Employment as an Over the Road Truck Driver

If you are thinking about a career as an over the road truck driver then this can prove to be a very profitable career. There are some disadvantages associated with this career. You can also realize some health issues later on down the line.

Hazard

Depending on the job you could be required to drive across the country and the road conditions can be very hazardous. If there is a build up of ice and snow even an experienced driver can have trouble navigating the hazardous road conditions. When you hit a patch of ice a truck can be very difficult if not impossible to steer. There have been so many instances where a truck driver has turned over their entire load because they were not able to handle the road conditions. You also have to be aware of other drivers. Cars always seem to want to pass trucks and sometimes they will use the wrong lane to do it. If you don't see a automobile because it's in your blind spot then you increase your chances of having an accident. Sometimes it's just a matter of taking your time and watching out for the other drivers.

Drivers can be under stress to meet certain deadlines. If they begin to speed in an effort to make up lost time they increase their chance of having an accident. Accidents can be devastating because they can lead to an bodily harm and injury as well as destruction of property and inventory and merchandise.

Cost and expenses

There are a significant number of expenses that a driver can incur such as insurance, truck maintenance, gas, oil change, and food are just a few to mention. You have to make sure your truck is in tip top shape and that you tires have plenty of tread. Tires seem to blow out on trucks all the time and if you are traveling at a high rate of speed this could lead to an accident. Before every trip do a overall maintenance check to make sure there is nothing that could cause you to have an accident once you hit the road. When the price of gas was more than $3.50 per gallon truck drivers were incurring a major expense. It cost a lot more money to fill a tank at that price. These are all of the things that have to be considered when you decide to drive a truck.

Family

Sometimes you have to spend tremendous amounts of time away from your family and friends. This can create a problem for a family if everyone is not aware of the sacrifices required.

Health issues

You will be traveling a lot and chances are you won't have the opportunity to have a home cooked meal. A lot of truck drivers will consistently eat at fast food places, which is definitely not good for you. If this is your eating habit you have a good chance of developing diabetes. Sitting all day in a truck does not help either. A sedentary lifestyle is another cause of diabetes.