Do you love driving? Do you think it would be fun to be a truck driver? It’s a job that sometimes involves long hours, but you have the advantages of being able to see a lot of different places and meeting a lot of different people. It’s not that physically demanding and the pay is ok too. Not so bad, right? The truth is that there are lots of things to consider before becoming a truck driver. It’s not as simple as driving from A to B and stopping for a sleep on route. Let’s find out what it’s really like to be a trucker.
You Need to Be a Mechanic Too
Keeping your vehicle well maintained is one of the essential parts of the job. There’s a safety risk involved if your vehicle is not road-worthy, and it’s your own life you are putting at risk. On long journeys, it is even more important as you may have to drive for long stretches where there is little or no civilization. This is why preventative maintenance on your truck is crucial. If your truck breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you are going to have a difficult job getting it fixed. Even worse, if there is an accident, it won’t be easy to get help. You can take a look at a fleet manager’s guide to preventative maintenance for semi trucks to give you the best ideas on how you can keep your truck in optimal working condition.
You See the Country
You drive long distances so obviously you are going to see places and it is one of the beautiful parts of the job. One day you could be driving along a coastal road, the blue sea to one side, another you could be in the middle of a desert, driving down a road that never seems to end. You’re going to go to towns you probably never knew existed, so you will see a whole new way of living. Imagine falling asleep under the stars as you rest at a truck stop, mountains behind you and the twinkling lights of a distant city in front of you.
You Meet People
Most of your time is spent on the road, which can be lonely, but you also have the opportunity to meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise met. If you’re stopping at a town in the middle of nowhere for the night, people will be all too willing to talk, they may not have much opportunity to interact with strangers. You’re also going to meet your fellow truckers on the way, which will give you a sense of camaraderie. You can share stories from the road while having a bite to eat, or sit in comfortable silence, just enjoying the company of one of your fellow drivers.
You Have to Be Flexible
Flexibility will be dependent on the company you work for but many trucking companies have flexible hours. You will also be given time off after long journeys which can help increase productivity on the days you do work. If you’ve spent long periods of time driving cross-country, you’re going to have earned a well-deserved break. You will also have set times to reach your destination by, so if you travel further one day, you won’t have to go as far the next.
