The trucking industry is the backbone of the US economy. Store shelves would be empty without truck drivers, and online orders would go unfulfilled. In fact, if long-haul truck deliveries were stopped, most grocery stores would run out of food in just three days.
Despite the fact that drivers are critical to the flow of goods and supply chains, the trucking industry is currently facing challenges due to a severe driver shortage. This has put additional strain on supply chains, which are already stretched thin as a result of COVID-19 disruptions.
Trucking offers the benefits and flexibility that make it a top career choice for many drivers. If you’re considering a career change, keep reading to learn why now is the right time to begin your career in trucking.
Why It’s a Good Time to Start Trucking
The trucking industry in the United States is huge as it is worth nearly $700 billion. Here are a few reasons to start trucking now:
1. The National Shortage of Truckers
There is a high demand for truck drivers across the country, with small and large trucking companies competing for qualified truck drivers. For new drivers, this means more opportunities to land well-paying jobs with great benefits.
2. Simple Requirements for Training
It is not necessary to have a four-year bachelor’s degree to become a truck driver, and you don’t have to worry about continuing your education either. All you need is a commercial driver’s license. A truck driving school will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to become a truck driver and pursue a career in the field.
3. Stable Salary and Job Security
Truck drivers will be making deliveries as long as retailers need to stock their shelves and warehouses with goods. Many large retailers such as Amazon and Walmart are offering excellent pay and benefits to new and experienced drivers looking for stable salaries and job security. Just make sure you check out their job requirements to ensure you possess the right license type.
4. A Chance to Travel
It’s a great way to see historic sights across the United States. Among the classic attractions for truckers are the St. Louis Gateway Arch, the Hoover Dam, Niagara Falls, and Las Vegas.
You may not be able to see these attractions from the road, so consider taking a cab or hopping on a bus. Whether you’re taking a lunch break or need a 34-hour reset, these attractions offer great rejuvenation.
5. Flexible Working Hours
If you choose to become an independent owner-operator, you’ll be your own boss. This means you can decide how much (or how little) you want to work, which loads to haul, and which holidays to spend at home with your family. No more 9-5 prison sentences!
I loved how you said that it offers great benefits. My brother was at my house last night for dinner, and he was talking about how he has been thinking about becoming a truck driver since he hasn’t been able to find a job for the past couple of weeks. I’ll pass this information along to him so he can know more about the advantages of being a truck driver!