Truck driving jobs have never been in more demand as they are now, and they are a job that is always going to be essential for the transport of goods to keep food, equipment, and other necessary items in stock. But when you are looking at starting a truck driving job, be sure you evaluate all aspects of the work to make sure it is going to be a good fit for you. Here are some recommendations to help you out in the process of selecting a truck driver position and company to hire on with.
Evaluate the Schedule
An important part of your truck driving career is the type of schedule you have when you are working. There are a lot of different types of truck driving schedules, based on the type of freight you haul and the type of industry you work in. For example, if you are looking at a local freight delivery job, then you will most likely have a daily schedule where you deliver and pick up freight from customers during the day and often during the regular workweek. A work schedule like this will usually let you be home every night and evening.
However, if you look at a long-haul truck driver job, you will have a longer workweek and will travel further so you may not have the opportunity for your home time as often as other scheduled jobs. For example, if you are hauling freight from one state to another or across the United States, you will be working several days in a row or one to two weeks and can plan on being home every couple of weeks. However, you will be allowed to be home for several days in a row to make up for the multiple days or weeks you work in a row. Be sure you check into the type of schedule you will work and what your workdays and home time will be going forward.
Look at Pay
Next to the schedule for your truck driving job, be sure you check out what pay you will be receiving and other benefits you will have access to. Some truck driving companies will pay you by the hour, and others pay you by the mile that you drive. The payment method can make a big difference if you get stuck in traffic or spin out in snowy weather.
If, for example, you are getting paid by the mile and you are stuck in traffic, your pay rate is going to decrease. However, if you are getting paid by the hour, the downtime due to problems beyond your control is not going to matter. But, if you want to have unlimited earning potential, the more miles you drive with pay-per-mile, the more you will earn.
To learn more, check out truck driver positions near you.
Share