The Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is one of the most important parts of the nation’s economy, and there has been a shortage of drivers for quite some time. If you own a commercial driver’s license or are looking for a new career, truck driving may be for you. You can make your own schedule and decide how you want to work, as well as bring in a good paycheck. Here are a few things you should know before becoming a trucker.

Licenses

It is vital that you understand all the requirements you need in order to drive. First and foremost, you’ll have to have a valid CDL. If you are looking at hauling hazardous materials, that will require a separate endorsement. Things such as doubles, triples, and tankers all require separate tests that you need to pass in order to be able to drive them.

Equipment

The type of equipment you have is key for you as you drive. You will want a reliable tractor. They can last a long time, so if you purchase a new one you may have many years to drive it. Keep in mind that you will be driving a lot of miles so you will have to maintain your truck on a regular basis. Once you know where you can find loads to haul, you will need to decide what kind of trailer you want. You could choose to own an enclosed trailer, flatbed, or multiple different ones.

Pay

You will get paid for what you are hauling, so you want to maximize the amount of product you are moving. The less time your truck is empty, the better off your business will be. When you run empty, you are wasting money on fuel and putting wear on the equipment. You can stay regional with your hauling, or you could go cross country, increasing both your pay and workload.

Schedule

You will be able to determine your schedule by what you commit to hauling. If you want to stay busy, then book as much as you can. You are your own boss as an owner-operator, so you can decide when you need a break. Keep in mind that you must abide by federal regulations on how many hours a day you can drive, though. These will be logged in a book or in an e-log, so you can keep track of your time on the road.

Truck driving is an opportunity for you to have a great career. There are many opportunities you can take advantage of in this industry.