Whether you are a new truck driver or have been driving for years, life as a truck driver can be fun and rewarding. However, many drivers can also face major problems on the road. By learning more about these potential problems, you can plan accordingly and be prepared should they ever arise during your truck driving career.
Benefits of Being a Truck Driver
- Flexible Working Hours – Truck drivers have flexibility in their working hours. As long as they pick up and drop off their loads on time, they can drive during the day, afternoon, or overnight.
- Traveling the Country – Long-haul drivers benefit from traveling to new places and destinations they may have never been to before. It is possible to catch some local sites and attractions during downtime.
- Lower Educational Requirements – Truck drivers only need a high school diploma and a CDL to enter this career field.
- Mandatory Time Off – Truck drivers have daily driving caps where they can only drive for up to 11 hours a day and must take 10 consecutive hours off. In addition, they can only drive up to 70 hours in a 7- or 8-day period and then must take 34 consecutive hours off before returning to driving.
- Decent Pay – The entry-level pay for new truck drivers is just as decent as other professional careers that require a college degree. Some new drivers can start making around $40,000 annually and grow that to more than $100,000 if they are an owner-operator.
- Company Assistance – Drivers working for a company will have added support and assistance securing loads. The company also usually covers freight fees and provides drivers with fuel cards.
Problems Truckers Face
CDL Training Costs
The costs of CDL training and getting your license can run around $5,000. While some trucking companies offer paid CDL training, it does reduce your starting pay for several years. So, paying for your CDL training out of your pocket is better. When you can, you end up getting a much better starting salary.
You also must remember to renew your CDL license every five to eight years, depending on the state that issued it. When you renew your license, you can also need proof of a recent eye exam and a copy of a medical examiner's certificate. So, you need to budget for these expenses when your employer or your health insurance does not cover them.
Extended Time Away from Home
You will be away from home for several weeks or sometimes longer. If you are single, this may not seem like a big deal. On the other hand, if you are in a relationship, have a partner, or are married, you and your loved one will need to be prepared for your regular absences. If you have kids, it can be even more challenging to be away from home.
However, thanks to advances in technology, you can video chat, send text messages, and have contact with your friends and family, even though you are on the road. In addition, if you are into video games, you can take your gaming system with you on the road and use your smartphone as a wireless hotspot to connect and play online with your friends.
So, there are viable ways to remain in contact with family and friends. Yet, you need to be prepared that you will not be able to physically spend time with them for weeks at a time.
Changes to Your Way of Life
One of the biggest challenges for new truck drivers is learning how to live in a tractor-trailer. You have a set amount of space where you will work, relax, eat, and sleep. Fortunately, you have some control over your environment and can customize your cab to your liking.
For example, you can upgrade your truck mattress to a better quality one like a Bostrom + Serta truck mattress. You could also add a laptop stand and mobile device holder. In addition, many truck drivers will invest in a small refrigerator/freezer and an all-in-one smart cooker to save money by preparing meals in their trucks.
Additionally, you have to think about when and where you will use the bathroom and shower. Even if you invest in a portable toilet for your truck, you will still need to plan your stops so you can shower since not all truck stops have showers.
Isolation/Loneliness
You need to be prepared for long hours on the road all by yourself. This is just part of a truck driver’s life. It can be beneficial to hang up pictures of your friends or family members in your cab. You can also receive or make phone calls, but you will want to ensure you are set up for hands-free talking.
Fatigue
Fatigue can occur from sitting and driving long hours each day. Some days, you could work up to 14 hours a day between driving, logging your hours, filling out paperwork, etc. Having a comfortable truck seat with heat and massage or heating and cooling is a great way to combat fatigue and help you remain comfortable.
Weather Conditions
When there is bad weather, it can cause delays in reaching your destinations. You could have to deal with wet, icy, and snowy conditions. One way to ensure you always know the condition of the roads is by adding a Roadwatch Safety Kit to your truck.
Traffic Delays
Depending on the time of day, you could experience traffic delays from morning and evening rush hours and construction delays. Most smartphones have built-in GPS apps to help you alter your route, so you are always on the fastest route to your destination.
Changes in Routes
Even if you are an established driver with years on the road, your routes can and do still change. This is because you have to go where the loads are to make money. Sometimes this can require you to drive farther out of your way just to pick up a load.
Other times, if you work for a company, you cannot control what routes you will drive. For example, one week you could be driving up and down the eastern coast, and the next week hauling loads to the midwest or west coast.
Making LIfe as a Truck Driver More Comfortable
As you can see, life as a trucker does have its ups and downs. However, you can do plenty of things to make your time on the road more comfortable and enjoyable.
Suburban Seating & Safety is here to help. We offer replacement truck seats, truck mattresses, Roadwatch kits, and other accessories to customize your truck. Explore our online store or contact us at 844-727-7328 today.
