The trucking industry is a vitally important part of the economy, delivering 70% of all freight in the nation. One of the most important parts of the trucking industry is owner-operators. If you’re interested in this industry, here are some common questions.
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What Kind of Person Is Good at Trucking?
Trucking is a solitary career. You will spend long hours alone and many days away from home. A trucker needs to be able to handle this solitary lifestyle, adapt to erratic sleep schedules and be mechanically inclined.
How Do I Find Truck Loads?
If you’re driving a truck, it’s because you want to make money, and you can’t do that if you don’t have cargo to haul. If you’re wondering where to get loads for trucks, there’s a lot of options. You can find sites on the web, you can look for ads, you can contract with a company. Find the best fit for you.
How Many Hours Can I Work?
The short answer is that you can drive up to 11 hours per day. It’s a little more complicated than that, though. After a 10-hour mandatory off-duty period, you can drive up to 11 hours in a 14-hour time period. If you drive 8 hours consecutively, you are required to take a 30-minute break. This is to prevent drowsy driving. There’s also the 60/70 hour duty limit that drivers need to be aware of.
How well does it pay?
Most independent truckers average $50,000 a year. It can be lucrative but keep in mind that as an owner-operator, you are responsible for maintenance and upkeep on your rig.
What Qualifications Are There?
The main qualification for becoming a truck driver is getting your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). To do this, you will need to be physically qualified, pass a written exam and demonstrate your skills on the road. For those considering getting their CDL, a truck driving school is a good investment.
If all of this sounds good to you, becoming an owner-operator might be a great choice. Good luck on your new career path.