Can you make money as a truck driver

can you make money as a truck driver

There are hundreds of thousands of job openings for long haul truckers, but the call of the open road isn’t monsy many takers. There are as many asjob openings nationwide for long haul truckers, according to David Heller, director of safety and policy for the Truckload Carriers Association. The U. Bureau of Labor Statistics also sees the demand for truckers increasing, up from the 1. First, it’s difficult to get certified. The biggest hurdle for the unemployed is getting a commercial driver’s license.

More Money Hacks

Considering the long hours, the varying conditions, the difficulties of traffic, and the pressure of keeping to schedule, it sometimes seems difficult that people engage in the work. Yet trucking is a strong, viable career. Over 3. And the country has a shortage of truckers, even in an atmosphere in which a great deal of growth is expected in the next few years. The opportunities in this industry are strong in and will remain strong for the next few decades. The key to getting more and better work is demonstrating your skill and reliability. Make sure that you deliver safely and on-time, and you will advance in salary. Be aware of the several ways to make money in the industry. Regional and local truckers generally get paid by the hour. As part of these jobs, you will probably be closely involved in the loading and unloading, so know what you can handle physically. Regional jobs, which allow you more time at home, generally go to more experienced drivers.

Can you still make money owning your own truck?

The companies determine the shortest legal route from origin to destination. That determination may or may not include any construction detours, and it certain does not account for the driver taking an alternate route because of accidents. Drivers can earn additional pay in several ways. Most companies have sign-on bonuses. Many will also provide breakdown pay for when the truck breaks down, or detention pay for when the trucker is waiting for the truck to be loaded or unloaded. Some carriers will pay extra for driving in New York City, or for demonstrating fuel-efficient driving.

Advancing in Your Career

Are you thinking about becoming a professional truck driver? Or will my trucker salary sustain my family? What will road life be like…is it worth it? What you earn on the road depends on many factors, and this comprehensive guide analyzes what you can make as truck driver in North America and how you can increase your income. It will even tell you about other circumstances, like where you live and what you can do to get the highest possible wage over the long term.

can you make money as a truck driver

Find a Truck Driving School

Hi, my name is John and I’m considering a career as a truck driver but I want to be home every night. My main concern is the pay. Does the pay scale continue to climb with experience for local class a drivers? Are raises common? How much might someone make working in the San Francisco bay area as a local driver after 1, 2, or 5 years? I appreciate any input. Not sure about that particular area but I can tell you local jobs can provide some of the highest pay in trucking. Be prepared though because most not all local jobs will require some heavy lifting in the way of delivering product of some kind. And of course there are linehaul jobs to which are a great option as well that you’ll just pull talkers from one removal to another usually. Just stay looking at the job boards for the area and make some calls. Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL Less than Truckload companies.

Learn why people trust wikiHow. The likelihood of seeing an increase in your salary also improves if you stay with the same company. The amount of money you can make will depend on a few factors — location, how much work you can manage to get, etc. Learn More. Years later I was working for a carrier in St. This article has also been viewed , times. Financial management is a big part of the potential success and it seems nobody exercises that enough anymore. Good truckers will make money and provide great service if given the opportunity. You’ll also learn about company policies at orientation.

Primary Sidebar

With over 30 years experience in the trucking industry he’s hauled cars, steel, lumber, chemicals, auto parts and general freight as well as B-trains. Japhet, I have no idea how much it would cost. It is a fun panel with a lot of interesting surveys. Study hard so you can pass both the written and driving portions of the CDL exam. Which country can I study for a CDL cheaply? You’ll need to have a clean driving record. The vast majority of truck driving schools offer job placement services, so you should check with your school when looking for your first job. Check into job placement services. If you choose to get the «hazardous materials» endorsement, you’ll also need to pass a background check with the TSA. If the recent boom in the construction sector attracts you, it may not be a bad idea to invest in a dump truck to make some money. Expect to receive your own delivery route along with it. February 13, at pm. Have your say: Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. September 21, at pm.

When just getting into trucking, I knew a couple of guys who bought fancy Ford Louisvilles right off the bat with lots of options. Mids I think it. In that same era, another friend of mine, Ron Kimber from Holland Landing, got into trucking with a passion.

Reader Interactions

I met him while he was working for an auto parts distributor and he got me my first trucking job. Once he got into trucking he never looked. The first truck was soon followed by truck after truck after truck, a lot of used stuff, as I recall. Last time I saw him, he had a fleet and had some contracts running into Quebec. Years later I was working for a carrier in St. Thomas that was primarily into auto parts. They encouraged company drivers to go into partnership and had a lease to own deal that involved a more updated Ford or International with an add on sleeper that was installed in Port Stanley. Those guys had some regular runs to places like Kenosha or Toledo, but the work soon dried up as a recession took hold in the late 80s. Friver drivers are probably scattered all over the industry. Years later I was offered a truck and route at a major bread company, but turned that down. But maie guys who bought in were given pretty good Macks to start out and the rates were decent- a good mileage rate and generous drop charges.

Comments