The trucking industry continues to grow every year, and in the U.S., at least 7.4 million jobs are supplied from the industry. Even so, demand stays high for truck drivers in both rural and urban settings, so it’s natural to become interested in finding a job there. Before jumping on the wheel, here are some things you should know.
There are safety precautions you need to be aware of
Trucks, especially the larger variations, can be much harder to maneuver than regular vehicles. That is why a lot of accidents occur due to the driver’s or other car’s misjudgments about the turns and visibility of the big rig. There are truck accident attorneys across Draper and other truck-heavy counties that can help in these cases when an unwanted collision or traffic issue comes up.
Of course, knowing who to turn to is something that should only be a safeguard as your priority should be on accident prevention. It can be achieved by joining companies that provide the necessary training so that drivers can better handle the vehicles and don’t have to adhere to unrealistic schedules that force more reckless driving methods. A lot of the risk also comes with not being able to predict the right headway needed or the turns to be done with the amount of cargo loaded, so these kinds of considerations should be kept in mind when hitting the road.
The drives can get very long
Even though there are restrictions put into place that limit the number of hours a driver can log, data has shown that truckers accumulate over 100,000 miles annually, which is around 86% more than the average US motorist. So, make sure you are ready to take on “long-haul” driving (quite literally).
The best practices to ensure that you can drive well and not build up too much discomfort include getting a full night’s rest before you set off and planning out your stops. Make sure you map out your schedule with the inclusion of giving your body a quick break so that you don’t burn yourself out. It can also make the difference if you stay hydrated throughout the drive so that your muscles don’t spasm in the middle of the road. A good snack can also help keep the energy up, as long as you save it for breaks so that you don’t lose focus.
You may need to invest in other endeavors
Even though there is still a significant demand for drivers, the wages have not seen a dramatic increase because of the shortage. It can be argued that this could even be a factor as to why the industry has seen a more limited supply of truckers in recent years.
Though it is still noble work that can provide a steady income, if you’re looking to earn more and eventually save up, it may be wise to have other gigs alongside your trucking job. That is especially important if you consider the total annual wage that truck drivers get compared to the average.
Overall, truckers contribute a lot to American society. Many of the necessities we expect from our shipments, retail stores, and more would not be met if not for those who brave the road every day to transport all that cargo. If anyone joins this trade, they will surely add to the industry that helps a lot of people.