If you’re thinking about a career change in the new year, you may want to consider all that truck driving has to offer. A job in trucking allows you to make a difference while you travel, and cracking into the industry is not as difficult as you might think. Getting a CDL doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are several schools that offer accelerated programs, allowing you to get on the road faster. The average time to get licensed is 4-8 weeks, so you could be earning a stable living before the frost thaws.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not it’s worth it, here are six more reasons to go for it to help you make up your mind.
- Job security: With over 3.5 million commercial truck drivers in the United States, there is always a demand for qualified professionals. Getting your CDL will give you the skills and qualifications you need to find a stable job in the trucking industry.
- Earn a good living: Truck drivers starting out can earn a median wage of $45,000-$60,000 per year, with seasoned drivers seeing increased earning potential. In addition, many trucking companies offer bonuses and incentives that can increase your earnings even further.
- Flexible hours: One of the great things about being a truck driver is that you can often choose when you want to work. If you prefer to be on the road during the day, you can arrange your schedule accordingly. Or, if you prefer to avoid rush-hour traffic, you can plan your trips for early mornings or late evenings.
- See the country: As a truck driver, you’ll have the opportunity to see parts of the country that most people never get to experience. From coast to coast and border to border, there’s no shortage of places to explore when you’re behind the wheel of a big rig.
- Meet new people: One of the best things about being a truck driver is meeting new people from all walks of life. Whether you’re hauling freight across state lines or making local deliveries, you’ll never get bored interacting with different customers and colleagues on a daily basis.
- Be your own boss: As an owner-operator, you’ll have the freedom to set your own hours and choose your own load assignments. If you want to take some time off, you can do so without having to ask permission from anyone else.
Getting your CDL has always been a smart career move, but it’s even more important now than it has ever been before. With so many benefits—from job security and good pay to flexible hours and the ability to be your own boss—there’s no reason not to start working towards getting your CDL today!
