A Career in Truck Driving: Braking the Stereotype

Despite the negative stereotypes associated with truck drivers, a career in truck driving can actually be very rewarding-offering flexible schedules, a hefty paycheck, and seeing the open road. Although truckers have deadlines for delivery, there are incentives for spending your hours driving on the open road. With the shortage of available truck drivers, and the increasing need for drivers as our economy increases in growth, truck driving jobs may lead you to increased pay, better incentives, and favorable conditions. This shortage may continue to keep truck drivers in demand for a considerable amount of time, as further job openings come about as drivers retire. Furthermore, the demand for truck drivers will continue to be strong because they transport perishable goods more efficiently than other transportation methods, such as trains, planes, and ships.

Trucking is a respectful and honest profession, the backbone of the U.S. economy. Here are some highlights about the best of this line of work, as well as some myths that surround this vocation.

Although there are some unpleasant rumors and truths about truck drivers (ever heard of a trucker bomb or seen fake private parts hanging from a truck) the predominately male industry is starting to fill the job gaps left open by retiring male drivers with women. A new association called Women In Trucking has been founded to interest and draw more women towards pursuing a career in truck driving. The association hopes to assist the trucking industry become more "female friendly" by improving cab environments and implementing tractor designs for women and smaller drivers, combating sexual harassment, and providing women with the knowledge and support they need to pursue a trucking career.

Another stereotype of the industry is the health problems that are induced by the long hours, irregular sleeping hours, unhealthy eating habits, and a lack of exercise. Although many drivers have health problems from smoking, eating too many heavy meals at diners, and sitting for long periods of time, the industry is trying to reform and educate truckers about healthier habits. Truck Stop Event International, a non-profit health and research group, is one such association founded by a former truck driver dedicated to encouraging truckers to lead a healthier lifestyle. Some truckers find this easier to do by keeping a mini fridge in their cabin and exercising between shifts. These simple changes can make these working professionals healthier and thus safer on the road.

One hard working truck driver represents the best of truckers and of people alike. According to Trucker Trends, truck driver John Krupka, parts delivery trucker for Carquest, witnessed a pickup truck crash into the side of a Carquest store in Cleveland on Saturday, April 14, 2007, and saw the truck's gas main in the engine compartment catch fire. Krupka commented, "The only thing I could think of was he was in trouble and to help him out." Not only did he help, but he saved that man's life. Krupka reached into the burning truck and tried to pull the driver out. The man was unconscious and too large for Krupka to move on his own. Luckily, the man eventually woke up enough to help Krupka move him out of harm's way before the pickup and the store was completely overtaken by the fire. This is just one example of truck drivers being the helpful eyes and ears of our country's roads.

Despite stories of truckers crashing as they reach for a donut or as when they are sleepy, one hard working truck driver was honored for his safety accomplishments. Long before the sun rises in Alabama, 59 year old truck driver Willie Barnes is up and working hard, planning out his day's journeys to ensure that he has enough time to make his 300 to 500 mile trips safely. With this strong work ethic, Barnes has achieved the high accomplishment of traveling more than one million miles without a single accident, all with the same company. A million miles is actually a rather conservative estimate based on records; Barnes probably has closer to three million.

In the end, truck drivers keep our economy running, whether they drive local rigs or cross-country. With the truck driving industry growing and improving, and with plenty of excellent job openings, now is the perfect time to start a career in this profession. Truck driving jobs are available throughout the country to those with little to vast amounts of experience. Check state requirements and job listings to see if you qualify.