There are more truck drivers than ever before. In the US alone there are more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers. And that figure doesn’t include all the people employed in related industries.
The size of the sector means that it dominates the lives of millions of individuals. Yet, there is hardly any discussion on the merits and risks of the occupation anywhere on the web.
So here is what is going to happen. We’re going to have one pro, followed by one con and rattle this problem out ourselves.
Pro: Good Pay
Thanks to the responsibility that the job entails, pay is high. Truck drivers in the US can expect to earn $17.36 an hour on average, which beats out most other blue collar jobs.
Truck drivers can often afford to live in pleasant urban districts, run their own car and go on holiday at least once each year.
Con: Long Hours
Depending on what contracts you get, you may have to work long hours. This is partly to do with regulation, and partly to do with distance. Truck drivers have to stop every few hours for a break by law. That means that if they have to cover large distances, they’ll need to sleep in their truck from time to time.
Pro: Independence
Credit: en.wikipedia.org
Truck drivers get to work alone. For some people, this might not be ideal. But if you’re somebody who enjoys a degree of independence, trucking might be for you.
You get to decide what music you have in the cab. And where you stop to eat, so long as the truck fits.
Con: Dangerous
Trucking, like any job on the road, is fraught with danger. In fact, last year truck driving was the most dangerous single occupation. Over 852 drivers, mostly men died on America’s roads.
On top of that, thousands more were injured. And many did not consult a truck accident lawyer. If you do decide to become a truck driver, make sure you are ready for when the worst happens. If you are injured, it’s important to ensure that you are covered.
Credit: en.wikipedia.org
Pro: Not Having To Dress Up For Work
Truck drivers often have the benefit of being able just to roll out of bed and start working. Not having to get dressed saves a tremendous amount of time. And it also makes working a heck of a lot more comfortable. I’m not suggesting, of course, that you go naked.
But a simple t-shirt and jogging bottoms will do. And, if you don’t feel like shaving, you don’t have to.
Con: Boring
Interstate highways in the US can be boring to drive along. Mile after mile of featureless road can become repetitive. It’s not all bad news, though. You still get to experience the freedom of the open road.
Pro: Great Benefits
Finally, let’s finish on a high. Truck jobs often come with a host of benefits beside the good pay. Often contracts entitle you to a 401k package. Plus, you may also get other perks like health coverage and life insurance.
