Being a truck driver is a great job. You get to see the country and get paid for it! I have been doing this for more than three years already and haven't regretted choosing this career path. It doesn't take a lot of time and money to obtain your CDL, and earnings are relatively well. I would recommend becoming a trucker to anyone who likes to see new places, who likes independence, who is patient and attentive. The challenges of this job is that you have to drive in all weather conditions - rain or shine - and often at night. In addition, you'll have to spend a lot of time away from your family.
I Ddo not have a boss breathing down my neck. I travel and see different parts of the country. The pay is very good, especially for unskilled workers. I would be careful recommending this career to others in that truck driving is not for everybody. The hours are long. The unpaid down time can be frustrating. Yet, I would do it all over! People starting off will make lower pay, but how many careers can a person name that the pay doubles in about 3 years, on average. My advise would be not to just look at the cents per mile pay rate. You can get an unheard of $.50 per mile, but if you don't get any miles, you get no pay.
The company I worked for last would refuse to do the work the contracted with their independant drivers to do. They would dipatch drivers on loads that would usally take 3.5 day and want in done in 2. Very illegal. that is just the tip of the iceberg. The driver is out there away from home by him self and the company is hunkered down spending time and money on how to get more from the drivers while giving them less, all the while proffesing their unending love for their friend "the driver"
I would recommend this career for anyone that wants to travel and enjoys independence without someone looking over their shoulder all the time. I love my career because it is a challenge and different every single day.
Sometimes it's just a job, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. You will be challenged daily to improve your skills and you are constantly meeting all sorts of people.
It's easy to get into and most companies will either pay for training or reimburse your tuition for truck driver training.
It's a challenging, rewarding and well paying career that can't be outsourced overseas.