Trucking Jobs and Free Truck Driver Training

Truck Driver Jobs: Pros and Cons to Trucking Jobs

2010-08-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

Truck driving is a popular career in America, and millions of Americans are employed as truckers, and chances are, they are making more money than you are. Unless gas prices go to the sky.

Have you thought about becoming a truck driver? I had thought about it, and researched heavily. I compiled a list of pros and cons as to becoming a trucker.

The pros:
-Income potential. As a beginner you can make about 30,000-50,000 a year depending on who you go with. As a company driver you can do up to 70,000-80,000 a year. As a team driver you can do over 100,000 a year.

-Business opportunity - you can become an owner-operator, drive independently delivering loads for companies freelance, and then expand it by buying more trucks and hiring drivers.

-cheap training, and sometimes, free training.

-The lone wolf lifestyle. Just you, the truck and the road ahead.

-You become a part of a community - truck drivers stick together, similar to military.

-You get to travel all over America (or wherever you live) without having to spend money to travel. And you get to eat at little local joints all over America that often serve very good food.

The cons:
-You're away from home a LOT. If you want to settle down or be with your family a lot, this is not your career, unless you are currently single, and thus can do your 2-3 years over the road (OTR), then try to get a job as a local driver.

-HIGH driver turnover. And, as with other trades, your workload and job security is VERY dependent on the economy.

-Dangerous job - it is one of the most dangerous jobs in America.

-You're never really a lone wolf - the bosses and dispatchers are still breathing down your back every second.

-It can feel like a third world job - sometimes you will stay in very run down, crappy little motels and eat at some of the worst places.

-Lack of respect - truck drivers have the image of being idiots or hicks,

-Dealing with idiots and hicks in your own profession can and will get grating.

-No free training anymore, due to the recession - companies like Schneider, Swift and CR England do not train for free anymore (the only way to train to become a trucker, without paying to train, is to join the military and be a trucker there).

-Lot lizards. Enough said.

Although I am doing what I recommended two paragraphs up and joining the military, I am not joining as a truck driver. I decided not to go for it as a career. But you might read the above, and decide that the pros outweigh the cons and choose trucking as a career. If you do, happy trucking!

Free truck driver training... still?

2009-08-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Three years ago, before the economy went flatter than a pancake, there were quite a few trucking companies who offered straight-up free training. Schneider National, Con-Way, Swift and CR England were a few of these companies.

Nowadays, it's a little harder to find free training. Some of these companies are only hiring experienced drivers. Others offer scholarships for their training courses, but not actual free training.

What does this mean? Well, for now, it will be much tougher for you to find truck training if you're broke. It's definitely still findable, but you'll have to search and google just a little bit harder.

Watch out, though, for scamsters. Remember, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Free truck driver training schools aren't dead FOREVER - but right now, the military is probably technically the only source of on-the-job training to become a trucker. And driving around Iraq or Afghanistan is just a little bit riskier than driving up and down the 5 or the 15 for a living. Nevertheless, if you want free training, your sources are: the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy. Otherwise? Your search will be a lot tougher, but definitely not impossible. Find a scholarshipped truck driving school and be on your way to a trucking career!

Truck Driving Jobs - The Top 30 Jobs of the Future

2008-12-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

By Aubrey Allen Smith

Truck driving jobs are always plentiful due to the constant driver turn over rate that now stands at 128% for over the road drivers. The average yearly income for truck drivers is $35,000 to $45,000 for company drivers, and $95,000 to $130,000 for owner operators, depending on where you live. Currently, as a local driver, working five days per week and home every night, I enjoy a driving job grossing $50,200 per year.

Every two years the US Bureau of Labor Statistics releases their list for the top 30 fastest growing job opportunities. Just released, this list shows the best career choices projected to the year 2016. Truck driving didn't make the list, but how does truck driving jobs salaries compare with these 30 fastest growing jobs for the future?

Many of these positions require at least a Bachelor Degree, and some even a Master's Degree or Doctorate, yet I find it interesting to note that professional truck drivers can earn more than these professional positions. And, with proper management skills, an owner-operator can actually gross more than any of the top 30 on the list!

Of course, there is not much glamour in OTR driving, but with the public's view of the typical "truck driver," I felt it was important to point out that with the right information, the professional skills and the proper attitude, truck driving jobs can offer a good wage and decent living . . . you just have to know where to look. However, comparing truck driving jobs with the top 30 lists, one should not consider themselves just a "truck driver."

See how your current driving job compares with the top 30 jobs of the future . . . the salary shown is the median average salary for the year 2006 :

30. Physician assistant $74,980
29. Physical therapist $68,050
28. Manicurists and pedicurist $21,280
27. Environmental science and protection technician $40,260
26. Gaming and sports book writers and runners $20,850
25. Computer software and systems software engineers $87,250
24. Database administrators $67,460
23. Computer system's analysts $72,230
22. Dental assistants $30,850
21. Marriage and family therapists $44,700
20. Mental health and substance abuse social workers $37,980
19. Mental health counselors $37,840
18. Dental hygienists $62,430
17. Forensic science technicians $48,150
16. Pharmacy technicians $26,510
15. Physical therapist assistants $41,410
14. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators $30,470
13. Social and human service assistants $27,200
12. Financial analysts $77,280
11. Skin care specialists $29,550
10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors $35,950
9. Veterinarians $81,490
8. Medical assistants $26,290
7. Theatrical and performance makeup artists $36,730
6. Personal financial advisers $66,120
5. Veterinary technologists and technicians $27,750
4. Computer applications software engineers $82,000
3. Home health aides $20,100
2. Personal and home care aides $18,180
1. Network systems and data communications analyst $67,460
The biggest problem facing truck drivers today is finding the right company to drive for, who will deliver what they promise. Unfortunately, over the road driving needs to be looked at very diligently by new drivers before signing on with a carrier. The 128% turn over rate speaks for itself. Knowing what to look for, understanding how the trucking industry works and thinks and knowing what to expect out of a life in trucking, will help you make the right choice in a trucking career BEFORE you sign on the dotted line.

With the right information, you can make trucking work if that is your chosen path for a career. And, as the list shows, you can actually end up earning more than the person sitting in a cubicle office space munching on a salad.

Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking By exposing the scams of the trucking industry, Allen has helped hundreds, if not thousands of new drivers make the right choices in choosing a truck driving career. For more information, please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aubrey_Allen_Smith

Is a Truck Driving Job for You?

2008-12-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

By Holly Matheson

Choosing your career is likely to be one of the most important decisions you will ever make and finding just the right one can be a long and stressful process. A driving job within the trucking industry is a viable option for many individuals because it can provide competitive wages, flexible schedules, and attractive benefit packages. If you are looking into a job within the trucking industry, use the following tips to find out if a truck driving job is right for you.

Research Different Trucking Companies – The internet is going to be your greatest tool when it comes to researching these companies. Use directories to find out what companies are within your area and where they offer driving jobs. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource because you can see if any complaints have been filed against a particular trucking company. On the contrary, you can also find out which companies have the highest employee retention rates, offer the most comprehensive benefits, and have the most satisfied workers. Are the bigger, national companies better or does a small local carrier seem to be the best fit for you?

Talks to Actual Truckers – Once again, use the internet to your advantage. There are numerous trucking blogs and forums you can join and communicate with actual truck drivers. Online, people will often be more honest and open with you because they can remain anonymous. Ask about salary, benefits, and schedules. Ask if there is anything they wish they had known before they started their trucking career. Ask how life on the road affects their family life. This is also a great place to get references; because they can remain unidentified, individuals will often air any discontent or disgruntles they have with their current or former employers. On one particular trucking forum, users can even post their favorite companies along with the bad ones.

Ride With a Pro – “Test drive” your potential trucking career. If you can arrange it, go on a trip with a seasoned driver. This will enable you to experience what such a job actually entails and how a trucker lives on the road. You will also get familiarized with locations truckers frequent, such as loading docks and warehouses.

Recruiters – This should probably be the last step. You want to speak with recruiters once you have gathered unbiased and first-hand information from actual truck drivers. Many recruiters will be pushing for one particular training program or company, so by having done your research, you will know the typical salary and benefits most companies offer. You should compile a list of questions beforehand. This will ensure that all your questions and concerns are addressed while you are meeting with a recruiter. Also, be prepared to speak with a handful; you may have to “shop” around before you find the training program or company that provides you with ideal truck driving jobs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Holly_Matheson

Benefits of being a Truck Driver

2008-12-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

By Kirsten Suttin

If you're thinking of changing careers, a move into the truck driving industry may offer you more benefits than you might think. Due to a shortage of trucks drivers, many trucking companies are paying even more for qualified people to haul loads across the country. With more than 70% of the nation's economy being delivered by trucks, more truckers will continue to be needed as the economy grows. In other words, the trucking industry has plenty to offer interested candidates. Consider the following benefits of being a truck driver.

• Good pay

With a national shortage of drivers, companies are willing to give bonuses and increased pay for truck drivers, particularly for long-haul truckers. Companies also pay substantially more for reliable, safe drivers because they are rare. In fact, they can earn more than some college graduates. Another bonus is that unlike some companies, they are usually guaranteed pay raises as they add on years of experience.

• Benefits

Most trucking companies offer major benefits for their employees. Benefits for truck drivers can include medical, dental, vision, prescription medication coverage, life insurance, and retirement plans. Truckers may also receive paid vacation and holidays. Their great benefits rival many large companies, even some in the Fortune 500 category.

• Bonuses

Trucking companies may offer bonuses for certain loads carried or distances traveled. Bonuses may also be given for safety records or longevity with a company.

• Flexibility

A flexible schedule is available to truck drivers through many trucking companies. Drivers can also decide what type of hauls they would like to drive. They can decide between local runs, long distance runs or cross-region runs. Some companies even allow pets or children to come along during the traditionally solo rides.

• Changing Scenery

Truckers can see most of the U.S. while they work. The scenery constantly changes and there are usually points of interest to see along the way. Is your office view as good as a trucker's view? Becoming a truck driver can be a great way to start seeing and doing.

• Job Security

Truck driving provides job security for those that move frequently. It also promises a secure job market because trucking companies always need drivers, particularly if you have a few years of safe driving under your belt. A job is as secure as you make it.

• Teams

Working as a team with a spouse or colleague gives truckers a way to earn a higher income on long runs. Teams receive bonuses for making faster deliveries and can earn over $100,000 per year.

With benefits better and above some office jobs, a career as a truck driver may be the right move.

If you're interested in switching to working in a mobile office as a truck driver, start searching for available truck driving jobs in your area.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirsten_Suttin