Trucking Is This The Career For You Lets Find Out
Trucking is a profession that many people have been attracted to. They see the open road and want to traverse it with their own truck and want to hit the road, meeting new characters and seeing what lies beyond the next exit.
In this job you are your boss, no company or person can tell you where or when you need to go unless you let them to.
Trucking is based solely on freedom, but it is also one of the most challenging jobs to break into.
Trucking is a job that anyone can do. You really don’t need any degree or certification to start as you need only a CDL (Commercial Drivers License).
The cost of your truck will determine how profitable the job can be, but if you are already buying a truck, there is no reason not to choose the best you can afford.
There are plenty of great trucks for sale on the market that will set you back by less than $30,000.
This may sound like a lot, but your truck will last you ten years if maintained properly, which brings your cost per year down to $3,000.
Good preparation is better than good luck. Before you take the wheel and break into the trucking business, there are a few things that you should do.
Ensure that your truck fits all of the DOT requirements for size and equipment and that it has been kept up to date with all required maintenance checks.
You should also get familiar with the road and routes you will be taking before going out on your own.
Keep a log of all of the places you have been to and what was in each load’s trailer.
This way, if anything gets misplaced or lost, you can easily find it again without causing a problem for your employer.
It is always important to choose safety when getting involved with any job.
This is especially the case when dealing with large vehicles that can cause severe damage or injury if they collide or break down.
Always make sure that your truck has had all of the required safety checks before hitting the road, and always drive defensively.
Before running long hauls, you should get a feel for local and regional driving.
This will give you time to adjust to the rhythm of trucking and will help you avoid any mistakes while under pressure.
Taking loads from A to B is not too complicated, but it can be easy to forget some safety precautions that should always be followed when on the road.
Also, remember that strict rules govern how long you can drive and what you can carry in terms of weight.
Before purchasing your first semi-truck or trucking company, it is essential to ask yourself a few things like:
- What do you want from your career
- Are there many different forms of trucking that might appeal to me more (i.e., dry van vs. reefer, flatbed vs. step deck)
- How much money am I willing to spend on my first truck, and how quickly do I want to get started
- How much money can I make and my break-even point (the amount required to cover costs and turn a profit)
Do not lose sight of your goals or go into debt. It is easy to see the appeal of owning your truck, but you should consider all costs before making any decisions.
It is essential to make sure you are making enough money to pay yourself a wage and cover the bills, but also remember it is a bad business practice not to reinvest your profits into your business.
The road of trucking is long and winding. Many setbacks may occur along the way that can cause some drivers to give up on their dream.
The most important thing to do is remember why you wanted to work in the trucking industry in the first place.
If you consider all of the factors and make sure you are prepared before getting behind the wheel of your first truck, then you should do just fine.
There is no reason to be nervous, but always remember that safety must come first.
Conclusion
The trucking industry is lucrative for those willing to work hard and put in the effort.
If you are tired of working 9-5 jobs, consider giving this career a chance.
Make sure you know everything there is to know before quitting your old job.
Make a plan if possible, save up some money because it may take time before you start making a living, and most important of all, don’t forget to have fun with it.
We hope you enjoyed this post on Trucking