Truck driver is one of the most popular jobs in the US and the industry is predicted to rise by 25% in the next 8 years. Considering the growing importance and the lack of drivers, truck driving is becoming more and more popular. It comes with its rewards and perks, but this kind of job is not for everyone.

To understand and be able to understand whether this is the right industry for you, let’s explore the pros and cons of being a truck driver.

The Pros

Some of the benefits of being a truck driver include the following:

• Good income
• Being trained by company with no college education
• Job security
• Good perks
• Driving itself (if you enjoy driving)
• Independence
• Paid to travel
• Stable routine at some jobs

We will have a look at a few of these pros:

Good income

Truck driving can be a well-paid job. Probably it might not be straight away if you are a driver with no experience or it is your first year of driving. However, once you gain experience on average truck drivers can earn $50,000 per year. Having said that, there are multiple opportunities to increase your earnings. Some of them include:

• Being owner-operator (comes with its own pros and cons)
• Driving hazmat loads
• Driving liquid loads
• Driving extra-large loads
• Driving valuable load

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All of the above can get you to earn more, you will need to check any extra requirements to be able to do the above but it is definitely an opportunity.

Being trained by company and no college education required

Many companies offer on-job training and the good part is that there is no need to finish college to be able to get a job within the industry. The only requirement is to obtain the CDL. There are different classes of such licenses, but the most common one is type A, which will allow you to drive any basic heavy weight truck. Other classes are either for lighter vehicles or for specialized types of loads.

Job Security

This advantage speaks for itself and as mentioned in the introduction, due to the shortage of drivers, there will be no problem at getting the job within the industry. There are a few things you have to bear in mind; avoid drugs and alcohol at any cost (especially while being on the job), drive safely and stay healthy.

Good Benefits

Along with the standard job benefits that come with any job, truck drivers are given several perks as soon as they start. Due to the lack of drivers available companies are keen to keep the drivers and offer benefits such as medical insurance for the employee and the family (dental, vision, medical) and saving plans.

Independence

Truck driving is the perfect job for introverts. Having such a job means no boss sitting/standing next to you to monitor your progress and there is no need to communicate constantly with your colleagues.

The Cons

We took this video from Mutha Trucker YouTube Channel

There are definitely a lot of benefits of being a truck driver and along with that there are plenty of disadvantages of being a truck driver. It is important to consider these before agreeing to such a job. Let’s explore the cons of being a truck driver.

Stressful lifestyle that can affect your health

Any job can be stressful and truck driving is no exception. Being on the road a lot with the large load may put extra pressure to ensure that safety is taken care of. In addition, external factors such as weather and other drivers not driving responsibly may put extra pressure for which truck drivers should pay attention to.

Being away from home and family

Having a family (spouse and children) can put pressure on the relationships, which not all couples can adjust to or live with. Being on the road full time will mean that less time to see your kids grow and the household being taken care of by your spouse. This is probably one of key points that should be discussed at home before going into trucking.

Loneliness

It is for sure great to be alone but even the most introverted introverts can feel the strains of being alone. This may even lead to something more serious. If you are a social being and enjoy the company of other people, then this job might not be as suitable for you. The hauls can be very long and it is important to consider this to take care of your mental health.

Hygiene

Being on the road constantly means that you don’t get to choose to shower at the same place. Driver stops can be unpleasant. Additionally, with the recent pandemic situation it may mean that diseases can be caught with greater probability.

Truck Driver Benefits Packages: What can you expect?

While each company's truck driver benefits package varies slightly, the following are the standard perks and benefits of being a CDL driver you may expect during your career:

Health Care

• Medical Insurance
  Medical insurance is one of the perks provided by trucking companies like Schneider. As a driver, you'll earn premium incentives and a $10 copay for all telehealth appointments, making it simple to seek medical attention while on the road. You also don't have to worry about paying medical bills on your own because your company provides prescription medication plans, short and long-term disability plans, and family programs. Many companies additionally guarantee an extra Health Reimbursement Account contribution, which will assist you in funding your medical expenditures rather than paying them out of cash.
• Dental Insurance
  Many trucking businesses also provide dental insurance, which will keep your teeth sparkling white and pain-free. Many trucking companies provide 100% coverage for routine preventative dental treatment, which includes minor and major restorative work such as crowns and fillings.
• Vision Insurance
  As a truck driver who spends long hours on the road and relies largely on his or her eyes, maintaining good eyesight is critical. As a result, many trucking businesses offer free vision insurance, including a job-sponsored yearly eye test with a minimal $10 cost. The majority of plans also include a materials plan, which covers the cost of your contacts or glasses.
• Mental Health Insurance
  Mental health is especially crucial for truck drivers who spend long hours alone on the road, and many suffer from untreated anxiety or depression as a result. Truckers should take use of their company's mental healthcare services in addition to remaining connected with loved ones, choosing healthy food alternatives, getting adequate sleep, and de-stressing. From depression to anxiety, obtaining professional treatment may make you a happier person and a better truck driver by teaching you coping skills. In addition to regulating your mood, appropriate mental healthcare may help you drive safer, protecting both yourself and other drivers.
• Flexible Spending Options
  Many trucking businesses have flexible spending choices, allowing you to deduct pre-tax money from your paycheck to cover medical, dental, dependant, and mental health care expenditures that are not paid by your employer.
• Life Insurance
  Employers like Dot Transportation, Inc. also offer life insurance plans, ensuring that your family is In the case of a calamity, you will be safe.

Paid Vacation

Though holiday pay rules vary by employer, most truck driving companies give paid time off based on how long you've been driving for them. Schneider PTO rises three days after six months, two weeks after one year, three weeks after seven years, and four weeks after fifteen years of driving. They also provide at least six days of paid vacation every year, as well as a robust PTO plan for jury duty, military service, and family crises.

401(k) With Company Match

Trucking firms not only take after their employees in the now, but also in the future by offering comprehensive retirement plans. These 401(k) plans include retirement savings and investment options with corporate matching, which means that your employer will make a direct contribution to your retirement fund. For at least the first 6% of your contribution, you can anticipate your employer to contribute roughly 50 cents for every dollar you save

Tuition Reimbursement

Your business may provide full or partial tuition reimbursement to new full-time employees who have just obtained their CDL. These reimbursements, which can range from half payback to $7,000, are frequently sent regularly to assist you in repaying loans. While some businesses may only reimburse tuition from pre-approved driving schools, TDI has a first-place ranking on Dot's list, making a TDI CDL an even better investment.

Conclusion

Like with any job, being a truck driver has its pros and cons. In this case, the cons are pretty serious for some people and hence need to be considered carefully. Truck driving is definitely not for everyone and may affect some more than others. Based on the information provided in the article, before making the big decision consider all of the points very carefully to understand the suitability of the job.