| There's just something about hitting the open road | | | | expertise and know how to run and operate. They're |
| that appeals to many. For some, the allure is so | | | | serious machines that deserve a healthy level of |
| strong they make it their careers. And, with plenty of | | | | respect from their drivers to ensure safe and proper |
| good reasons beyond the fun, too. Trucking is a | | | | operation. |
| fantastic career choice and even a great personal | | | | For those wishing to enter the field, there are plenty |
| business for just about anyone to get involved in. | | | | of schools available to help teach the rules of the |
| Truck drivers will cite a number of reasons as to | | | | road and how best to properly handle rigs. These |
| what drove them to the career choice. These include: | | | | schools are generally short-term ventures that come |
| * Pay. Good, reliable truck drivers are hard to find. | | | | with job placement assistance. Once the courses are |
| Inasmuch, trucking companies tend to pay top dollar | | | | completed, the drivers will, however, have to pass |
| for their drivers' time and expertise. This is especially | | | | state licensing tests, as well. |
| so for drivers who are willing to tackle the long hauls. | | | | Schools for truck drivers include the basics of the |
| The money that can be had is incredible and | | | | rigs, how to take care of them and, of course, how |
| oftentimes more than many college graduates make. | | | | to drive them. The classes include hands-on training, |
| * Benefits. Many big trucking companies offer major | | | | too, ensuring drivers released from the academies |
| benefits to their drivers. Benefits can include medical, | | | | fully understand how to operate the machines that |
| dental, life insurance, vision and even retirement. With | | | | will be in their charge. |
| benefits packages rivaling Fortune 500 companies, | | | | For those who decide to go into trucking, the field is |
| drivers get very good compensation for their efforts. | | | | a fantastic one that offers lots of choices. Licensed |
| * Bonuses. Depending on the company worked for, | | | | drivers can work for others, start their own |
| the loads carried and the distance traveled, bonuses | | | | businesses, or even perform occasional hauls with |
| might fit in the equation as well. These can be | | | | rental trucks to pick up extra money when it's |
| attached to delivery time tables, safety records or | | | | desired. The choices offered by the field are many |
| simply for longevity with a company. | | | | and the benefits and pay scales are nothing to |
| * Freedom. Many companies provide truckers their | | | | sneeze at either. |
| choice of flexible schedules designed to offer the | | | | Hitting the open road in a big rig isn't for everyone, |
| most choice possible to retain the best drivers. | | | | but for those who enjoy the lifestyle and the |
| Truckers can work local runs, long distance runs and | | | | freedom offered, nothing compares. Getting into the |
| even just cross region runs. The choices are many. | | | | field requires some specialized training, but all in all, the |
| Getting into trucking isn't for everyone, however, and | | | | investment in time and money is well worth the |
| it's not a career that can be jumped into in a single | | | | rewards. Starting down the road to a trucking career |
| day. The career requires specialized training and | | | | isn't difficult either. |
| licensing. Big rigs are not little cars, they take some | | | | |