9 Things to Consider Before Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver

Getting paid to drive and see the country. If life on the road appeals to you, then you might consider becoming a commercial truck driver.

You can’t just jump into it, though. There are numerous factors to consider when determining if this is the right career choice for you. Here are a few key things to think about when looking for a job as a commercial truck driver.

Will You Like Being on the Road?

Maybe you love road trips or taking scenic drives for fun. Commercial truck driving is a different animal, though.

As a truck driver, you’re racing against a clock. You need to get from point A to point B by a specific time. So, this isn’t your typical road trip. You won’t get to stop when you feel like it or visit the locations you want. You’re on a strict timetable and need to get your truck’s cargo to its destination on time. That’s your only concern on the road.

Do You Mind Working Long, Strange Hours?

Truck drivers work long, weird hours. So, before you sign up for this career, make sure you’re fine with driving long periods at a time at all times of day.

By law, truck drivers can work up to 70 hours in an eight-day period. This often translates to 11 to 14 hours a day. Are you ok driving and sitting in one spot for that length of time?

Also, many choose to drive overnight. In some cases, it’s easier to drive at night as there’s less traffic on the road, but often they’re just trying to meet a deadline.

Discuss This Career Option with Your Family

Before you jump into a career as a truck driver, discuss it with your family and loved ones first. You’ll be working long hours away from home and they’ll feel the impact of this.

So, before anything else, discuss this option with them. If your family needs you at home more often, this might not be the choice for you.

Obtain a CDL License

To drive trucks for a living, you need to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL). To do so, you need to attend truck driving school first, though. It’s a federal requirement.

And it isn’t cheap. This required training costs thousands of dollars. So, make sure you’re committed to the field, before signing up.

There are also different types of CDL licenses based on what you’re hauling. Your training course will help you determine which is best for your career needs.

Search for Good Insurance for Commercial Truck Drivers

If you’re building a career on the road, then you need specific truck driver insurance. This liability insurance is a requirement that comes with your trucker’s license, but it makes sense, as you’re driving expensive equipment and carrying valuable cargo.

This is often a cost that many truck drivers don’t consider when they first think about entering the field, though. But it helps protect you as well as other vehicles on the road in case there is an accident.

What Distance Do You Want to Drive?

As a truck driver, you’ll have the option of driving short hauls or long distances. You’ll make more money tackling longer distances, often across the country, but opting for shorter runs throughout your region will keep you closer to home. These short hauls are often less stressful, as well.

So, before anything else, determine your preference. Do you want to take shorter truck routes or sign up for longer drives?

You’re Paid by the Mile

If you enter the truck driving business expecting a typical salary, you might be disappointed. Most truck drivers are paid by the mile. Depending on the length of your route, the company you work for, your truck driving experience, and the region where you work, you’ll typically earn anywhere from $0.28 and $0.40 per mile.

While this might not be what you expected, it’s an efficient way of getting paid. You might wind up making more than you would if you were salaried, too. You’re getting paid for the work you’ve completed, which is important. So, keep an accurate log of all miles you drive.

Search for Good Internet Options

As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time in your truck on the road and when you do take a break, you’re more likely to sleep at rest stops than in a hotel. But the WiFi available at these public rest stops tends to be awful. If you want to use your laptop or watch TV shows on your tablet or phone, you’ll need to find the right internet option to stay connected.

Technology has advanced, so you have more internet options on the road than you realize. You can set up your truck with a satellite dish. You can also buy internet hotspot devices to set up in your vehicle. And you can also set up your smartphone as a hotspot.

It Takes Work to Maintain Your Relationships at Home

Before you hit the road, you should realize your work as a truck driver might strain your relationships at home. It’s important to realize in advance that you need to put in the effort to maintain good connections with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Communication is important when you’re driving. Make regular calls home, text them when you’re taking a break, and follow your family on social media. When you are home, make sure you spend as much time with them as possible. It’s also important that there’s trust among your family as well, especially with your spouse.

Learn More About Starting Your Own Business

Now that you have an idea of what life as a commercial truck driver is like, learn more about starting your own business. Our blog is dedicated to sharing useful tips and tactics for entrepreneurs in all industries.