Can You Make Money in the Trucking Industry?
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), general heavy freight truck drivers earned a median salary of $18.38 per hour in May 2006. The BLS states that the current overall outlook for truck driver employment is "favorable," although there is high competition for the best-paying truck driver jobs.
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Job Requirement Overview
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All trucking industry employers require that their employees have a commercial driver's license. Many will also require that the potential hire have at least a high school diploma and meet an age requirement. According to the BLS, most states have laws mandating that truck drivers be at least 18 years of age. Heavy freight trucking jobs usually require several years of truck driving experience. Many companies also require potential truck drivers to complete certification classes before being considered for employment.
Job Training
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Many high schools and driving schools offer driving classes and opportunities to earn a commercial driver's license. These classes will provide some experience with truck driving, but do not usually count as driving experience for the purpose of a job. The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), a nonprofit educational organization funded by the trucking industry, provides certified training courses. Completing training courses does not guarantee job placement, but the PTDI provides job-placement assistance.
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Commercial Driver's License
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Drivers who have a driver's license in their home state qualify for commercial driver's license training. This requires drivers to complete a short course, pass a written examination and possess a clean driving record. Once a driver obtains his license, his driving information becomes part of a federally run database. Truck drivers may be at risk of losing their license if they have driving violations in any state.
Beginning as a Truck Driver
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Beginning truck drivers usually will not be permitted to drive heavy freight trucks. They will be started on lighter trucks and paid a lower salary likely with fewer available benefits. One easier way for truck drivers to break into the industry is to work as an "extra driver," which means acting as a replacement for a more experienced driver who is indisposed due to medical issues or vacation.
Career Advancement
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Maintaining a good driving record, showing up to work on time and completing jobs on schedule are all effective methods for job advancement within the trucking industry. Attending training courses for more advanced equipment also can open higher-paying job opportunities. Becoming an owner-operator of a truck also can earn a truck driver more money, but requires a substantial initial investment in a vehicle and insurance along with the fact that it requires them to constantly search for new jobs.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of futureatlas.com
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Comments
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this article is not true.
