Find out if this is the right field for you to work in!
Have you ever thought about working as a truck driver? A dynamic job for people who love to travel and cannot get used to, for instance, the monotony of an office.
Through great job opportunities offering various benefits and high salaries, workers can achieve personal goals and work in something they enjoy. Best of all, this is a field with high demand and constant growth. Therefore, finding a job in this area is not necessarily that difficult.
How to apply for the job
As mentioned earlier, the salary is competitive and can reach $150,000 or more annually, especially for hazardous materials hauling. However, this salary is highly variable and can change depending on the cargo and the level of job specialization. Solo drivers may earn around $120,000 annually, and for employees of private companies, the salary can be around $110,000.
A quick overview of the field
This field is highly valued in the United States. For this reason, industry workers can count on good salaries and rewarding benefits. Additionally, there are many job openings due to the field’s significant growth.
If you have an “on the road” profile, are adventurous, and love driving, this could be your dream career. You can find fulfillment and identify with a profession through something you enjoy.
When working as a truck driver, another characteristic you might appreciate, depending on your needs, is schedule flexibility. This is one of the factors that attracts even more workers to the field.
What opportunities can I find as a truck driver?
- Long-Distance Driver: Responsible for transporting cargo over long distances, often crossing states or even the entire country. These drivers spend extended periods on the road but receive attractive salaries and benefits such as bonuses for on-time deliveries.
- Local or Regional Driver: Works within specific areas, with shorter trips and more frequent returns home. This position is ideal for those seeking a balance between professional and personal life, although it typically offers slightly lower salaries compared to OTR drivers.
- Hazardous Materials Driver: Transports materials classified as hazardous, such as chemicals, fuels, or toxic gases. Additional certification and strict safety protocols are required. Salaries tend to be higher due to the associated risks.
- Refrigerated Freight Driver: Specializes in transporting temperature-controlled goods, such as perishable foods or medications. These drivers must constantly monitor the cargo’s condition during transport.
- Oversized Load Transporter: Carries loads exceeding standard weight or size limits, such as industrial machinery or large structures. Requires advanced driving skills and may include special escorts for pre-approved routes. This role offers high earnings due to the complexity of operations.
- Tanker Driver: Specializes in transporting liquids, such as water, milk, petroleum, or chemicals. This job demands precise driving skills due to weight shifts within the tank, especially during turns and stops.
- Team Driver: Works in pairs to ensure the truck is almost always on the move. One driver rests while the other drives, enabling the covering of long distances quickly. This mode is common for urgent deliveries and offers attractive salaries.
What are the advantages of working as a truck driver in the United States?
- High Demand and Job Stability: The growing need for road transport in the U.S. ensures a constant demand for drivers, making the profession a stable and secure choice.
- Attractive Salaries and Benefits: Truck drivers can earn competitive salaries, with opportunities for performance bonuses and extra pay for specialized loads.
- Flexible Schedules: Depending on the role, drivers can choose between local, regional, or long-haul routes, adapting to their preferences and personal needs.
- Opportunity to Travel: For those who love the road, the profession allows exploration of different landscapes and regions, turning the job into a way to discover the country.
Want to know how to apply?
If you are interested in applying for a truck driver position, check out the next article to learn all about it.
