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Truck Driving: How to make a living on the road

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Trucking is a growing industry with many employment opportunities waiting to be filled. The economy would literally collapse if the trucking industry collapsed for any reason. Those who are interested in becoming a trucker will have many career opportunities available to them as they develop their potential within the industry. The key to successfully making a living on the road is to do detailed industry research before committing to it. This will help you make informed career decisions and work on your personal financial goals.

License

You will need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This is one of the most important documents a truck driver must have. You must also be free of drug and alcohol problems to pass drug and alcohol tests. If you have been convicted of a felony involving a motor vehicle, this may disqualify you from driving a commercial vehicle.

Compensation and Salaries

Truckers will be aware of the different methods of financial compensation that carriers offer to their truckers. Most carriers assign regular jobs to their truckers. This will allow the truck driver to calculate your estimated income. Long-haul truck drivers are generally paid by the mile. Bonuses are often awarded to employees who save the company money or work to high standards. Local truckers are generally paid by the hour. It is worth comparing the rates of several employers before deciding where to work.

safe road

Road safety has a high priority in the trucking industry. This is one aspect of the job that you simply cannot afford to neglect. Approximately 70% of truck driver deaths are due to highway accidents involving inexperienced car drivers. Defensive driving is a much-needed skill if you want to survive in this industry without injuring yourself or putting your personal safety in jeopardy. Related to this, truck drivers must also be aware of safety laws.

personal health

Truck driving is physically and mentally demanding on the job. Professional truckers who need to schedule proper rest and relaxation while on duty. Planning some physical exercise during the week is also a good idea to keep them healthy. They must also be prepared to include coffee or caffeine as an integral part of their lives.

Becoming an owner-operator

Truckers who aspire to become owner-operators are in a position to exercise more control over their career. You can become more selective about the types of cargo you want to haul and the type of hours you want to keep. Owner-operators also tend to make more profit compared to normal truck drivers attached to a carrier.

In conclusion, truck driving is a challenging profession, suitable for lonely people who like to live life on the go and who enjoy the challenges of a physically demanding job.

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