Are you thinking about becoming a truck driver but find yourself unsure if truck driving is a good career choice? Truck driving is becoming a more lucrative career, and as the trucking industry quickly expands, an impressive number of truck driving benefits are coming along with it. Here, we’ve put together the top benefits of being a truck driver to help you decide if this career move is right for you.
1. Competitive Salary
Truck drivers benefit from moderate to high salaries, as drivers who are new to the trucking industry average $50,000 or more after training. According to the most recent data from Indeed, the average annual salary of a truck driver can range between $51,000 and $210,000 (depending on experience level, type of employment and expertise), with the average falling around $103,000.
Independent owner-operators working with CloudTrucks (as in those willing to operate under our authority) average $17,000 per month, which comes out to about $204,000 annually.
Here’s a snippet of some of the average highest-paying trucking salaries:
- Owner-operators: $119,464 per year.
- Ice Road Drivers: $66,422 per year (for 3-4 months of work).
- Oversized Load: $82,262 per year.
- Specialty Vehicle Haulers: $95,146 per year.
- Team Drivers: $119,464 per year.
2. Health Insurance
Truck drivers employed by trucking companies enjoy a full range of standard benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance, just like other workers. With most trucking companies, these benefits are also offered for your family and can be found in various forms such as Medicaid and CHIP.
3. Job Security
“If you bought it, a trucker brought it.”
Trucking is often referred to as the backbone or lifeblood of our economy, so as our economy grows, trucking grows with it. Truckers are fond of saying, “If you bought it, a trucker brought it.” In short, the demand for goods translates to a demand for truck drivers. Recruitment is a highly competitive aspect of the trucking industry, so when you apply for jobs, you have more control compared to job seekers in other occupations. This is also an advantage for those who want to find a truck driving job with no experience.
4. No Degree Required
Truck drivers enjoy pay equal to many occupations requiring advanced education. You can become a truck driver in as little as three weeks and also obtain endorsements for your commercial driver’s license (CDL). A CDL is required for you to be eligible to operate heavy trucks and transport more lucrative types of freight to increase your earnings. But no degree is required to be a truck driver.
5. Little to No Training Cost
Unlike many other degrees or certification programs, there isn’t a huge initial investment to become a truck driver, which makes it accessible to more people. The cost to train for a truck driving career ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 if you attend a private truck driving school or community college. However, it is possible to obtain your CDL training without paying a dime in exchange for entering into a 1-2-year contract with many of the larger trucking companies.
6. Career Advancement
Becoming a truck driver is not just a job, it can also be a long-term career. With experience and continued education, there are many opportunities for advancement (and salary increases) within the trucking industry. Some drivers may choose to move up into a management or training position, while others may pursue specialized driving roles such as hazmat or oversized load hauling. Additionally, many companies offer bonuses and incentives for safe driving and longevity with the company.
7. Skill Development
Truck driving requires specific skills, and becoming a truck driver provides an opportunity to develop these skills, including driving, navigation, and time management. These skills are not only useful for the job but can also be transferable to other professions. Driving long hours on the road requires focus, attention to detail, and the ability to handle unexpected situations. While navigating through different routes and terrains, truck drivers also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
8. Travel
One of the greatest truck driver benefits is the incredible ability to travel while earning an income. Truck driving provides an opportunity to take in the breathtaking skylines of America’s cities to the wide variety of landscapes across the nation, including deserts, mountains, oceans, and everything in between. You can even align your vacations with drop-offs in areas you’d like to visit and explore.
9. Freedom and Flexibility
Truck drivers enjoy an unparalleled level of personal freedom while working—no boss looking over your shoulder, no office politics, no corporate grind. While driving, your mind is free to listen to podcasts, music, and audiobooks or talk with friends and family. Plus, you’re free of dealing with morning commutes to the office and mundane paperwork—it’s just you, your truck, and the open road.
Truck driving can also be flexible depending on your personal life and how much you want to work. You can schedule your own routes, be it long or short, in order to accommodate your own lifestyle. Drivers with CloudTrucks enjoy the perks of being their own boss but with the back-office support of a large carrier.
Do Truck Drivers Make Their Own Schedule?
The short answer is yes, they do. As a truck driver, you often have the flexibility to create your own schedule that fits your personal life and preferences, especially if you’re an owner-operator. Of course, if you’re driving for a major retailer, you may be more confined to specific shifts, but even then the schedule and the hours you need to work tend to be more flexible compared to many other professions. This is one of the many perks that comes with being a professional trucker.
10. Diverse Work Environments
Truck drivers may transport various goods, which can lead to diverse work environments, from local deliveries to cross-country trips. Some drivers may even have the opportunity to travel internationally, depending on their employer and qualifications. This diversity can make the job more exciting and challenging, as you get to experience different parts of the country or world and interact with a variety of people. It also allows for plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within your profession.
11. Giving Back
Truck drivers are an essential part of the community, as they help transport goods and keep businesses running smoothly. One of the benefits of being a truck driver is the opportunities for involvement in local events or charities. Many trucking companies have programs that encourage their employees to give back to the communities they serve, whether it's through volunteer work or donations. Being a part of such initiatives can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your job.¶
12. Trucking community
As a truck driver, you become part of a dedicated and tight-knit community. You will often cross paths with fellow drivers on the road or at rest stops, and this can lead to new friendships and connections. There are also online forums and groups where truckers can connect and share advice, stories, and support. This sense of camaraderie can make the job feel less isolating and create a strong support system for drivers on the road.¶
13. Ever-Improving Industry
The trucking industry has a long record of remaining at the forefront of technological progress. Many companies continually update their fleets to newer trucks and have leveraged mobile computing technology to make the job easier and better. Self-driving trucks are on the horizon, and rather than replace drivers, they will make the job safer and more accessible to perform than ever before while maintaining a healthy demand for drivers who will likely maintain a similar role as captain or pilot. Additionally, the trucking industry is in a constant state of expansion and is expected to grow by 35% by 2029, according to the American Trucking Association.
How to Become a Truck Driver
It’s relatively easy to become a truck driver, even if you don’t have truck driving experience. As long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements and qualifications and pass your CDL exam, you can feel good about submitting your truck driver resume to any company.
These are the basic eligibility requirements for becoming a truck driver (although obtaining a CDL may have different requirements in your state):
- Have a valid regular driver’s license
- Be at least 21 years old (though drivers can be between 18 and 21 years old in certain cases)
- Possess a social security number
- Pass background checks and screens
- Keep a good driving record according to your state’s requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, you can look into starting your own trucking business for even more freedom and flexibility.
Truck Driver Benefits Key Takeaways
Truck driving may not be the flashiest career, but with good benefits, pay, and countless other perks offered by many trucking companies—working as a truck driver will remain a solid choice for anyone looking for a stable and rewarding career.
Plus, once you have a few years under your belt (2.5 years to be exact), you’ll be qualified to branch out as an independent truck driver and join CloudTrucks. Download our app, browse loads, and choose the ones you like. No force dispatching—guaranteed. To learn more, head over to our Getting Started page.
