The Pros And Cons of Being An OTR Truck Driver
As you look for a job, you will have a hard time getting a job that suits you. In most cases, you learn more about the job you were applying for after filing the paperwork and signing the document. If you have ever expressed an interest in the truck driving sector, you’ll get to learn about the pros and cons in this context. Determine whether the sector suits you, weigh the pros and cons, and come to a suitable conclusion.
The Pros Of Being An OTR Driver
You Will Have a Good Work/Life Balance
As a local driver, ensure you have considered your work/life balance. Such tasks will drain you; however, you will manage to spare some time for your family. The local truck drivers can earn a significant sum of money while ensuring they have spent some time with their loved ones. If you value your family and you want to make happy memories, you can take up a career as a truck driver. To ensure there is a balance, you can also consider acquiring used Kenworth trucks for sale.
You Get an Off During the Weekends
Besides going to your home every night, the majority of the truck drivers get off during the weekends. Such factors are not dependent on the company that you are working for. Most truck drivers do not work on weekends. During the weekend, you can attend social gatherings since you will not be at work.
An Easy Start
If you want to get into the trucking sector, there is no need to spend many years schooling. Also, you don’t need a lot of experience. To get into the industry, you only require a commercial DL (driver’s license). You will also have to enroll in a quick course whereby you will get to learn the basics. The course can be completed in a few weeks. If you need a quick job and cannot stand the thought of going back to school, trucking can help jumpstart your career.
Job Security
The demand for truck drivers is high, and things will not change any time soon. Most goods usually reach their final destination using a truck. Without trucks on the road, the retail sector will be affected. It means that as a truck driver, you have the benefit of job security. As long as your driving record is good and you have a driver’s license, you qualify to be a truck driver. You will move around the country, and you can also leave the trucking firm and get an employment opportunity at another corporation. You cannot get a job as fast in other sectors when you leave the company you were working for.
Your Work Day Will Be Independent
If you have chosen trucking as your career, you will not have a desk-mate, which means you will not have any distractions. Truckers can work independently, and there is the added advantage of flexibility. You will choose the time to take a break and the music that you will listen to as you drive, and the attire that you will wear as you go to work.
Minimal Tediousness
If you don’t like handling tasks such as filling up the inventory, you should consider being a truck driver. In this sector, you will not spend time on detailed and monotonous procedures. Your primary responsibility is to focus on the road.
The Cons Of Being An OTR Driver
Many advantages accrue from being a truck driver. At the end of it all, there are some cons associated with the job. You should consider some issues before you can take up a job as a truck driver.
Low Pay Rates
Local drivers are paid less. For the OTR drivers, the pay rates are better. Before you take up such a job, you should consider your personal budget and whether the salary works for you depending on your long-term and short-term goals. For most drivers, the lower wage is worth the balance in their work and life; however, the payment is an important factor to consider.
The Positions In The Trucking Sector Are Competitive
The jobs in the trucking sector are competitive. Trucking firms are choosy when they have many candidates who are interested in the job offer. Some positions require the driver to have some years of experience. Additionally, there may be many applicants, so you need to make a good impression as you apply for the job.If you are hired right away, ensure you get more experience to ensure that you will stand out from the rest of the candidates.
Unloading and Loading
Some of the truck driving jobs require the drivers to make stops frequently, and physical labor is required in some instances. Such factors depend on the company and the haul type. Depending on your position, the driver will be tasked with loading and unloading the truck. You can assume it is a weight-lifting workout. For some drivers, such tasks are minor. If you are not interested in such tasks, you should thoroughly read the job description.
Long Hours
The number of hours that you will work is dependent on the company that has hired you. For most truck drivers, you are supposed to work for at least 10 hours. Additionally, drivers can start working at any given time of the day. For instance, the shift can start at 4:00 AM. Fortunately, most firms usually pay for overtime. If you work for longer hours, you will get a huge paycheck. With long days, drivers will get some time to spend time with their families. Drivers can get off work at any given moment.
Additional Factors
Some parts cannot be considered as pros and cons when it comes to the truck driving sector. In the sector, it depends on the work experience you possess. Additional factors that you should consider include:
Choosing a Firm to Work With
A good employee will never leave a good job. They usually leave bad bosses. Ensure that you have read through the details of the entire job description. Also, look into the company culture. If formal employment is not your thing, you can consider acquiring used Kenworth trucks for sale so that you can try out self-employment.
Do You Enjoy Human Interaction
Some jobs require the employees to interact with clients. As an OTR driver, the interaction with people is minimal. Consider personal preferences such as whether you are a people person.
