The Rewards—And Risks—of Truck Driving

“There is more credit and satisfaction in being a first-rate truck driver than a tenth-rate executive.” – B. C. Forbes

America needs truck drivers. Most truck driving jobs don’t require a degree, but they do require specialized training and specific licensing. In the current economic climate, jobs in many sectors are scarce. But if you’re willing to make some compromises, you may be able to quickly and easily find a job driving a truck.

Truck driving is one of the most important jobs in our country. Every item you find in a grocery store was brought in on a truck. When you buy a new car, you can bet it was brought to the dealership on a truck. The gas you pump into your car is transported by truck. Our everyday lives are affected—and made easier—by truck drivers.

In addition to all those goods that are moved through many states, new discoveries of oil in areas like North Dakota are increasing the demand to transport oil to other parts of the country. The need to transport oil and gasoline is constant, so these types of trucking jobs are almost always available.
Aside from the satisfaction of getting consumer goods where they need to go, a lot of truck drivers earn respectable incomes. In some cases, truck drivers are paid by the mile, so there’s incentive to drive longer and farther, while adhering to truck driving time limits put in place for safety. But some industries pay salaries. It takes a little homework to find the type of truck driving job you feel would suit your needs.

Anyone considering a career as a truck driver must keep a few things in mind. It’s a job that requires long hours, sometimes driving 10 to 12 hours a day. It may require being away from home for weeks at a time, which can also mean missing out on family events and even holidays. There are also risks involved with driving large, heavy trucks on the interstate. Truck accidents aren’t as common as car accidents, but they can be much more deadly and devastating. Truck accident statistics show that because of the long hours, driver fatigue is a common cause of trucking accidents, more so than weather or other factors.

If truck driving still appeals to you, you can find dozens of driving schools all across the country that will provide the training and certification you need to get behind the wheel, and embark on a new career.

Noble McIntyre is the senior partner and owner of McIntyre Law, a firm comprised of experienced Oklahoma truck accident attorneys, and a full team of legal professionals.

Good luck in your search.

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