Careers in Trucking
Opportunities Beyond the Wheel
Updated September 2024
If you’re entering a career in trucking, you may wonder what career paths are available to you. Beyond trucks on the highway, this industry offers numerous opportunities that cater to a variety of interests and skills. Whether you’re passionate about traveling long distances, organizing logistics, or maintaining commercial vehicles, there’s a role that aligns with your strengths and lifestyle!
Getting Started on the Open Road
Most drivers begin their careers as an Over-the-Road trucker (OTR) which often involves long periods spent away from home. Although this lifestyle can be an adjustment, long-haul drivers often have the highest earning opportunities! Your haul routes can take you across the country, allowing you to see sights you may have never visited otherwise. There is also flexibility when creating your driving schedule around haul deadlines.
Surely the most widely known sector of trucking, long-haul trucking provides ample opportunity for professional growth and a fulfilling career! The experience you gain while on the road will boost your resume if you decide to switch gears to a different area of trucking.
Moving Closer to Home: Regional Trucking
If over-the-road driving doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore, you can explore options for regional driving! This area of the industry offers a balance between the excitement of the open road and the convenience of being closer to home. In this position, you have the opportunity to work in a specific region of the country and hauls are often only a few hundred miles away from home. Many drivers grow to appreciate the more typical Monday-Friday work schedule that this opportunity provides – you can dedicate more time to family or other commitments!
Exploring Local Driving Careers
Unlike long-haul trucking, which involves cross-country journeys, local truck drivers make shorter hauls, often within a community. This type of trucking is crucial for maintaining the flow of goods to stores, businesses, and homes. Drivers in local trucking typically enjoy more predictable schedules, making it a popular choice for those with family obligations.
Many local trucking companies seek more experienced drivers; however, it is possible to secure a local position early in your career! By specializing in a specific area of transport and earning endorsements, you can bolster your resume and advance your career!
Pass the Torch as a CDL Instructor
Now more than ever, companies and CDL schools are looking for skilled individuals to help train the next generation of truck drivers. Your experience on the road will translate to valuable lessons for hopeful drivers! Although it takes longer to get there, you will benefit from higher wages, close proximity to home, and a more reliable work schedule.
Consider a Managerial Role
As a veteran driver, you may have the opportunity to move into a management role. You could work as a dispatcher, on-site supervisor, or in corporate logistics and increase your salary potential significantly! There’s also a variety of behind the scenes trucking jobs for those with little or no experience on the road! Each worker in the transportation industry plays a vital role in the success of our economy – you might find your best fit beyond the wheel!
Take the First Step
Exploring the diverse careers in trucking reveals a world of opportunities beyond the driver’s seat. From logistics coordinators and fleet managers to diesel mechanics and safety inspectors, the trucking industry has something for everyone! Whether you choose to navigate the highways as a driver or explore other sectors of this multifaceted industry, the world of trucking awaits you with endless possibilities for success!
