Have you ever wanted to travel the country, meet new people, and have the freedom to live your life on your own terms? If so, the truck driver lifestyle could be right for you!
The trucking industry plays a vital role in the American economy, with drivers transporting millions of goods across the country. However, many people may not be aware of the lifestyle that comes with a career as a truck driver.
This article will explore the day-to-day realities of the job and how it can be a fulfilling career for those looking to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
A Day in the Life of a Truck Driver
A typical day on the road for the life of a trucker begins with pre-trip inspections of the vehicle to ensure that it is safe to operate. After that, the driver will start their journey, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days. Drivers can navigate different routes and see other parts of the country while adhering to strict federal regulations, including hours of service rules that ensure their safety.
When you think of trucking life, you probably imagine some gruff guy in a cowboy hat with a big beard and tattoos. But the truth is that driving a truck is much more than just being able to handle the rigors of driving on the road for hours at a time. You’ll need to understand your vehicle’s systems and how each piece functions together.
You’ll also need good reflexes with life as a trucker to safely navigate through traffic and excellent hand-eye coordination so that you can control multiple functions at once.
In addition to driving skills, this job requires stamina and endurance since drivers often work long hours before getting off duty. This career path can be physically demanding because many heavy loads must be lifted into or out of trailers.
What is Life Like as a Trucker
The trucker lifestyle is radically different from that of an office worker or service industry employee. Unlike the typical 9-to-5er who has weekends and evenings off, truck drivers are on the road for weeks at a time, meaning there is some adapting you’ll need as you adjust to an exciting new career.
The truck is your home. You’ll be living in it for hours at a time, so you need to make it comfortable. You’ll want to sleep, eat, and relax there—in short, everything you do in your own home should be possible inside the truck.
This means that you will have to consider how to make these activities happen in such a small space for your successful truck driver life. This could be not easy if you aren’t comfortable sleeping anywhere besides your own bed with all the comforts of home.
However, it offers you many fantastic benefits from being stuck in a cubicle for the rest of your working life.
The Pros of a Truck Driving Lifestyle
The trucking lifestyle is a great way to meet people from all walks of life and all over the country (or world). You can even make friends with other drivers, who are also likely to be out there hauling cargo for your company.
You will also get to see more than just what’s in front of you, but rather what lies beyond the horizon around every bend or curve in the road. It’s an experience that few other professions can offer their employees, which may change your perspective on life forever.
The earnings are higher than the national average, with average first year truck driver pay of $76,000* depending on your load and qualifications. That is a lot of money and a great way to support a family back home.
While there are considerations you need to make for being alone on the road for a while, a day in the life of a trucker does involve a fantastic family and social life. Over-the-road (OTR) drivers are home weekly, and local drivers get home every night to tuck their kiddos in bed or enjoy a family meal.
This is one of the most accommodating industries right now because the demand is incredibly high for new drivers. That means you are “in the driver’s seat” (get it?) of setting your schedule, getting benefits, and finding high-paying routes.
Why Become a Truck Driver
Yes, you will have to make accommodations for some truck driver lifestyle challenges on the road. You have to prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health. While the truck driving lifestyle offers many benefits, you must ensure you eat well and avoid the ever too common fried fast foods.
You also have to be okay with being solo for an extended period in the life of a trucker. This is a benefit in disguise. Many trucker drivers prefer being on their own, away from the world where no boss is breathing down their neck or ongoing customer service issues to deal with.
However, if you find a great company to drive for, you can take advantage of their pet policies. Many truck drivers have cats or dogs on the road for companionship and share fun images of their shared truck driver lifestyle on social media.
Is the Trucker Lifestyle for You
Enjoying the truck driver lifestyle is not for everyone, but it can be a fulfilling career for those interested in it. It offers freedom, adventure, and an opportunity to see different parts of the country. It can be financially rewarding and offers opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and meeting new people.
If you are interested in learning more about trucker life, it is crucial to consider the realities of the profession. If you’re up for the adventure and the challenge, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding career.
That is where our team at Driver Resource Center can help. We have years of experience training drivers and enjoying the perks of the open road to help you navigate this new career.
*Pay information based on ATA Compensation Study.