid to drive a truck, usually a shipping truck, colloquially known as an eighteen wheeler. Your job is to transport goods and materials from distribution or manufacturing centers around the nation to stores or final destinations, like auto dealerships or hospitals, in the case of specialty goods. Without truck driving the American economy cannot function, as shortages would cripple the supply chain. Truck drivers are an essential part of the economy and ensuring a quality standard of life around the country.
Truck drivers will typically work multiple hours a day over a span of time, such as a week, or weeks depending on the route. A truck driver logs driving hours every day as they drive on their routes. Truck routes may be inter or intra-state, meaning truck drivers will fall into one of two typical categories: Local driver or cross country driver. When starting a career as a truck driver you will be classified as an Over The Road Driver, or OTR. Most drivers will have routes that require daily driving for multiple weeks at a time.
Are There Job Requirements?
Just because you can drive a car or other commercial vehicle does not mean you can drive a shipping truck. Special license classifications are required for driving a big rig. There are three different varieties of license classification: CDL Class A, CDL Class B, and CDL Class C.
Class A:
The most expansive license classification in terms of vehicles you can drive. With a Class A license you are certified to be able to drive tractor trailers (Big-Rigs or Semi trucks) as well as truck and trailer combinations.
Class B:
Class B licenses only certify you to drive smaller box trucks, typically only used for local shipping.
Class C:
Class C is the typical driver’s license, allowing you to operate commercial vehicles like sedans or pick up trucks. To get a position as a Truck driver you need a higher license classification than a Class C license.
The Class A license is the best, most expansive license classification when considering pursuing a career as a Truck Driver. While you can find work with a Class B license, employers are mostly looking for applicants with Class A licenses.
How Do Truck Driver Jobs Work?:
Truck drivers can work for a company directly, usually driving a truck owned by the company, with company branding. When I truck driver is working for a company directly, they are usually part of a larger fleet of drivers that is supported by the company. These drivers are usually coordinated by the company, and have benefits and regulations outlined by company policy. If you are a truck driver who works for a company you will not own your own truck. Instead you will use a company truck, owned and operated by the company.
Another category of truck driver, Owner-Operators, are responsible for their own truck, either owning it directly, or leasing it from a trucking company. Owner-Operators work on a contract basis, but have no authority to initiate their own contracts. Owner Operators might haul a wide variety of goods for a variety of companies over the duration of their careers.
Independent owners as the name implies, own their own trucks, and negotiate their own contracts. An independent owner is self-employed, either working on their own, or hiring their own employees and renting out a series of trucks they own. An independent owner has greater leeway to negotiate their own shipping contracts and the terms of their employment.
Professional truck drivers are always in high demand. That has not changed in the current pandemic sweeping across the nation. According to The American Trucking Association the vast majority of shipping in the nation is handled by truck drivers. Even so, there is a shortage of Truck Drivers in America. Every year more and more drivers are needed. Considering the higher than average, average salary of $43k a year, the Trucking Industry is perfect for those looking for work. If you are interested in finding a truck driving job or learning more about truck driving, you can browse listings on TruckDrivingJobs.com, a great resource to finding the perfect truck driving job for you.
