Is a Trucking Career Right For Me?
There comes a time in every person’s life when he or she must pick a career path.
Many young people hit the books again and go down the academic path to university, while others go into a trades program and end up in a Service Department like ours as a trained auto mechanic.
But, some people go down a different route altogether and opt for life on the road. The trucking industry isn’t easy. It’s a lot of long hours, endless nights, fast food diets, and extensive periods of time spent away from friends and family.
So, why do people do it? For one, the money is undeniably good. And, if you hate the idea of sitting at a desk from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m., trekking across Canada could sound like one big adventure. Before you take out your savings and purchase a new Hino, here’s what you should know about today’s truckers.
Paychecks Don’t Come Easy
If you ask the average Joe what a trucker really does, they’ll probably say “drive”, or “make deliveries”. These answers aren’t wrong, but there’s a lot more to life on the road than that. Unlike your typical office job in Toronto where you work five days a week, most truck drivers will work anywhere from 10 to 14 days straight. You’re not given a cozy schedule in advance, because deliveries could change overnight or within the hour, so you’re always on call.
The average salary can range anywhere from $40,000 to upwards of $80,000 depending on whether you are a short-haul or long-haul driver. Short-haul trucking usually involves 150 miles, or 240 kilometres before returning to your starting base. Long-haul trucking, however, is 250 miles, or 400 kilometres or more, and these are generally the trips that keep you driving through the night. Truck drivers are also generally paid by distance, so there’s not really a steady paycheck week-to-week. To put it in perspective, Toronto to North Bay is roughly 400 kilometres, and more than a four-hour drive. Factor in poor driving conditions, like bad weather and low visibility, or general fatigue, and those trips get exhausting really fast.
Work-Life Balance Can Be Hard, But So Worth It
When you’re on the road working 60-to-80 hour workweeks, and your partner only works 35-hour work weeks, it’s safe to say things can get a bit tense. It’s hard to get a day off, and unfortunately family commitments or friendly gatherings like birthday parties, weddings, or celebrations take the back seat. But, for the millennial market, trucking can be very appealing if you’re okay with an unpredictable lifestyle.
For somebody just starting out, who doesn’t yet have the commitments of a new family, paying a mortgage, or balancing a second job, driving a commercial fleet can be extremely rewarding. For one, you get to travel all across North America, and usually your expenses are included under the company name. When you get an early start, you can work your way up quickly, often becoming a fleet manager, or even owning and running your own business one day. The average age of a Canadian truck driver is 43, but the industry is working hard to attract a younger generation and change that image. Since there is a shortage on those willing to do such an intensive job, those who are serious about the industry have a great shot at being trained and accepted immediately.
Have you always dreamed of driving a big truck? Whether you’re new to the industry, or just starting out, make sure your first new truck is a Hino truck! Shop new Hino trucks and get familiar with some of our most popular models. On a bit of a budget? Our used Hino trucks are high-quality, affordable, and environmentally-friendly. Call us today at 1-(877)650-6296 or contact us online. Our friendly staff would love to talk trucks!
