Do Truck Drivers Make Good Money?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3.2 million employees in the truck driving and driver-sales field in 2008. Most of these drivers were employed in metropolitan areas or along major interstate highways. If you are interested in a trucking career, there are several requirements that must be met before you can start driving your big rig throughout the nation.
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Definition
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A truck driver is a person responsible for picking up and delivering freight from one location to another. This may involve going between distribution centers, between a manufacturer and a distribution center or directly to a customer. Drivers must load and unload their cargo, ensure that their equipment is in excellent working order, keep a log of all their driving activities and follow all state and federal laws. Truck drivers that use tractor-trailers or other heavy trucks must often find a special route that allows trucks through their travels.
Training
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Many prospective truck drivers complete their GED or high school education before embarking on their careers. Drivers who plan to operate a vehicle with over 26,001 pounds must procure a commercial driver's license (CDL). Courses can be taken at vocational or technical schools to prepare for such an examination, which will also prepare them for the maneuvering of large vehicles. If a prospective employer wishes for you to drive a special truck such as one that carries hazardous materials, you will also need to pass special tests offered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Certain states and employers may require other training programs and licenses for new drivers. Drivers must be 21 years old to cross state lines or get special endorsements.
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Salary
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Salaries for truck driving may vary depending on experience and the type of truck that you are expected to drive. According to Salary Wizard, the salary of the middle 50 percent of drivers who drive tractor trailers is between $38,563 and $49,380 as of December 2010. Tractor trailer drivers make on average an additional $20,271 annually on benefits that consist of things like healthcare, a 401k and time off. The middle 50 percent of truck drivers that drive a heavy truck over three tons make between $33,608 and $43,687 and can expect an average benefits package of $17,792. The middle 50 percent of drivers who drive light trucks under three tons make between $27,931 and $37,905 with an average package of benefits worth $16,059.
Outlook
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On average, the overall employment of truck drivers is expected to rise nine percent between 2008 and 2018, which is in line with the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of jobs for those driving tractor-trailers and heavy trucks should grow close to 13 percent as a result of increased demand for goods, though jobs for delivery service truck drivers and light trucks is expected to only grow 4 percent during the projected decade. In general, truck driving prospects are very dependent on the strength of the economy.
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References
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- Photo Credit truck image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
