Just as it is with any career, driving a truck has its ups and downs. It is a particular kind of job that requires a person to be cut out for it, however. It isn’t for everybody. There are plenty of rewards for those that can thrive as a truck driver. Those that aren’t cut out for it will certainly not last very long.
This means that if you are thinking of becoming a truck driver you need to know what you are getting into. It is important to understand both the pros and the cons before you apply to become a truck driver. When you have all the information then you can make an informed decision and avoid making a mistake. This article will go over the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if it is the right career for you.
Pro: The pay is great
There is a shortage of truckers on the road these days and now that Covid-19 is fading away there is a surge in consumption. This means that the pay for drivers is at the highest it has been in a long time. You can be choosy about the loads you want to take and can focus on the ones that pay best and still have you home on the weekends.
It is not unheard of for a truck driver to bring home six figures after expenses. It does take hard work and a lot of hours on the road, but the salary is a very enticing reward for the effort.
Con: Lots of expenses
When you are an owner/operator of a truck you will make far more money than an employee of a trucking company. However, you are responsible for all of the expenses that are required. These expenses are quite high.
The cost of fuel alone is going to cost you thousands of dollars per month especially with the prices these days. Any repairs on your truck are also your responsibility. Maintenance is expensive as you have to replace the tires regularly and keep the engine working at its peak to prevent any downtime.
If your truck breaks down then it is up to you to pay for it to be towed and then repaired before you can start taking loads again.
Pro: You have a lot of freedom
A lot of truck drivers love the fact that they don’t have a boss telling them what to do. They claim a load, pick it up, and then drop it off. There is nobody telling them that they have to go to meetings or that they are late for work.
If there is a week when you feel like taking it easy, you can simply claim fewer loads and not have to face any disciplinary actions.
Con: It gets lonely
No boss also means no co-workers. You will be spending almost the entire work week on your own. There is little comradery and it is very hard to maintain social contacts. When your other friends work normal jobs it can be hard to stay social.
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