Are you looking for a job that pays well and allows you to travel all over the United States? If yes, then becoming a trucker might be the career change you’re looking for! There are a ton of benefits to being a truck driver, not to mention that it’s in demand now more than ever.
So, is truck driving a good career? In this post, we outlined some of the biggest benefits of switching lanes to this line of work. Read on, and you might just be convinced to explore this path!
10 truck driver benefits
According to the American Trucking Association, there are over 3.54 million truck drivers in the United States. It’s continuously growing, and it’s mainly due to the following benefits:
1. Competitive salary
One of the biggest trucking pros is the competitive salary the industry offers. On average, a beginner trucker can take home about $64,000 a year, which can rise to $189,000+ with enough experience and the best choice of hauls.
Aside from that, you may also receive bonuses for specific routes if other drivers aren’t willing to go through it. Also, some trucking companies provide additional incentives for drivers with excellent safety records.
So, overall, being a truck driver can be a lucrative career with the right routes and loads.
2. Comprehensive health insurance
To add to the major benefits of truck driving is the comprehensive health insurance the job comes with. Many trucking companies offer medical, vision, and dental insurance on top of life insurance coverage. You can also enjoy paid days off and paid holidays, depending on what the fleet offers.
Aside from covering you as the driver, some trucking companies even have insurance coverage that extends up to your family.
3. Flexible schedules
Of all the truck driving benefits, truckers really love the flexibility they have on the job. For owner-operators, they can choose the route, schedule, and type of load they want to haul – giving them full control of their work.
Unlike 9 to 5 jobs where you’re stuck in a repetitive routine and workplace, truckers can choose when and where they want to work. Sounds cool, right?
Overall, this flexibility gives truckers to build their career around their personal and family life. Some would prefer short-haul trucking to stay close to their family or long-haul ones to maximize their income.
4. Career independence
Are you tired of working for a boss? Or do you want to build your own business by starting small? Trucking can be the best path to make all these possible.
As an owner-operator of a trucking business, you can choose what direction to take in your career. While it also entails additional administrative tasks on your part, it’s worth it if you’re ready to take on the lead.
5. Travel while getting paid
Do you want to get paid while enjoying the most scenic views in the US? Well, this is one of the benefits of being a truck driver, especially for those taking interstate hauls.
As a truck driver, you’ll have the chance to visit breathtaking landscapes in the country, including landmarks, popular attractions, and postcard-worthy views. And the best part? You get paid for every mile you drive – which is the perfect example of hitting two birds with one stone!
However, we also recognize the fact that long payment cycles are common in the trucking industry. It could take 30, 60, or even 90 days for some shippers to pay. The good news is that you can partner with a factoring company to convert your invoices into cash immediately in exchange for a small fee.
With factoring services, you don’t have to wait for weeks just to get paid. Also, the factoring company will handle the collections on your behalf, so you can go back on the road to deliver more loads and make more money!
6. Better job security
Trucking is in high demand, and the whole trucking industry will become bigger and bigger in the coming years. As the ‘backbone; of the economy, land freight is responsible in delivering goods throughout the country.
Basically, if you bought it somewhere in the US, a trucker will transport it to your location. With that said, as long as there’s a need for delivery services, you’ll have a profitable career should you decide to be a truck driver.
Nowadays, online shopping is continuously booming, and so is the need for freight services. This means truckers can make a life-long career in the business without having to sit in an office with a pre-determined monthly pay.
7. No degree needed
You don’t need a college degree to start working and earning well as a trucker. While there are still skills needed to be a truck driver, you can acquire the basics in as little as three weeks. In fact, you can enjoy better salaries and benefits than those who have an expensive degree!
In general, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to be a legitimate truck driver. You may also need to finish a few hours of training if you’re an entry-level trucker.
8. Very minimal training costs
One of the perks of being a truck driver is you don’t have to shackle yourself on student loans. Since this in-demand job doesn’t require a college degree, it will only cost you a small amount to get started.
In general, you may need to shell out about $3,000 to $8,000 to attend truck driving classes. But if you don’t want to pay a dime, you can simply enter a 1 or 2-year contract with large trucking companies who can provide you with the training you need for free.
Once you’ve gained all the necessary credentials and experience, you can get your own truck and be your own boss!
9. Potential career expansion
One of the truck driver facts you should know is that you don’t have to buy your vehicle right away. You can start as a trucker for a trucking company to gain experience and save up to acquire your own truck to be an owner-operator.
Later on, you can buy more vehicles to expand and run your own fleet. This just means that truck driving benefits don’t stop with stable pay and good insurance – you can literally build your own business with it.
Not just that, you can also partner with a factoring for trucking company to ensure a steady cash flow for your fleet. So even when shippers or brokers take forever to pay, you can convert your accounts receivables into instant funds within hours.
10. Perfect for those who prefer working alone
If you prefer working alone or with minimal supervision, the pros of being a truck driver might suit you well. Most of the time, drivers hit the road as a one-man team.
Still, it doesn’t mean you’re going to be lonely on your journey to deliver hauls. Many truck drivers bring their pet dogs or cats with them for company, which makes long-haul trips less boring.
Also, you can work with a factoring trucking company to handle your collections, so you don’t have to chase after clients for payments. On top of that, you’ll get an advance on your pending invoices in as fast as 24 hours. With instant capital and less admin work, you can focus on logging more miles.
Is it worth being a truck driver?
If you’re still unsure whether trucking is the right career for you, it will help to ask yourself the following questions:
Do you enjoy road trips?
If you consider road trips as the best way to unwind, then you could thrive as a truck driver. The only difference is you’ll be driving a much bigger vehicle with a heavier load.
Do you mind being away from home for long periods?
As much as truck drivers enjoy a lot of perks, they also have to deal with being away from home for a long time. It can be days, weeks, or even months for some.
Do you prioritize safety on the road?
Delivering freight is a serious business as the road brings various hazards. This is why trucking is a career best for people who have excellent driving skills and have a strong adherence to road safety. Also, you may need a clean driving record to secure your CDL much faster.
Do you have good organizational skills?
If you decide to be an owner-operator, much of your operation will be self-directed. You need to be good with planning and organization to ensure that you’ll deliver your hauls on time.
Ready to launch your truck driving career? Ensure a steady cash flow with Factoring Express!
If you think being a truck driver is the best career move, it’s important to plan the financial aspect of this new venture. You can partner with a trucking factoring company like Factoring Express to make sure you receive funds from every invoice fast and easily!
As former trucking company owners ourselves, we know the financial challenges of being a trucker. Through our factoring service, we aim to help trucking businesses, big or small, so they won’t have to suffer from long payment cycles.
If this sounds great to you, feel free to contact us at Factoring Express today! Enjoy same-day approval and a 1-week free trial when you sign up with us today!
