Is Truck Driving a Career for Me? Pros & Cons - Classic Carriers

Becoming a truck driver is a big career choice. And just like any career, there are pros and cons to the job. Enjoying the pros and understanding how to manage the cons is what sets you up for success. 

The Pros of Being a Truck Driver

• Exciting daily life as you get paid to explore the country and see new things.
• Job security as truck drivers are essential workers, and there is a shortage of drivers now and into the foreseeable future.
• Great pay with lots of opportunities for incentives and bonuses.
• Have your own workspace; be your ‘own boss’ in many ways as you have no supervisor monitoring you on a daily basis.
• A great alternative to working the same job every day, such as on a factory line.
• Self-confidence builder and lots of pride in the job, as you are in control of many aspects of the job.
• No working outside in harsh weather conditions.

How to Manage the Cons of Truck Driving

Set Up a Communication Plan

Because truck driving is not your typical 8-5 job, communication with your family, friends and loved ones is extremely important. As a driver, you will be gone multiple days at a time. This means you likely will miss family events, birthdays, etc. 

Talk with your family members and set up a plan for who will handle specific responsibilities while you are gone. Also, establish a plan for how you will stay connected. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Use video! Do video calls to see one another more. Have someone record or go Facetime live at your child’s sporting event or other activities you cannot attend.
• Schedule calls. Have a dedicated time that everyone puts on their calendars when you are to call or video chat.

Pay Close Attention to Expenses

If you spend too much money while on the road, you can find yourself in a financial pinch. Pay close attention to managing expenses, especially when you are paid ahead for unloading fees and other fees you may encounter on the road. Do not spend that money on other things as it will eventually catch up to you.

Take Care of Your Health

It can be challenging to stay healthy when you are on the road and your schedule varies week to week. Make time to exercise, eat healthy and focus on keeping strong relationships with your home life.

The most successful drivers are safe and efficient drivers, which means they can focus and concentrate when they are on the road. They don’t have a lot of negative outside influences affecting them while driving. Here are two related articles that may help you stay healthy:

• 3 Tips to Stay Fit as a Truck Driver
• A Truck Driver’s Tips on How to Eat Healthy and Drive All Day

Skill Set of a Good Truck Driver

Becoming a successful truck driver involves more than just turning the key and hitting the gas. It takes talent and specific abilities. Our driver recruiters at Classic Carriers look for these skill sets:

• Good multitasker
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Good customer service
• Mechanically savvy
• Responsible
• Patient
• Self-disciplined
• Knowledge of geographic areas
• Good planner

How Do I Become a Truck Driver for Classic Carriers?

Now that you’ve determined truck driving is a career for you, let’s get you ready to hit the road!

At Classic Carriers, we have a fully-paid, 12-week truck driver training program to help you get your CDL and on-the-road training time.

The program begins with the four-week truck driving course at the Ohio Business College to earn a CDL. Tuition is fully paid by Classic Carriers, along with attendees receiving a $250 weekly incentive. 

After graduating and earning a CDL, you then begin an eight-week paid driver training program at Classic Carriers. You are paired with a Classic Carriers driver trainer who has been handpicked by our safety department. 

After eight weeks, you come on board as a solo company driver with us.

>>>Learn how to apply for our Truck Driver Training Program here.<<<

Driven by the Best

At Classic Carriers, we have a driver turnover rate of less than 30%. Riders and pets allowed in trucks! We are proud to be a family-owned and operated company that treats our team of dedicated drivers like family. 

Have more questions? Contact a recruiter today!