Why Now is the Time To Become a Truck Driver Bankrate Caret RightMain Menu Mortgage Mortgages Financing a home purchase Refinancing your existing loan Finding the right lender Additional Resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Bank Banking Compare Accounts Use calculators Get advice Bank reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Credit Card Credit cards Compare by category Compare by credit needed Compare by issuer Get advice Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Caret RightMain Menu Loan Loans Personal Loans Student Loans Auto Loans Loan calculators Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Invest Investing Best of Brokerages and robo-advisors Learn the basics Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Home Equity Home equity Get the best rates Lender reviews Use calculators Knowledge base Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Loan Home Improvement Real estate Selling a home Buying a home Finding the right agent Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Insurance Insurance Car insurance Homeowners insurance Other insurance Company reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Retirement Retirement Retirement plans & accounts Learn the basics Retirement calculators Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Advertiser Disclosure
Advertiser Disclosure
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money
The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. SHARE: Jetta Productions Inc/Getty Images September 23, 2021 Sara Coleman is an insurance contributor at Bankrate. She has a couple of years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Reviews.com, Coverage.com and numerous other personal finance sites. She writes about insurance products such as auto, homeowners, renters and disability. Mariah Posey is an auto and homeowners insurance writer and editor for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by keeping the reader at the forefront of her mind in her work. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation of how we make money. Our content is backed by LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our Insurance Disclosure. Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise
Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by and edited by , who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Our insurance team is composed of agents, data analysts, and customers like you. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you. We guide you throughout your search and help you understand your coverage options. We provide up-to-date, reliable market information to help you make confident decisions. We reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible. All providers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide. And we constantly review our criteria to ensure we’re putting accuracy first. Bankrate logo Editorial integrity
Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers. Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. Bankrate logo How we make money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Bankrate logo Insurance Disclosure
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. The U.S. depends heavily on truck drivers. Without them, items ranging from critically essential supplies to everyday necessities wouldn’t be so readily available in stores, hospitals or doctors offices. Yet as important as drivers are to the flow of goods and supply chains, the trucking industry is now facing challenges with a severe driver shortage. This has led to increased strain on supply chains, which are already stretched thin due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. While a truck driver shortage creates obstacles for the businesses that depend on drivers for deliveries, it has opened doors for others. Because of this shortage, new employment opportunities are available, which might not have been as easy to secure beforehand. As unemployment benefits have either ended or are ending soon for millions of Americans, or as many are contemplating major career changes, now presents a prime opportunity to consider a new career as a truck driver.
Table of Contents
Why is there a truck driver shortage
Why is the truck driver shortage being felt so much right now? One reason is an increase in demand for moving goods. In 2019, U.S. truck drivers moved across the country, which has steadily increased each year for the last five years. The amount of freight moving across the highways highlights the strong need for truck drivers. As the demand for qualified drivers has increased, a truck driver shortage has emerged. Another reason for the driver shortage is the lifestyle. Long-haul drivers are expected to spend several nights away from home as critical deliveries take place across the country. As drivers are on the road for extended periods, it can take a toll on family life, sleep patterns, proper nutrition and personal finances. There is also a large gender gap within the trucking industry. The U.S. Census Bureau are held by male drivers, although the number of female drivers is beginning to increase. The age gap is particularly wide too, with the majority of drivers being aged 45 to 64. As older drivers near retirement, the need for qualified drivers will likely only increase. Becoming a truck driver
Becoming a truck driver usually requires a high school diploma, completion of truck driving school and a commercial driving license. What does the job entail
Long-haul truck drivers move a large number of goods across the country, usually tens of thousands of pounds at a time. In most cases, these drivers transport goods across state lines. Not only are the drivers responsible for hauling goods, but they must obey all traffic laws, report any delivery issues, keep a log of all miles driven and inspect paperwork throughout the trip. There are also delivery drivers for shorter distances, usually within a local region or assigned area, who have similar job responsibilities. What are the requirements
Becoming and working as a truck driver usually entails a few different checkpoints, in addition to the base requirement of having a high school diploma or GED. 1 Training
One of the first steps is to complete truck driving training, which is typically paid for out of pocket. The training is offered at truck driving schools or may be available at a local community college. The school will usually include courses on driving large trucks on highways or crowded streets and teach federal highway laws and regulations. Training typically lasts a few weeks to a few months and once completed, you earn a completion certificate. Once hired by a trucking company, the company usually provides several weeks of on-the-job training so you can learn specifics about the company and routes. 2 License
Long-haul drivers are , commonly called a CDL. To obtain a CDL, you must pass a written test and driving test to show your understanding of operating the truck. The exact testing and qualifications vary for each state, so it’s important to confirm the state requirements. Once you have obtained your CDL, you could upgrade your license to qualify for specialty driving — known as endorsements — to transport specialized items, such as hazardous materials. A CDL must be maintained, which requires a physical exam every two years. 3 Insurance
The (FMCSA) requires commercial drivers to carry appropriate for each of their vehicles. A driver may need to obtain this on their own or work with a trucking company. Long-haul drivers should work with a qualified and knowledgeable licensed insurance agent to review what insurance coverage is necessary. There are additional insurance requirements for some materials, such as hazardous materials, in which case specialized coverage may be required. Other driver jobs, such as those on local routes, are likely covered by . However, you should verify the coverage needed with a licensed agent. 4 Equipment
If you choose to work for a company, the company will likely provide you with a truck. Otherwise, if you want to be an owner-operator (or self-employed truck driver), you will need to purchase or lease your own truck. Being an owner-operator allows you to work independently of any one company. Other necessary equipment may include items to keep your paperwork organized as you are on the road, toiletries and travel essentials like a flashlight and water. You will also likely need items to make the truck a more comfortable place, such as proper bedding, since you will be spending most hours of the day between driving and the sleeper cab. 5 Work schedule
The FMCSA also a long-haul driver can work. Drivers are not permitted to drive more than 14 hours straight a day and are required 10 hours of downtime in between working periods. If a driver works a rolling seven-day period, they are not allowed to drive more than 60 hours before taking the required downtime. For drivers who work within a rolling eight-day period, the cutoff is 70 hours. However, truckers are usually required to work nights, holidays and weekends. Why become a truck driver
In addition to fulfilling a critically important role to society in transporting goods, becoming a truck driver has several other benefits. What are the benefits
Salary
The median yearly salary for a heavy truck driver, which includes long-haul truckers, is , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some drivers earn more than $69,480 in a year. With the critical driver shortage in mind, it may even be more likely to find open positions with a signing bonus. Travel opportunity
As a truck driver, you have the chance to visit many different states and parts of the country that you may have never had the chance to experience before. You may even be able to expand your travels further if you transport items to Mexico and Canada. It is a unique experience to get paid to travel while providing such an important service. Job security
Without truck drivers, all of the materials, equipment and supplies that the public relies on would not make it onto store shelves or front porches. Trucking is an essential service for this country and will likely continue to increase in demand. Truck driver employment is expected to increase 6% by 2030, further increasing the job security of this profession. Freedom
Being on the open road each day can feel a lot more liberating than being stuck behind a desk or staring at a computer screen all day. Although you will likely have a strict driving schedule and deadlines, you have the freedom to listen to audiobooks and music as you like when on your route. If you become an owner-operator, you have even more control over your schedule. Insurance
As a full-time driver for a trucking company, you typically have access to a greater number of benefits, often including health and . Some companies offer vision and dental plans and access to flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Retirement benefits such as 401k accounts and profit sharing opportunities may also be available. Some trucking companies may offer a greater number of benefits, especially as the demand continues to increase. No higher education required
Although drivers who have some higher-level education are becoming more common in the industry, it is not a requirement to have a college degree or classes to become a driver. While having a CDL is a requirement and it never hurts to have prior trucking experience under your belt, even new CDL holders have opportunities to find employment. Drivers who are new to the truck driving career path can get more experience while completing truck driving school and on-the-job training. The trucking industry is open to nearly everyone, as long as they meet the training, licensing and insurance requirements. Resources
If becoming a truck driver is of interest to you, plenty of resources are available to point you in the right direction. Financial assistance
The FMCSA provides information , such as grants, for truck drivers. You can also check out other . Training
The (CVTA) offers a list of driver training programs, plus other valuable information for getting started with truck driving training. The (NAPFTDS) has further information about driving schools, including entry-level training. Equipment
The (ATA) provides resources to members — both trucking companies and owner-operators — to help operations run as efficiently as possible. If you are an owner-operator, you may find the business services offered by the (OOIDA) helpful. Licensing
The FMCSA provides information for obtaining a commercial driver’s license on its page. You could also consult this in preparing for the CDL test and obtaining your license. Openings
Many trucking companies, including and , post open positions on their websites. SHARE: Sara Coleman is an insurance contributor at Bankrate. She has a couple of years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as The Simple Dollar, Reviews.com, Coverage.com and numerous other personal finance sites. She writes about insurance products such as auto, homeowners, renters and disability. Mariah Posey is an auto and homeowners insurance writer and editor for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by keeping the reader at the forefront of her mind in her work. Related Articles