Recent studies have shown that there is a shortage of truck drivers. It is primarily due to the aging population of current drivers. According to the data, there will be a need for approximately 239,000 truck drivers by the year 2022. It is a huge number that is enticing for people who are looking for a job.
Before you apply for a career in trucking, it is important to assess whether or not it suits you. Just like any other job opportunity, there are pros and cons.
How to Know if It’s For You
In general, truck driving is a rewarding job, but not everyone is suited for a career in trucking. Compared to other blue collar jobs, truck driving offers high pay and many perks. The demand for truck drivers is currently very high. More than 70% of the goods is transported through trucking services. Companies continue to invest money in good truck drivers especially since there is an ongoing shortage.
Another advantage of truck driving is you get to visit a new place every so often. Truck driving involves a lot of travel by land. Some shipping and transportation drivers enjoy visiting every state and consider it a perk. It is a suitable job for people who do not want to stay in the office all day.
Aside from that, most trucking companies offer benefits such as medical insurance, health insurance, travel accommodation discounts, and even free wireless networks.
Because of the ongoing shortage, you can expect a variety of opportunities in your trucking career. You have plenty of room for promotion and growth.
What are the Downsides?
On the other hand, there are still disadvantages involved in a truck driving career. One of them is the long hours involved in your job especially when you are delivering goods on the other side of the country. When you are on a job, you cannot go home on short notice. There is a high possibility that you will miss out on important family occasions.
Another disadvantage is that most truck drivers do not have companions on the road. It may be lonely especially for people who are used to having someone around. Also, eventually, the work may seem repetitive. For some people, it can be stressful to drive on the same route and path every single day. Not to mention the feeling of being homesick from always being on the road.
What do you think? Is shipping and transportation driving for you?