Choosing to become a truck driver is a big decision, as it affects you, your family, and your health.
Choosing to become a truck driver is a big decision, as it affects you, your family, and your health. Being on the road isn’t just a job, it’s actually a lifestyle. Depending on where you work as a truck driver, you might easily spend 300+ days on the road every year, which has a huge impact on the place you call home and how many relationships you can maintain. Keep in mind that most regional driving positions are not open to new truck drivers, so you might need to cut your teeth for 2 years before being able to narrow your focus. Here are some of the behind-the-scenes things you should know before becoming a truck driver.
You’ll Keep Odd Hours
Many truck drivers like to move with the light, while others don’t find driving at night. However, your preferences won’t necessarily matter when it comes to the jobs that you are assigned. Days can begin very early or very late, so it’s important that you are able to sleep odd hours and get enough rest on the road, whenever that rest has to occur.
You’ll Work a Lot
Some truck drivers work up to 70 hours in an 8-day period. After working for 70 hours in one week, you won’t be able to drive any more until you have at least 34 hours off (by law). The 70 hour limit factors in that truck drivers cannot drive for over 11 hours in one day. Your daily time must include a 10 hour break. The government heavily regulates truck drivers for the safety of the drivers themselves and others on the road, so you will need to be able to keep precise track of your time while you are driving and sleeping afterwards.
Pay Might Vary
Some truck drivers are paid an hourly wage, but many are actually compensated by the number of miles driven. If you are a delivery driver, you will not get paid if you are not delivering anything. In some cases, this means that you will not know your actual yearly salary and pay until the end of the year.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for All of Your Trucking Needs
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star, a new truck dealer. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+