Beyond the Wheel: Skills Truck Drivers Wish They Could Master

Truck drivers spend countless hours on the road, mastering the art of maneuvering massive rigs through tight spaces, unpredictable weather, and long stretches of highway. But have you ever wondered what other skills they dream of mastering? We asked our Truck Drivers USA community, “If you could master any skill (besides driving), what would it be?” Their answers ranged from practical trades to adventurous pursuits and even a few unexpected surprises.

Taking to the Skies

For many drivers, the road isn’t enough—some want to conquer the air as well. Mark Boon shared, “Helicopter pilot… I’ve been driving trucks for 38 years, and I’m 60 now. Eddie Moody also dreams of “Flying a plane,” while Anthony Oxford said, “Flying, especially a helicopter.” Looks like aviation has a special appeal for those who already spend their lives moving across great distances.

From Hauling Freight to Hauling Freight Trains

Not all drivers would trade in their wheels for wings—some would rather stay grounded on the rails. Carrie Mann said, “Railroad Engineer.” Transitioning from trucking to railroading could be a natural step for some, given the similarities in logistics and long-distance travel.

Mastering Practical Skills and Beyond

Truck drivers have a diverse range of interests when it comes to skills they’d love to master. Many are drawn to hands-on trades: Bob Boss wants to be skilled in “any trade”—Electrician, Plumbing, or carpentry; Eri O Lara hopes to become proficient in “Residential electrical work”; and Dustin Gall is interested in mastering “Welding.” These practical skills offer plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

On a different note, Jason Lawrence shared his interest in business, saying, “Taxes. When I was young, I wanted to grow up and be a CPA.” Financial expertise like this can be particularly valuable for truckers managing their own operations, helping them handle tax-related challenges and make informed financial decisions.

Unconventional and Unexpected Skills

Truck drivers have a sense of humor and a knack for the unexpected. Roger Hershberger joked about “Walking and chewing gum at the same time,” while Kevin Way simply responded with “Walking.” Joyce Stephens took a different approach, saying, “Swimming,” proving that even everyday skills can be aspirations.

Some drivers dream of mastering highly technical or intellectual pursuits. Tony Hensley and Spencer Godlewski both chose “Quantum physics.” Guylain Ledoux said “AI,” while John W Van Syoc took it old-school with “Alchemy (turning lead into gold).”

Creative and Musical Ambitions

A handful of drivers expressed a passion for the arts. Dwayne Burton wants to master playing the bass guitar, and Marion D. Hill also dreams of playing music. Meanwhile, Craig Yoder has a more adrenaline-fueled dream: “Firefighter. Working on that now. If I want to master something, I just do it. For something unattainable, I choose trophy truck racecar driver.”

Life Beyond the Road

Some drivers simply want to enjoy their time off the road. Gary Giguere shared, “When I’m not behind the wheel of a big truck, I’m happy just riding my Harley.” Dan Gust brought up something that many truckers struggle with: managing a work-life balance. After all, mastering life beyond the cab can be just as challenging as handling an 18-wheeler.

A Never-Ending Pursuit of Knowledge

It’s clear that truck drivers are a diverse group with big ambitions. Whether it’s flying, mastering a trade, handling finances, or just enjoying a hobby, these drivers prove that learning never stops—even when you’re rolling down the highway. What about you? If you could master any skill, what would it be?

Join our community and share your thoughts with fellow drivers who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve. Click here to join the Truck Drivers USA community today!