Why Trucking Makes a Great Career
With so many opportunities for a career, it’s intimidating to figure out which job is a perfect fit. Each has their own unique challenges and tasks they bring to the table, and truck driving is no different. Is it for you, though? Many may dismiss driving as a viable career path when, in reality, it comes with several benefits that shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s just a few reasons why truck driving makes a great career.
Great Pay for Little School
If expensive two- or four-year programs don’t suit you, you’re not alone. Class A CDL courses, (a license that’s required to drive a commercial vehicle) often last for only a month or two. There are many trucking companies that require experience, however, several will offer truck driving jobs with little to none – Melton being one of them! Plus, Melton also offers up to $10,000 in tuition reimbursement for recent CDL grads. While pay varies by company, miles driven, and cargo hauled, the annual average for over-the-road (OTR) trucking pay sits at around $70,000+ a year. See what you can make at Melton here!
Work Independently
Many people dream about working a job different from the standard 9 to 5 with a boss standing over their shoulder. Truck driving is far from that image! Drivers spend most of their time by themselves, away from management and the office. This makes trucking perfect for those who prefer their alone time. Although, this doesn’t mean total isolation. Help is just a call away in case any issues arise, and technology like FaceTime means you can always keep in touch with your loved ones.
Varied Amounts of Home Time
Admittedly, trucking isn’t renowned for its work-life balance. However, there are options for more home time depending on where you drive. Melton offers OTR opportunities, which means driving cross-country and being out for a few weeks at a time, depending on the load requirements and your home domicile. Drivers with Melton are guaranteed one day of home time for every seven days on the road. Regional driving is also an option, which stays within a specific region of the country. Regional drivers’ home time can vary depending on the carrier, but these drivers are typically home at least once or twice a week. There are also companies that offer local opportunities that allow drivers to be home most nights.
See the Country
How about the opportunity to see more of the United States than most people will see in their lifetime? One of the most popular benefits to OTR truck driving is the chance to see the country and travel, while getting paid for it. Every driver has stories about the sights they’ve seen and people they’ve met on their travels, making truck driving perfect for those with an adventurous spirit. Check out these photos sent in by drivers!
Career Stability
If a truck driver wants to work, there will be jobs available. Most of the trucking workforce is aging out and retiring, resulting in a vast shortage of class a cdl drivers. The skills that are acquired through training and time on the road are in constant demand. Therefore, experienced CDL drivers will always have opportunities for employment. Plus, the more experience you have, the more you get paid!
Every Day is Different
Monotony works for some people, but for those who want to challenge themselves every day, trucking is a perfect fit. Drivers pass through various parts of the country, haul different types of loads, meet new people, and learn new skills/tricks through new obstacles they may face.
Make a Difference
Truck driving is one of the most important careers to the country’s economy. Drivers haul everything from essential building materials, to life-saving medicine. Most cities in America depend on trucks to bring them necessities. Truck driving careers are often overlooked when searching for an impactful career path. However, drivers are essential in helping people live their everyday lives.
While truck driving is far from being a simple job, there’s no denying that it’s an important one. It’s not without its flaws, but for those with a sense of adventure that want to take a path less travelled, driving may very well be the career you’ve been searching for. Melton Truck Lines is one of the leading flatbed trucking companies in the US, offering OTR, regional, and dedicated job opportunities for Class A CDL drivers. Check out our available positions for drivers!