A long-distance truck driver is a chauffeur of large-tonnage vehicles, who transports goods over long distances. He can be either an individual entrepreneur (if he owns his truck), or an employee in a transport or logistics company. A modern trucker is a specialist who must easily navigate the legal acts, understand the features of the vehicle operation, have the skills of an auto mechanic, and effectively apply in practice negotiation skills. More details about this profession – read below.
How can you qualify?
To get the profession of a truck driver, you do not need to have a higher education. In general, education is not important here. The main thing is to be able to drive a vehicle and have a CDL license, for which you need to undergo training at a CDL school and pass an exam at DMV. However, a truck driver must be able not only to “turn the steering wheel”, but also to repair the car in case of emergency. Therefore, before becoming a truck driver, you are recommended to learn the basics of car mechanics.
What personal qualities should a truck driver have?
The work of a trucker is quite difficult. In addition to the fact that the trucker has to lift weights and sometimes fix the car, driving the multi-ton truck requires great physical strength. Besides, this job causes great emotional stress that invariably accompanies any long trips due to the desire to deliver the goods on time. Moreover, a driver has to remain concentrated throughout the journey. So, a “portrait” of a truck driver looks like this:
- responsible;
- punctual;
- strong;
- stress-resistant;
- healthy;
- sociable;
- disciplined;
- unpretentious;
- patient.
And most importantly, the truck drivers say that their profession is not a job, but a state of mind, so a real trucker must love his car and feel at home on the road.
The wage of a truck driver
The employer can offer a job both on the applicant’s car and on the company’s vehicle. Usually, drivers who work on their own cars receive higher wages. In some cases, they can be offered repair and maintenance of vehicles at the expense of the company or a discount. If a truck driver works in a car owned by a transport company, then his salary will be slightly lower. In addition, he needs to immediately ask who will be responsible for the condition of the transport, repair it or undergo technical inspection.
Working as a truck driver in the United States is considered one of the most in-demand professions, and it is well-paid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of a truck driver in America ranges from $30,000 to $90,000 per year. The amount of salary depends on the qualifications and experience of the driver. Whoever transports hazardous chemicals on the New York-California road gets more than a driver transporting frozen fish from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. The work can be found in any state.