What are the disadvantages of being a truck driver?

What are the disadvantages of being a truck driver?

Stress can be an inevitable factor and a unhealthy disadvantage of being a truck driver . Deadlines, delays, lazy shippers, bad directions, city traffic, living in a very small space, bad weather and a lack of there being enough parking spaces at truck stops and rest areas can cause a lot of stress at times.

Why is trucking so dangerous?

Trucking isn't just dangerous because you're out on the open road, controlling an 80,000-pound vehicle. It's also hazardous because of long-term health effects that arise from sitting all day and poor food options at trucking stops.

Is Trucking a stressful job?

1. Stress is Part of the Job. Stress is an inevitable part of a career in trucking. But there is stress involved in a truck driving career.

Where do truck drivers pee?

Most truck drivers pee at a truck stop or at rest areas. The driver will usually use the restroom at the truck stop while they are getting their fuel. If there is a rest stop with truck parking, a driver can stop there.

Is Truck Driving bad for your back?

Driving a truck for hours on end can be a pain in the neck, literally! Truck drivers spend long hours in the same position with lots of road vibration, which can lead to stress or pain on the neck and back.

How many hours do local truck drivers work?

You may be expected to work up to 70 hours over an eight-day period. After you've worked for 70 hours, you cannot drive again until you take a full 34 hours off duty. The 70-hour limit could be reached by working 14-hour days, but you cannot drive for more than 11 hours in a day.

What do truck drivers listen to?

Terrestrial and Satellite radio are perfect for drivers because they are on-demand and don't cost you a dime. A study conducted by the American Trucking Association (ATA) in conjunction with Red Eye Radio showed that the program had a listenership of 2,400,000 people with the majority being CDL holding drivers.

Is trucking a good career?

Truck Driving is a career that does not require any degree and can pay just as much, if not more in some cases than a high ranked degree. There are many reasons as to why trucking is a good career for both men and women, they have excellent salaries and benefits and even retirement for their employees.

Is Truck Driving a fun job?

So in general, life on the road is a lot of fun if you're the adventurous type. The hours are long, the weather is tricky, and you're away from home a lot but it's always interesting, challenging, and full of possibilities. If you prefer the safe environment of steady hours and a simple job, you wont like trucking.

How many hours of sleep do truck drivers need?

Drivers averaged 5.18 hours in bed per day and 4.78 hours of electrophysiologically verified sleep per day over the five-day study (range, 3.83 hours of sleep for those on the steady 13-hour night schedule to 5.38 hours of sleep for those on the steady 10-hour day schedule).

Do truck drivers unload?

6. You will either do "drop and hooks" or live loading and unloading, which can take two to three hours each. An OTR driver will almost never have to unload any freight, but you are reliant on various shipping and receiving departments observing your strict schedule.

Why do truck drivers have kidney problems?

Driving over road bumps, potholes and rough terrain mean your body absorbs the vibrations via your vehicle and this may result in kidney disorders[v] (taxi drivers, truck drivers and mechanised equipment operators may also be at risk).

Is Truck Driving bad for your health?

Long-haul truck drivers may develop health problems because of their work environment. Truck drivers were twice as likely to be obese compared to other US workers. Being obese, or overweight, can increase the risk of other health problems, such as: Heart disease.

Do truck drivers pee while driving?

Can a CDL driver make 100k a year?

Truck Driver Salary – Ultimate Guide. Although you might not be able to make $100,000/year off the bat, but given the truck driver demand, and with experience, specialization, CDL training and the right company, you can make $80,000+ on a trucker salary.

Can you make 6 figures as a truck driver?

While drivers with a certain skill set can easily make over six figures, Fielkow said even drivers with less experience or lesser qualifications can make salaries in the $60,000 to $70,000 range.

Why do truckers quit?

1. I don't make enough money. As you probably would expect, money issues, including rates and getting enough miles, are the top reason drivers leave. Complaints about not getting enough miles have risen in the past year as the economy and freight have softened.

Is driving a truck easy?

Truck driving isn't always easy, but once you complete TDI's three-week truck driving school and launch your career on the road, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

How many hours a day is a truck driver allowed to drive?

Lots of new truck drivers ask, “How many hours can a truck driver drive?” According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a truck driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours in a day.

What is life like as a truck driver?

Truck driving is one such occupation. In many ways, being an OTR (over-the-road) or CDL driver is more a lifestyle than a job. Its demands, particularly upward of 300 days per year on the road, will certainly limit what time you spend at home, thus impacting relationships with those around you.

Is it worth it to be a truck driver?

Yes. Indeed they are. Investing either your time (to attend a paid CDL training school/job) or your money (to attend a private trucking school) is certainly worth your investment. Attending a well chosen truck driving school, can pay off many times over.

Is being a truck driver a good job?

Driving a truck can earn you a good living also. Some truck drivers earn up to $85,000 per year. As there is always a shortage of good drivers, most companies have started giving benefits to retain drivers. Dental, medical, life insurance, vision and retirement are some of the benefits that a truck driver gets.

What percent of people are truck drivers?

More than 3.5 million people work as truck drivers, an occupation dominated by men who hold more than 90% of truck driving jobs. Driving large tractor-trailers or delivery trucks is one of the largest occupations in the United States.

How stressful is truck driving?

Driving a truck can be a difficult and stressful job. Drivers are responsible for vehicles that often weigh over 26,000 pounds and often lose sleep to meet strict delivery deadlines.