Should I Be a Truck Driver?: Pros and Cons to Know

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. While every trucking job will have its unique pluses and drawbacks, here are some of the main pros and cons to truck driving. 

Pro: 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!

Con: Extended Time Away from Home

There are a few types of truck driving that will have you home more often, but if you’re just starting out, you’ll likely be limited to over-the-road jobs, meaning you’re away from home for multiple weeks at a time. This is a huge adjustment, and requires a serious conversation with your family to see if this schedule can work with your lives. Melton offers one day of home time for every seven days spent on the road, with opportunities to earn extra home time days available.

Pro: 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.

Con: Physically and Mentally Demanding

Being behind the wheel of a semitruck can take a lot of physical and mental energy, especially when driving flatbed. Flatbed driving jobs require truckers to secure their own loads, which involves climbing up and down the trailer, throwing straps over loads, and utilizing heavy equipment like tarps. While there are numerous advantages to staying active as a driver, it can be tiring, especially in extreme hot or cold weather. Mentally, being away from home for long periods of time can be draining, and the long stretches of driving with little interruptions gets dull. Don’t forget to make time throughout the day to connect with family and friends, and seek out hobbies and activities that keep your mind active while the truck is parked.

Pro: Travel Across North America

How about the opportunity to see more of North America than most people will see in their lifetime? One of the most popular benefits to OTR truck driving is the chance to see the United States and travel, while getting paid for it. Depending on your qualifications and the company you work for, you may even cross into Mexico and Canada. You don’t just have to see it through your windshield, either – many Melton drivers take the opportunity to see local sights while on a break from driving.

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!

Con: Lifestyle Adjustments are Required

Living out of a semi truck calls for some major lifestyle changes non-drivers may not consider. Drivers will have to learn to do things like laundry, dishes, cooking, and showering on the road. While there are many tools and resources available to make this easier, it can be quite a learning curve.

A driver’s schedule can also be quite irregular, depending on pickup and delivery times. Learning how to adapt quickly to these schedules while still adhering to Hours of Service requirements is crucial, all while balancing legal and company-specific safety guidelines. 

Pro: Job Security and Room for Growth

If a truck driver wants to work, there will be jobs available. The average truck driver is 47 years old according to the American Trucking Association, and many older drivers are leaving the industry, 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 and career growth. Plus, the more experience you have, the more you get paid!

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!