Is Truck Driving a Good Career?
If you’re thinking about starting a career, you may be thinking, “is truck driving a good career choice?” Truck driving offers many benefits like high pay, growth opportunities, and plenty of employment opportunities that people typically think you can only achieve with a degree from a four-year college program. Truck driving is a great career choice because all that’s needed is a clean driving record, a CDL, and a strong work ethic.
Coastal Truck Driving School offers weekday, weekend, and night classes to accommodate people who are looking to start a new career with great benefits in trucking. If you believe that truck driving is a good career for you, contact Coastal Truck Driving School to get started with our incredible CDL training and licensing program.
6 Reasons Why Truck Driving is a Good Career Choice
- Travel While Working
One of the most obvious benefits that make truck driving a good career choice is the ability to see the country as you work. Many in the industry love the job because it takes them to places they’d never expected to see.
Another plus for a career in trucking is that some travel expenses can be written off as deductions on your income taxes, depending on the applicable state and federal tax laws. Things like lodging, licensing fees, and even cell phone plans can be deducted as they are essential to the job.
While traveling can be an excitement for some, the thought of constant travel is tiring for others. After all, you’re not on vacation; you’re working. If driving across the country interests you, truck driving is a good career choice for you.
- Constant Demand
Truck driving is a good career choice if you’re worried about finding a job. Trucks transport most of the cargo in the United States, and as the country’s population expands, the need for goods also grows.
The availability of jobs isn’t the only positive from the constant demand for more truckers. Many companies increase pay, add benefits, and craft retention plans to attract and keep drivers within the company.
- Job Stability
Layoffs and furloughs are two words that any working person never wants to hear. In trucking, layoffs rarely happen. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic response, most trucking companies maintained their current staff and even hired more to meet the demand in shipping increases.
Although there was a brief hiring freeze in 2020 due to the COVID-19 response, the trucking job market continued to grow, even in the face of unprecedented instability across most industries. Job security, along with other positives, makes trucking a good career choice.
- Independence
For some employees, what they value most is job independence. Meaning they don’t want their work to rely on someone else; they like to be the ones who make sure their job is done.
A career in trucking is a great choice for those who are fiercely independent in a working environment. The completion of a job entirely lies upon your shoulders; get the cargo from point A to point B safely and in a timely manner.
The downside of a trucking career is that the open road can be lonely. However, some trucking companies recognize this and allow truckers to work in teams, bring pets, or even bring the family along with them as passengers.
The rise of video chatting apps also allows long-haul truckers to connect with family and friends on the road. Now you don’t have to miss those special family moments because of these video chatting applications.
- Good Pay & Growth Opportunities
Pay is an important factor for most people when it comes to making a career choice. Truck drivers average nearly $47,000 a year based on 2020 United States Department of Labor Statistics. New drivers can expect to earn $40,000 a year, while more experienced ones can make upwards of $60,000 to $70,000. Pay for truck drivers is great, and typically companies offer additional benefits.
Another reason truck driving is a great career choice is the opportunity to grow your role within the company. Many trucking companies have a career path for employees. Promoting drivers to trainers, dispatchers, or managers; all increasing your earning potential.
- Local & Regional Routes Allow You to Be Home
If you’re concerned about being home, a trucking career with a local or regional company is a great choice. Regional routes generally allow drivers to be home on the weekends, while local routes can allow drivers to be home weeknights as well as weekends.
Depending on the area, finding a job at a local or regional company may be more challenging d pay less than long-haul companies. Consider all your options and what’s most important to you when deciding which route to take in making your truck driving career choice.
So, Is Truck Driving a Good Career Choice? – Yes!
If you’re considering a career in trucking, call Coastal for information about our four-week CDL training program. With our top-tier training program and job placement program, you’ll be on the road to success in no time. Call us today or fill out an application online.