If you enjoy visiting new and exciting places and driving large vehicles, you should consider becoming a truck driver. Truck drivers get to explore, visit new places, drive large vehicles, and make a starting salary of around $50,000 per year. However, you should know a few things about the job before you make it your career. Here is what you should know before becoming a truck driver.
Requires Self-Discipline
If you want to become a trucker, then you need self-discipline. You will need to drive for many hours and arrive at the destination on time. You will not have a manager telling you what to do, so you will need to manage your own schedule and ensure that everything arrives at the destination in a timely manner. If you enjoy working on your own without a manager, trucking is a wonderful career choice.
Excellent Driving Skills
Of course, all truckers need to be excellent drivers. Operating a large vehicle is very different from controlling a car, so you may need to learn some new driving techniques. Before you become a trucker, you will need to pass a driver’s test to obtain your Commercial Driver’s License, also called the CDL. This test ensures that you can drive large vehicles safely on the road.
Ability To Sit for Many Hours
If you struggle to sit for many hours, then truck driving may not be the best job for you. Truckers work long hours, so you need to be able to sit in the driver’s seat during lengthy journeys. Even though you sit for long periods of time, there are plenty of ways to keep your back and neck healthy. Many truckers use special ergonomic driving seats and take walks during their breaks.
Basic Mechanics
One of the things you may not know about semi-trucks is that they are safe and reliable. In fact, some diesel engines can run for a million miles before failure. Even though these vehicles do not break down often, you should know how to troubleshoot engine problems in commercial trucks. You should also learn some basic maintenance to repair your vehicle in case any issues arise on the road.
Travel and Adventure
Although trucking isn’t an easy job, it is a rewarding one. You get to meet new people every day, visit exciting places, and enjoy the world around you. Each day will be different from the one before, so you will never be stuck in a boring routine. If you want to explore and get paid at the same time, consider becoming a truck driver.
And that’s what you should know about becoming a truck driver. If you want a rewarding and exciting career, be sure to consider trucking.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
