Trucking Career and the Economy

As a 30 year veteran of trucking, I have to say that now more than ever before, people are looking into trucking as a career. The reason? The instability of todays economy plays an important role, as many people are being laid off and are now seeking to find an alternative stable career. Another important factor regarding the great influx of potential trucking career seekers is fear. Many people are looking into trucking as a career in fear of being laid off. This element, fear, can propose many obstacles in the very attractive possiblity of a truck driving career.

Many seeking a trucking career are those accustomed to very structured jobs and lifelstyles. This can and does create a problem when the reality of a truck driving job "sets in". The reality is that to make trucking a successful career, one must realize that there are 3 elements which must be taken into account very seriously; sacrifice, commitment and endurance.

First, the sacrifice of being away from home for extended priods of time. Also involved is the ability to live in truck stops, including showering and eating arrangements. The potential not to be home for major holidays is also a risk that can occur quite often.

The commitment to endure this kind of lifestyle must be thought upon prior to any decision regarding a career transition into trucking. The main reason for this is the fact that truck driver training is not cheap. One of the worst things you could encounter, is to endure 6 weeks of training and thousands of dollars, only to find out that the trucking career you thought of as the saving grace to your financial dilemma, is now the nightmare of your personal lifestlye preferences.

The questions will arise, " Well thousands of others have become successful in trucking, why not me?

The answer to this is simple, but not quite as obvious. Most of those engaging in a truck driving career are those who are interested in the industry for much different reasons. The motivational factors for this group include: freedom, independence, and the desire to travel weeks at a time in order to experience the country. Most of these applicants already "love to drive" and although they too need to know the sacrifices in advance, their expectancy of sacrifice is much greater. In other words, Truck driving is their goal, not an alternative career.

The answer is yes it is. Even though there have been many jobs lost thoughout the country, trucking appears to be presently one of the most stable careers around. Health and Medicine is another that will always be in demand.

The problem that exists is not so much, "is trucking a stable career?", but "are you well suited for a career in trucking?"

For those of you already in trucking, you know what I'm talking about. You've expereinced the hardships and sacrifices required of you and have endured much of the scams within the trucking industry itself. Your love and desire for "Life on the Road" has outweighed the obstacles encountered along your path, and now you are a part of an extremely stable industry. Your commitment to the challenges that face you daily have made you successful within an industry that so few understand.

By far the most asked question is, " what is the best trucking company to work for?" There are many ways to go about finding the "best companies"

For starters, you can visit the trucking forums. There, you can go to the various threads and posts. You can either ask about a company, or read what others have said about different companies. The one problem I have found with this is that you can have 20 different drivers give their opinions. You may end up with half saying good and half saying bad. Then there is the element of why they are saying something "bad"?. Did they themselves do something to get fired and now they are just..." getting even"? Are they really legitimate comments and opinions?

In the attempt to answer this continually sought after question, I decided to start the research. I had originally created a short list of the most common carriers in the country, but I felt a more detailed one was in great need, one which would include companies that were moderatley sized as well as the "giant" companies out there. I didn't realize when I began that it was going to be as involved a research project as it was, but with the need for this topic to be so badly known, I decided it was definitely worth it .

The list included companies which were recognized by state listing. These are companies which will be most beneficial to a driver depending on where he wants his home load to be. As is the case, many good trucking companies can not hire good applicants because they just can't "get them a home load". Hopefully and optimistically, this list has relieved that dilemma.

You may obtain the list of the "Best Trucking Jobs- A State by State Guide" here.

If you are a new CDL driver, either as a career transition or as a first choice for your career goals and desires, I invite you to visit a site which can answer many of the questions you may be facing now...www.cdlquestions.com

Trucking is not an easy lifestyle, but for those of you who have owned commitment, endurance, and the ability to sacrifice and learn, you can have a successful and stable career.

I have found it my honor and privilege to be able to help aid so many during the last 3 years of my trucking career. Thank you to all who have been a part of our quest to Raise the Standards of the Trucking Industry"