A CDL trucking job is in high demand right now, which could be great news if you are considering joining the industry! Those who are interested in starting a career in trucking will like this article publicized by Transport Topics.
Here are some highlights from the article.
1. Starting wages are often more than $1,000 a week, and long-haul drivers with a high school diploma and a few years’ experience can earn $70,000 or more annually.
2. The volume of cargo trucked on American highways is continually increasing.
3. Truckers can move up to become a dispatcher or operations manager. Diesel technicians (they’re in short supply, too) can become a floor manager or department manager.
There are always opportunities for advancement, especially with the high demand of jobs right now. But along with all the perks, there are health, family and safety factors to consider. The author quotes Kendra Hems, president of New York State Motor Truck Association in Clifton Park, New York, saying:
4. “It’s not necessarily what you would consider a sexy career,” Hems said. To counter this, she said, “One of the things we try to do is educate potential candidates that this isn’t just a job, it’s a career path.”
Cropley continues with some cons about joining the industry.
5. Problems associated with the trucker lifestyle — inconsistent or insufficient sleep, smoking, obesity, unhealthy diet, sun damage to skin — remain up to the trucker to manage.
On top of that, purchasing and maintaining equipment gets costly. Cropley cites Timco Transportation of Glenville, N.Y. as one example.
6. A new truck and trailer combination costs Timco $182,000. Add a year’s worth of fees and surcharges and (company owner) Tim Adair is right around $190,000 for one big rig.
Like any career path there are going to be the ups and downs to CDL trucking jobs.
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